Reconciling a controlled budget with the magic of the end-of-year holidays: a challenge for more than 6 out of 10 French people
As the holidays approach, the French are looking to reconcile the pleasure of offering and control of their budget. According to the latest Sofinscope, the average budget for gifts has increased slightly, reaching 413 euros, and nearly one in two French people admit to sometimes feeling forced to offer presents to their loved ones, even if it weighs on their finances. To respect their envelope, the French adopt clever reflexes: consume differently, seek promotions and spread their expenses. A way to preserve the spirit of the holidays while remaining reasonable.
THE END OF YEAR HOLIDAYS: A MOMENT OF CELEBRATION UNDER BUDGETARY CONSTRAINT FOR A MAJORITY OF FRENCH PEOPLE
According to Sofinscope data, 66% of French people consider the holidays to be both a festive moment and a source of financial pressure. This period is also the one where spending is highest for 64% of them, especially on gifts.In 2024, 41% of French people exceeded the budget initially planned for their Christmas purchases, an increase of 4 points compared to the previous year. This resulted in an average additional expenditure of EUR 190
A GIFT BUDGET ON THE RISE BUT UNDER CONTROL
As the holidays approach, the French plan to spend an average budget of 413 euros on gifts, an increase of 22 euros compared to 2024. According to Sofinscope, 73% of respondents will finance these purchases through their income (+6 points in one year), ahead of savings (28%).
To preserve their purchasing power, consumers are resourceful and increasingly rely on digital tools. In addition to the price comparators used by nearly 3 out of 10 French people, cashback applications are also used by 22% of French people. Social networks have also become essential for 1 in 5 respondents who take advantage of promotional codes distributed on these platforms (21%). Artificial intelligence is becoming part of purchasing practices: 12% of French people are considering using AI-based tools to identify the ideal gift.
The choice of products and the period of purchase will also limit expenses. So more than 6 out of 10 French people anticipate their food shopping to benefit from more advantageous prices (+6 pts vs. 2024), and 49% opt for alternatives to high-end products (+3 pts).Second-hand or refurbished gifts will still be very present at the foot of the tree since 35% of respondents intend to offer them and homemade remains a strong trend: 1 in 4 French people will make their own gifts (26%) and Christmas tree (25%).
PAYMENT FACILITIES: THE JOKER OF THE FRENCH TO SAVE THE MAGIC OF THE HOLIDAYS
64% of respondents refuse to restrict themselves financially during the holidays. To better manage their expenses, more than 1 in 3 French people declare to save throughout the year and 1 in 5 will use payments in several installments to spread their expenses (15%, + 2 pts).
It is interesting to note that, for the second year in a row, the average French budget for the end-of-year holidays is getting smaller. This shows a recovery in consumption dynamics and some confidence despite the economic context. We will of course be at the rendezvous of the preparations to accompany our trading partners and propose in particular the split payment, the financing solution that should be the most requested.
Contact Presse
presse@ca-cf.fr+33 (0)6 80 41 17 77
About SofinscopeSofinscope is the barometer of Sofinco, a Crédit Agricole Personal Finance & Mobility brand in France. Intended to survey the French on their consumption habits and to better understand them, this barometer which is part of the daily lives of the French is carried out by OpinionWay for Sofinco, with representative samples of the French population.This study was conducted on a sample of 1037 people, representative of the French population aged 60 and over. The sample was selected according to the quota method, taking into account the criteria of sex, age, socio-occupational category, agglomeration category and region of residence. The interviews were conducted from 16 to 23 October 2025 by self-administered online questionnaire on a CAWI (Computer Assisted Web Interview) system. All results are available online Sofinscope : the barometer that gives you a head start on consumption
About SofincoIn France, Sofinco is the trademark of Crédit Agricole Personal Finance & Mobility, which distributes a wide range of personal financing to individuals and associated services across all distribution channels: direct sales, point-of-sale financing (home equipment) and partnerships. Sofinco offers flexible, responsible solutions tailored to the needs of its customers and partners (major retail, specialized and institutional retailers). To learn more : www.sofinco.fr