The difficult economic situation has forced Romanians to be creative again this year when it comes to Christmas gifts or, in the corporate version, Secret Santa. People were eager to take advantage of the discounts, so already in October they started making lists to buy gifts because they were on sale.

This approach shows not only a clear desire to save, but also a strategy for managing holiday shopping, according to a study by Klarna, a company that offers online financial services.

Since last year’s holidays found us in the midst of an inflationary crisis, people have pragmatically adjusted to this new crisis holiday season. According to the data of the research company iSense Solutions, this year the average Romanian budget for Christmas gifts is about 800 lei.

Fewer and cheaper gifts

Almost three-quarters of Romanians are worried about their financial situation during the holidays and say they intend to cut back on their spending after the price hike. Yes, 62% are looking for budget products and plan to buy fewer gifts than in 2022.

The problem of the high cost of living does not only concern Romanians. And other Europeans have reduced their budget allocated for Christmas gifts, as well as the number of people to whom they give gifts, notes The Guardian, commenting on the holiday plans of the British.

People in the UK will stay at home for the holidays, also motivated by higher inflation and higher prices. The situation will not be different in Romania, according to a study by iSense Solutions. Most Romanians will spend the holidays at home with their family. Even 10% did not plan to leave the city due to lack of money, the quoted source said.

Since a merry Christmas doesn’t necessarily mean a new year started with debt, Panorama offers you a list of gift ideas that are suitable for a crisis budget. Whether it’s Secret Santa, Christmas gifts for friends, partner or family, you’ll find inspiration for every budget and need below:

Christmas gift ideas and Secret Santa up to 50 lei

1. Merry Christmas socks, various models, from 15.99 lei per pair.

2. You can deliver happiness in the form of cookies to your colleagues or loved ones. The decadent concoction costs 29 lei, and the assortment is diverse, for every taste – from vanilla to mango, pistachio or apple and cinnamon.

3. Theater tickets: Soldier Girl is a story for all ages and for all times, a play that plays at the National Theater in Bucharest. The price of the ticket is 30 lei.

4. For lovers of homemade burgers, a burger press for 35.34 lei.

5. Aromatic sticks for the room, 42.69 lei.

6. A scented candle for a colleague who always prefers to work at home, for 45 lei. With the “smell of working from home”.

Bonus, we also recommend these used oil candles for 47 lei.

7. For those who like beautifully written stories full of emotions, Fredrik Buckman’s latest book “The Matter of Your Life” – 48 lei.

Read more at Panorama.ro