Scots Playing Hide And Seek In Run Up To Christmas

22/12/2008

New research has today (Monday, 22nd December)) revealed that Scots are playing an elaborate game of hide and seek when it comes to Christmas presents.

The quarterly housebuyers survey from Clydesdale Bank has shown that Scots are highly creative when it comes keeping presents hidden until the big day.

Despite this, it seems that Scottish youngsters are getting better and better at outsmarting their parents when it comes to finding presents.

Some 16% of Scots surveyed said their children have their found their presents before Christmas Day.  Youngsters in Grampian seem to be the most successful with 28% tracking down their gifts in comparison to just 6% in Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Youngsters who find their presents before Christmas Day:

• Grampian including Aberdeen   28%
• Dundee, Angus, Fife and Perth  19%
• Highlands including Inverness   18%
• Glasgow and Edinburgh   6%

Clydesdale Bank’s quarterly Homebuyers Report found that many people take advantage of the generosity of friends and family by hiding presents in someone else’s home with the loft and cupboards also remaining firm favourites.

The survey also revealed that some try more unusual places such as the boot of the car and even their office.

Steve Reid, Clydesdale Bank’s Retail Director, said: “As a father myself I know only too well how difficult it can be keeping secrets and surprises from your nearest and dearest.
“Christmas is a great time of year and it’s important to have fun. But whatever you are hiding this year, make sure it is not problems with debt. There are lots of ways to access debt advice including speaking to your local bank manager.”

Here are more simple tips from Clydesdale Bank to save money this Christmas:

1. Make some extra money by selling unwanted gifts or things you no longer need on on-line auction sites or at a car boot sale.
2. Recycle your Christmas party outfit from last year – can you remember what everyone else wore?
3. Handmade cards and gifts will always be treasured by mums, dads, grans and granddads and will also save you money.
   Share the burden – grandparents and aunts and uncles often look for help in picking presents. Let them buy things you know your children really want so there is less for you to get.
4. Keep it simple – many people buy far more food than they can possibly eat over the festive period with much of it ending up in the bin. Just buy what you need.