Will people be panic buying gifts?

[XmasIsComming]

I really hope not.

I cannot afford to buy everything with this months wages and I'm concerned a lot of things will be sold out buy the time I can get them.

My mum relies on the high street for shopping and now she's worried as the lockdown will possibly continue into December.

I hope people shop sensibly and don't over buy for no good reason.

I would doubt it. People won’t be buying as many presents this year. We’ve already decided there will be no presents this year. Retail is in a tailspin.

Probably. I'm going to primark today and expecting it to be manic. It's actually the first time I've been since before March but I can't afford to keep buying baby clothes from Next online etc so I'm going to stock up for her!

Yes, especially if you start a thread about it.

I like to think people will keep it more low-key this year, both with presents and food.

If you're struggling to afford presents, it sounds like it's time to dramatically scale back, because to be honest, 90% of what's in the shops is wanted or needed by no-one, so no point spending money you don't have on it. If it's all sold out by December, see it as a blessing not a curse.

On the other hand, if there's plenty left, it might be reduced. You see this a lot near to Christmas. But still, please don't spend money you don't have on stuff that people don't want or need.

@Jrobhatch29 Hope you get what you need- I struggled in the first lockdown with DS so sympathise. If you have the option I found Tesco vests good quality and not bad price.

I'm not panic buying but I have finished shopping for my kids, I would normally be done by middle November absolutely latest anyway but decided to shop earlier this year in case there were any issues. Didn't buy any more than I usually would though.

I doubt it at this stage. Worst case there is online shopping but no need to panic buy until late December
I have a couple of gifts but that’s just because that’s how I shop, worst case my son has 2 books and a train set
The adults will understand I am sure try not to worry , Amazon is a good shout if it all starts to look like the shops won’t open x

Most people irl buy from Amazon, it’s only on here that they don’t.

I love love love Xmas and buy loads and loads of presents - this year my whole family are cutting right back and most are giving cash tbh. Don't want to buy gift cards in case they dont make it.

There was at least 100 people queuing to get in the Smyths near me yesterday. The queue was the full length of the retail park.

No. I've already got the kids' Xmas presents, but haven't got anyone else and I'm going to hold off a bit incase it goes mental with panic buyers. (I was actually late this year, normally I'm done Xmas shopping by November.)

We got all of DDs Xmas gifts in the summer sales so that's done and dusted thank goodness, had conversations with anyone else I would usually buy for over the last few days and we've all either agreed to not buy this year or agreed on things that are easy to get anywhere like wine, chocolates, vouchers.

I've also already done mine. I was trying to avoid a stressful Dec and did it all particularly early.

Most people won’t see the parcel recipients this year so it is far easier to just get it sent online straight from the retailer to make sure they get their gift, many do a gift wrapping service. I use Amazon for this but other retailers are available

Panic buying gifts? As in individuals buying more gifts than they need? More gifts than they will send? Stockpiling gifts? Clearing shelfs of gifts?

That's incredibly unlikely as gifts in the vast majority of cases are a finite thing that people buy.

Never ever have I thought "I must buy my mum 50 pairs of slippers this year so I never have to buy her gifts again in my lifetime"
However if I did want to buy her one pair of slippers for this year it would have minus zero impact on you or anyone if I got them or in December

Not really but there are particular things I want from particular "nonessential" shops that I am going to have to get over the next 3 days. Could wait til 2 Dec but no guarantee they will be allowed to open then.

More worried about how to actually get gifts to people if I can't see them / not allowed to travel. Most things can't be posted, nor do I want to cram into the post-office and queue for ages indoors with everyone else doing the same thing.

I've finished mine. I'm usually done by this time of year anyway so no change really. Only a few bits and bobs like chocolate, wine, biscuits later on to get. I don't necessarily think people will panic buy Christmas gifts but I do think there'll be the "Christmas rush" earlier than usual. Next few days, or as soon as lockdown is done. Nobody will want to risk leaving it until closer to Xmas in case we lock down again I expect. Or Amazon will see a huge surge again.

We live a long way from family so if we can't see each other we will only send gifts for the children.

In answer to your question I will be waiting until the situation with meeting up is clearer.

My siblings and I normally buy each others' children an actual gift but have agreed this year that we will all stick to vouchers, particularly as we we don't even know if we can meet in person. I suspect others will do the same, so there will be less buying of physical presents.

My sister works in (non essential) retail.she said yesterday was as busy as black friday and takings were up 50% on a normal sunday so some people obviously have money to spend.
Though obviously this is 1 shop and not indicative of the whole of retail.

Our local independent shops are really hoping people come in a buy some christmas stuff before Thursday. They dont seem to trust they will re-open and know that amazon will have its biggest year yet as they cant even open to compete at all. Theres no lights switch on, christmas market or eating out to boost sales.

I popped into Smyths toy shop for something I did click and collect on a week ago....it was absolutely manic!

I bought all my presents in the Sainsbury 1/2 toy sale a couple of weeks ago so I'm pretty much all sorted and have told adults who I usually buy for that if it can't be click/collected or off Amazon they won't be getting anything 🤣

Gifts would be an odd thing to 'panic buy' - surely people only need what they need?

I do think more people will be organised and early this year but I can't imagine it getting to a situation where 'gifts' are sold out. I understand the latest toy/console being sold out but that's standard every Christmas.