British Columbians plan to spend the least on holiday gifts this season, according to Scotiabank's annual holiday spending survey.
B.C. consumers plan to spend an average of $547 on gifts this year, which is lower than estimated gift spending in Quebec ($551), Manitoba and Saskatchewan ($576) and Ontario ($601). Atlantic Canadians plan to spend the most on gifts ($798), second to Albertans ($752).
Top gifts this season include holiday gift cards, clothing and toys. Top gifts on people's wish list include gift cards (44%), electronics (35%) and cash (35%).
While British Columbians will be less generous with gifts this year, they are planning to spend the most on non-gift spending, such as holiday travel, food and entertainment. About 42% of their total holiday spend of $938 will go towards travel, food and entertainment.
Atlantic Canadians plan to spend the least on non-gift spending (23%), followed by Ontarians (29%), Albertans (31%), Quebeckers (32%) and Manitobans (36%).