Inflation’s Effects on Shopping During Christmas

Inflation has affected the spending habits of many in Fredericton who are trying to buy gifts for loved ones. More specifically, two university students find themselves at a crossroad; having to plan how they’re going give back this holiday season, whether it be purchasing minimal gifts or choosing to give from the heart.

With the Christmas Spirit in the air, you can spot Christmas lights on houses, trees decorated to the heart’s content, and decorations almost everywhere you look.

Shoppers are rushing to get ready for the holidays, stocking up on food for Christmas dinners and parties, and browsing through endless possibilities for gifts.

However, they need to be considerate of what they’re buying during this time of year, as inflation has raised the prices of gas and goods.

In October, the Consumer Price Index rose nearly seven percent over a year ago.

St. Thomas University student Halli Maillet says she wasn’t aware of the effects of inflation at first.

She says, “To a certain degree, I was only aware of the increasing prices of gas. I gradually started to notice that my favourite foods I usually buy often started becoming more expensive than what I remember them being priced as, so I thought, “Hmm, that’s interesting!”

Maillet has already bought some of her gifts, but now she needs to do some careful thinking about what gifts she can afford to give to/make for the rest of her loved ones.

“For my shopping that I’ve already done, I was kind of looking at the shelves like: “I kind of want to get that but that’s like really expensive, and I don’t have that kind of money”, and so I’ll have to keep that in mind as well when I go shopping some more,” Maillet says. “That’s also the reason why I’m going to get some homemade gifts, so I don’t have to worry about what’s expensive and what’s not.”

Inflation has made many people think about what they want versus what they need, and whether it’s something worth spending money on.

Taylor Gillies didn’t realize how well-prepared she was for gift-giving, as she bought most of her presents long before the Christmas season approached.

She wasn’t aware of inflation until her parents and neighbors educated her. This caused her to think critically about her budget and it affected her further spending habits.

“I have gone shopping for a few Secret Santa’s, but I still have yet to get presents for my family, so I may resort to homemade gifts like coupons or baking,” Gillies says.

People should still be conscious of their spending habits even after Christmas is over, as it’s uncertain when prices will fall.

There are hundreds and thousands of homemade gift ideas to give to your friends and family this Christmas. All you have to do is get creative, look at what materials or supplies you have at home, and sprinkle some Christmas magic into your gift! Whether it be a new ornament to add to the tree or a new cookie that you’ve never baked before; a gift that comes from the heart will surely warm your loved ones this winter.