Women Shop Like Santa; Men, Like The Grinch

It has long been argued that men and women differ greatly when it comes to shopping, but how are they really distinct?

The first major difference is that most women actually look forward to holiday shopping, 60%; while only 42% of men do. However, this does not mean women are the only ones shopping. Also, women relate more to Santa Claus than men, while men relate more to the Grinch. 

Everyone hates long lines at the mall, but men seem to be turning more toward online shopping to lessen the hassle. Interestingly enough, while women will do more shopping online, men will actually be spending more money. Men spend an average of $326 online, while women will only spend $284, a difference of 15%. Men also plan to spend $592 this holiday season, with women only spending $547. Men are also more likely to buy large ticket items when compared to women, not only for gifts, but for personal use as well.

There are also other differences in what each sex is actually buying online and in the stores. Men buy more consumer electronics, 27%, compared to women at 19%. So, it is mostly men buying gadgets like digital cameras, video games, or camcorders. However, women are more likely to purchase clothing than men, 77% to 70%, and books, 49% to 36%. While men buying consumer electronics was probably no surprise, women buying more decorations is probably not either, 34% of women compared to only 18% of men. Apparently, women are doing a little more decorating than men.

Women also typically get a jump start on holiday shopping, while men usually wait until December. Only 19% of women wait until December to shop, as compared to 32 % of men. Sixty-five percent of women usually plan to start holiday shopping before Thanksgiving, while only 49% of men do. There are also a larger number of men that wait until the last week before Christmas to buy gifts as compared to women.

Another significant difference between men and women is how they react to shopping budgets. More women, 21%, are concerned about going over their spending budgets on holiday gifts, while only 16% of men share that concern.

There are also the typical stereotypes that have proven to be true. Men usually shop with a specific purchase in mind. However, women will spend more time looking around and pondering purchase decisions. Also, more men are at a loss when it comes to holiday shopping, with 17% feeling frustrated as compared to 8% of women, and confused about gift giving, 8% compared to 3%. A larger number of men are also likely to leave all of the holiday shopping to their spouse as compared to women.