Grinchflation: 1 in 4 Australians buying fewer presents this year
Key takeaways
- 13.3 million people are taking action to save on the cost of Christmas.
- Purchasing fewer gifts, setting a strict budget, and cutting back on groceries among top tactics.
- 13% say they will use buy now, pay later or a credit card they wouldn't normally use.
Australians are tightening their belts to afford the festive season, according to new research by Finder.
Finder's Shopping Report 2026 will reveal 61% of Australians – equivalent to 13.3 million people – are planning at least one action to manage the cost of this year's holiday shopping.
Buying fewer gifts is the most common tactic, with 1 in 4 (26%) intending to cut back on presents this year.
A further 22% say they are setting a strict budget or spreadsheet to keep spending in check, while 19% say they'll cut back on groceries or other essentials.
Sarah Megginson, personal finance expert at Finder, said the festive season is piling extra financial pressure on households already struggling to make ends meet.
"Christmas can put enormous pressure on budgets, particularly when people feel they have to buy a present for everyone and make the day special.
"Cutting back doesn't mean you care any less. It can simply mean being realistic about what you can afford this year and investing in the moments that matter most."
Finder's research shows 17% of Australians plan to agree on a gift spending cap with family or friends, while 15% are taking on extra work to help pay for the holidays.
Others are looking for cash by selling unwanted items online (13%), while the same number (13%) say they will use buy now, pay later or a credit card they wouldn't normally use.
One in 10 (10%) are opting to hand-make gifts in order to save money.
Megginson said borrowing money to cover spending could leave households paying for the holiday period well into the new year.
"It's concerning that so many Australians are planning to use credit or buy now, pay later services they wouldn't normally use just to afford Christmas.
"The presents might be unwrapped by December 25, but the repayments can hang around long after the decorations come down.
"The best gift you can give yourself this Christmas is a January you can afford. If you're still paying for December when the next round of bills lands, the festive spending wasn't worth it.
"Set aside enough to cover your regular bills first, then work out what you can comfortably afford for gifts and celebrations."
Are you planning on taking any of the following actions to help afford this year's Christmas/holiday shopping? Please select all that apply
| Buying fewer gifts than usual | 26% |
| Setting a strict budget/spreadsheet | 22% |
| Cutting back on groceries or essentials | 19% |
| Agreeing to a gift spending cap with family/friends | 17% |
| Taking on extra work | 15% |
| Selling items for cash (e.g. Facebook Marketplace, Depop) | 13% |
| Using Buy Now Pay Later or a credit card I wouldn't normally use | 13% |
| Hand-making gifts | 10% |
| Another action, not listed | 1% |
| No action taken | 39% |
| Source: Finder survey of 1,006 respondents, October 2026 |  |
Credits
- PR & Insights research team: Taylor Blackburn, Kate Boddington, Natascha Kwiet-Evans, William Capada
- Survey operation: Qualtrics
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