What does an expensive gift mean for Czechs? And do Poles set financial limits within their families on how much a gift should cost? We compared answers from a large Christmas Twisto survey among our Czech and Polish customers, and the differences are definitely interesting.
Polish customers expect Christmas to be more expensive this year than last year, but Czechs want to spend less money on gifts this year. 42% of Polish customers want to spend more than last year for Christmas, only 14% of people in the Czech Republic have similar plans.
Who Do Czechs and Poles Spend On?
Both nations agree on where most of their Christmas gift spending will go: to the youngest family members. In the Czech Republic, it’s quite clear-cut, with 53% of people willing to spend the most on children. In Poland, however, only 38% of respondents prioritize children in this way. Instead, a significant portion of Poles (35%) plan to spend the most on gifts for their partner.
And what does "expensive gift" actually mean?
Of course, it varies for everyone. Opinions differ not only across income and age groups but also between genders and, importantly, between nations. Most Czechs (32%) consider any gift costing over 2,000 CZK (roughly 80 euros) as “expensive.” In contrast, most Poles (37%) label gifts starting at 300 PLN (around 70 euros) as pricey. For 9% of Czechs, an expensive gift would be something exceeding 400 euros, while 5% of Polish customers would reserve the “expensive” label for gifts priced above 460 euros.
“We Don’t Want to Limit Ourselves,” Both Nations Say!
Setting a budget cap, whether in the number of gifts or the cost per gift, can be a good way to maintain a balanced holiday budget. However, Twisto research indicates that neither nation is keen on such restrictions during the festive season. In the Czech Republic, 66% of people don’t set any spending limits, compared to 53% in Poland. If they do consider financial boundaries, it’s usually arranged with their family. Discussing limits with friends, on the other hand, is typically not a common practice.
Who Would Be Happy with an Envelope of Cash?
Can you guess which nation would be happier to find an envelope of money under the Christmas tree? The answer is clearly the Poles. In our survey, 81% of Polish respondents were open to this form of gift, with only 7% firmly against it. Even in the Czech Republic, cash gifts are generally well-received, with 68% of Czechs considering them a practical option, though 9% would be disappointed. But be careful—who knows if the person you’re gifting belongs to that 9%?! It’s best to ask in advance. You could subtly bring up our research as a conversation starter.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a stress-free holiday season. Enjoy the festivities at your own pace, wherever you may be celebrating!
