Surprising Canadian Holiday Season Insights from the PwC 2025 Survey

Canadians Cutting Back for the Holidays Canadian consumers plan to spend an average of $1,675 on gifts, travel, and entertainment, representing a 10% decrease over last year but a 2% increase from 2023.

While 81% of respondents are considering cutbacks in various areas—especially gifts for friends, pets, and themselves—spending on family remains a priority. PwC researchers explained that as wallets are tightening, Canadians will be making hard choices about where to spend their money.

Slightly over eight out of ten respondents are considering cutting back to save money over the next six months. While they don’t plan to cut spending on family members, they do plan to cut spending on gifts for friends, pets, and themselves compared to last year.

Reducing reliance on credit cards and increasing debit card use is another notable trend, as consumers strive for better control over their budgets and spending habits…