74% Consumers in Eight Countries across Five Continents focus Holiday “Better” Acts on Children, Mothers and Significant Others

The Western Union Company, a leader in global payments, found in a recent global survey across five continents that 74 percent of those surveyed chose their children, mother or significant other as the loved ones whose life they would like to make better the most.

“Child” was the most popular response (32 percent), followed by “mom” (23 percent), and “significant other” (20 percent).

The global gifting survey of eight countries – United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Mexico, Brazil, United Kingdom, Germany, South Africa and India – found that when it comes to holiday shopping, saving money, and wanting to please your loved ones, we are more alike than different. The company commissioned this global survey to align with the Western Union^® World of Betters, which asks consumers how they would make the world a better place, in collaboration with several international recording artists.

In nearly every country surveyed, a majority of consumers (69 percent) will make a budget for the 2011 holiday season. In the UAE, 59% of residents plan on making a budget, however most of the respondents (64%) said they may spend more than they have budgeted in their efforts to find the perfect gifts for their family and friends.

Among those who made a budget last season, the majority (67 percent) spent more than they had budgeted. Budgets go out the window when it comes to making the holiday season special for loved ones. Last year, 35 percent of consumers surveyed in the United Arab Emirates made a holiday spending budget, but most didn’t follow it. Only 16 percent spent exactly what they budgeted, and 74 percent went over budget.

Majority Want Cash – Not Gifts – This Holiday Season

According to the survey, cash is this season’s must-have gift. No matter the currency, the allure of cash doesn’t change: consumers in every country surveyed would rather receive cash than a gift of the same value this holiday season (69 percent). For example, 63 percent of UAE consumers would rather have AED500 in cash than a gift worth AED500. While gifts are great, many could really use the extra money this year.

Sobia Rahman, Western Union’s Regional Vice President for the Gulf, Pakistan and Afghanistan said, “With the holiday season comes additional expenditure as exchanging gifts is a common trend during this period. The gift of cash is an ideal option as it helps avoid unforeseen costs or inflated rates generally associated with holiday shopping but more importantly it allows your loved one to get what they want and need. With Western Union you can send cash and make your loved one’s day better.”

To facilitate gift giving solutions this holiday season, and help consumers be mindful of their budgets, Western Union is offering "AED500 for AED25" – consumers can send up to AED500 from participating Agent locations to loved ones across the world for twenty-five dirhams.

Another interesting insight from the survey was that residents in the UAE scored the highest in terms of charity among the eight surveyed countries with 77% planning on donating towards charitable activities this season. “Philanthropy and charitable giving is deeply-rooted in the UAE culture and among all residents and hence it isn’t surprising to see over three-fourth of the respondents wanting to give back to society and help make someone else’s life better”, added Rahman.  

Recently, the company launched Western Union World of Betters, one program of many designed to help raise awareness on the many ways we can make someone’s day better.