This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
College students may not be spending as much this year on holiday gifts.
That was among the findings of a recent student panel survey conducted by OnCampus Research, the research arm of indiCo, a division of the National Association of College Book Stores.
Here are the survey's findings.
Thirty percent of college students plan to spend less than last year. This year, they plan to spend $331.26, almost $80 less than a year ago.
While the percentage of students planning to give less than five gifts doubles to 18.7 percent compared to 2012, 45 percent of students are likely to purchase between five and 10 total gifts for family and friends.
Many college students plan to kick off their holiday shopping in early November, but 44 percent will likely accomplish the majority of their shopping in December this year.
Sixty percent plan to purchase clothing or shoes, 53 percent gift guards, 44.5 percent toys and games, and 38.5 percent bath and beauty products. Promotional deals and sales (60.8 percent), free shipping (40.6 percent) and coupons (29.9 percent will most influence where students shop this season. When asked what they would like to receive as a gift this year, the majority replied cash, gift cards, clothes, a computer or a tablet in that order.