Christmas Shopping Up To 62 Percent Cheaper In The USA

So it's getting to that time of year again, where the high streets are jammed packed with shoppers on a mission, searching for the ideal Christmas presents for loved ones. Whilst the supermarkets are filled with people stocking up on ten million bottles of milk and a trolley full of bred, just incase they run out over the two days that the supermarket will actually be closed!

The build up to Christmas is a stressful time for everyone! I personally don't mind shopping, in fact I like it! But even I find it a chore when it is so busy! I also think that Christmas is meant to be a time for fun and spending time with your friends and family, not stressing over who you still have to buy gifts for! So how do we take the stress out of Christmas, and get back to enjoying the build up to the festive period? Well how about treating yourself to a short break, whilst shopping for them ideal gifts?

Okay so you might now be saying; 'yes that would be perfect, but Christmas time is already expensive enough without having the cost of a holiday on top!' well I would have agreed with you up until I stumbled across this new research released by the Post Office this week, which says British travellers could potentially halve the cost of their Christmas shopping by taking a trip to the USA. Which means the money you save, pretty much pays for your holiday to the US! Personally I think this is a win win situation as you get a short break and you get your Christmas shopping done all in one go!

Yes so it still gonna be busy. But who cares, your in New York!! That's so much better than your local high street! Plus, think of the sights you'll get to see! Time Square, Central Park, the Rockefeller centre, and that's just to name a few. Plus, shopping in the world famous Bloomingdales Or Macys would be awesome!

Anyhow, before I get anymore giddy at the thought of a shopping trip to New York, lets take a look at what the research actually found.

The survey found the average price from 18 department stores in London, 16 in New York and 6 in Boston, of some of the most popular gifts, which included electronic goods, beauty products and fashion must haves. This survey revealed that prices in New York and Boston are up to 62 percent cheaper than in London, with the biggest saving being made on items of clothing and designer sunglasses.

For example, the average cost for a pair of Ray Ban "Aviator" sunglasses in London is £188, yet head to the Big Apple and you'll pay less than £100 for the exact same style. Levi's 501 Original jeans are also 45% cheaper in the US.

There is also money to be saved on some of the 'must have toys' this year, which vary from being 37 to 53 percent cheaper in America.

However, note the survey did also highlight a handful of items which were more expensive across the pond, and included the ever popular GHD hair straighteners. So we would suggest that you check out what items cost in Britain before leaving and compare with the US prices.

Furthermore, the survey revealed that Boston was often cheaper than New York, due to the fact that Boston's level of sales tax is lower, and items of clothing under £113 are also exempt from it.

One other thing that you need to be aware of when heading to the states for a shopping spree, is that there is a £390 limit on the value of goods that you can bring back into the country duty-free.