By Tanner Corbridge
A December full of jingling bells often turns into a January full of juggling bills for many Americans. In a world of Tickle Me Elmos and Play Stations, finding the perfect gift has become an expensive quest for millions of consumers.
'I enjoy shopping at Deseret Industries for the perfect gift,' said Ryan Sorensen, 24, a senior majoring in aviation science, from Sandy. 'It''s the only place I know of where one man''s garbage is another man''s toothbrush.'
Organizations such as the Consumer Advocacy and Financial Counseling Association run campaigns every year to encourage people not to overspend at Christmas, particularly if they are using credit.
A study recently published by the association showed that 70 percent of Americans don''t save for the Christmas season while 67 percent spend more money on presents in December than on anything else.
The study also showed that the majority of purchases made by students and other lower-income consumers were done by credit card, a trend that has rapidly increased over the last decade.
Sorensen said the best and safest option for giving a Christmas gift is to find or do something that is economical, yet thoughtful.
'I remember one Christmas morning when I thought my fish was dead, but he was really only faking,' said Sorensen. 'That entirely describes the perfect gift feeling, and it didn''t cost him anything.'
Sorensen said the perfect gift this year would be providing his roommates with a list of all the home addresses of the employees of every towing company in Provo. That information combined with free access to a towing truck for one night would constitute the best gift he could ever give anyone.
'I''m pretty sure that is the perfect gift for my roommates,' Sorensen said. 'It''s economical, yet very thoughtful.'
Once he had all their vehicles, Sorensen said he would add a boot to every tire at $50 a shot. 'And unless they pay in cash, I''ll have to tow the vehicle to another location for an addition $200.'
The Financial and Consumer Rights Council has also conducted numerous studies on consumer spending during the Holidays. The studies show that commercialism comes before religion in the minds of most Americans during the holiday season.
'Many consider the holidays to be commercial, stressful, and expensive,' one of the council''s reports stated. 'A small number felt it was a religious time and some considered it to be a combination of many of these.'
Results of the studies have also shown that there is no significant differences between the amount low-income consumers spend at Christmas time compared to other income groups.