Europe's Christmas shoppers plan to spend €456 on presents this year, 2% more than last year, but there are big discrepancies across the region - with the Irish the biggest spenders.
Households in the eurozone will each spend on average €839 on Christmas overall, according to a study by consultants Deloitte.
The Dutch will spend €197 per average household on presents. The Irish will be the most generous with €824.
Deloitte said positive sentiment was most visible in France due to declining jobless figures and expectations of lower taxes.
Germans and Italians, the most pessimistic consumers, expect to significantly cut back on spending this year, while consumers in Greece plan to up their festive expenditure.
Game consoles and video games rank highest on the present wish list of children and teenagers.
Deloitte said internet shopping is growing in Europe, mainly as a source for ideas, to compare prices and to avoid crowds.
However, Deloitte added that uncertainty over delivery time and fear over fraud limited online spending.
