ONE in 10 Christmas presents will be unsuitable, according to research published today.
It found that Britons will spend £1.9 billion on dud gifts, with Christmas Eve shoppers four times as likely to be responsible for giving them.
The research, from online bank Egg, suggested that the 1.4 million people who leave gift buying to the last minute are also 60% more likely to overspend than those who shop ahead.
Their Christmas Eve spree will amount to £518 million, according to the research.
Andy Deller, banking and insurance director at Egg, said: "Each year we get 12 months advance warning that Christmas is coming, but still often resort to financing it out of December's pay packet.
"Consumers need to try to find ways to drive down the overall cost of Christmas - one way seems to be by avoiding those last minute shopping sprees, when lack of choice and panic buying are rife."
