The cost of gifting every item from The Twelve Days of Christmas has risen by 5.4% this year, more than doubling last year’s 2.7% increase and surpassing the 2.6% annual inflation rate. This year’s total is $49,263, up $2,533 from 2023, according to PNC’s 40th annual Christmas Price Index.
For those purchasing every item mentioned and repeated in the carol, the cost exceeded $200,000 for the second year, totaling $209,272. Interestingly, five of the 12 items’ prices remained unchanged.
“Pandemic-inflation effects persist, even five years later,” noted Amanda Agati, PNC’s chief investment officer, highlighting the ongoing price impacts.
Online shoppers saw a smaller increase of 3.9%, but the convenience came at a premium, costing $4,810 more due to high shipping and packaging costs.
Tracking spending on traditional gifts reveals economic trends and offers insights for smarter financial decisions during the holidays.
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