Danes spending more on Christmas gifts for kids

Lucie Rychla

A survey carried out by Megafon for TV2 shows 42 percent of Danish parents intend to spend over 1,000 kroner on Christmas gifts for each child.

Some 17 percent said they would spend more than 1,500 kroner per child on presents.

Experts warn children may learn that buying expensive gifts is a necessity to show love and consume a lot more growing up.

Showing love
“I think it is a lot of money, especially since we are talking about Christmas gifts,” Louise Skjødsholm, a senior financial consultant at Penge og Pensionspanel, told TV2.

“But then I guess people are just trying to do their best, and by buying big presents they think they show how much they love each other.”

READ MORE: No half measures from Julemand this year

Less for adults
Skjødsholm believes buying more expensive presents goes hand-in-hand with children’s preferences for things such as iPhones, brand clothing and gadgets.

Heidi Agerkvist, a child psychologist, said there are other ways to show love and that always giving children what they want may affect them negatively later in life.

Although Danes spend more on their children, they tend to use less money on gifts for adults, and many refuse to participate in the Christmas race, according to Skjødsholm.

TOP STORIES

  • The international who shaped Copenhagen

    The international who shaped Copenhagen

    Anna Maria Indrio is one of the most important architects in Denmark, having contributed to shaping Copenhagen into what it is today. Among her best-known projects are the extension of SMK and Arken, as well as the Natural History Museum and the Darwin Centre in London. She moved here 60 years ago, when “Copenhagen was gray and dormant. Predictions suggested it would become depopulated. But putting people at the center changed everything,” she said

  • Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Fees were raised to reflect processing costs and curb repeat applications, creating debate over whether the new charges erect barriers to political participation for internationals.

  • Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    According to a report by the Danish Chamber of Commerce, internationals’ contribution is 12% of the country’s GDP. In 2023, it was 322 billion DKK, and in 2008, it was 136 billion DKK. “Internationals make a gigantic difference in our prosperity and welfare,” comments Morten Langager, the Director of Dansk Erhverv.

  • Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    With half of its staff being international, the BioInnovation Institute reflects Denmark’s broader transformation into a global innovation hub. But can the country—and Europe—keep up the pace? “If reforms are made now, we can close the gap in ten years,” explains BII’s CEO

  • Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Two months ago, the Danish PM announced that military equipment should be purchased in a hurry. The first plans for the sea are now ready. Additional plans for warships will follow this summer.

  • International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    Many internationals come to Denmark to work as designers, but the field appears to be one of the hardest to break into. The Copenhagen Post spoke with two internationals struggling to find their way into the industry.

Connect club

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.

Sign up here

Career

Want to advertise your job with CPH Post?

Contact us

Jobs