DIY Christmas decoration sales have soared at Spotlight stores

SAVVY families are stretching their festive dollars further over the Christmas season, pushing up sales of do-it-yourself Christmas decoration kits.

Annabel, 6, prepares baubles for the tree. Picture: Mark Stewart

DO-IT-YOURSELF Christmas decoration sales are surging as shoppers get craftier with their budgets.

Families keen to stretch festive season dollars further are among those making bonbons, baubles, snow globes and wreaths at home.

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Christmas bonbons kit purchases at Spotlight stores are outstripping ready-made versions for the first time.

And sales are so far up about 50 per cent on last year.

“We have seen massive growth in the category,” Spotlight spokesman Nick Casey said. “They are about half the price of regular bonbons.”

Wreaths and garlands that can be decorated with ribbons and other accessories had experienced a similar sales bounce, while snow globe and bauble kit buys were up about 15-20 per cent.

Mr Casey attributed year-on-year increases for key Christmas categories to a rising interest in craft, as well as people buying earlier than last year to beat the rush.

“Do-it-yourself is becoming easier and more accessible and cost-effective,” he said.

“We’re finding people are more willing to spend a bit of effort on something customised and feel proud about making it on a budget.”

Bon bon kits gave the chance to include a personal touch, like adding chocolates or lollies, in an affordable way.

DIY bon bon kit sales are up compared with the same time last year. Picture: Supplied

Shoppers also appeared to be getting in earlier to buy gift wrapping to avoid a last-minute stampede, with purchases of wrapping, ribbon and bows more than double that of last November.

Tammy Neilson started a DIY decoration tradition last year with daughters Annabel, 6, and Sophie, 3.

“I’m driven by what the girls want to do,” she said.

Annabel, 6, and Sophie, 3, prepare baubles. Picture: Mark Stewart

We did painted plastic baubles and cutout snowflakes and stars for the tree, and made paper chains out of wrapping paper,” Ms Neilson said.

“When kids come along it changes the meaning of Christmas, it’s that whole aspect of family doing things together and makes it more personal.

“Kids get a lot out of it, it’s meaningful.”

@KarenCollierHS