Parents across the US are giving baby gifts this holiday season, and one state is leading them all

Forget the ugly or pretty list of what’s under the tree is likely based on what’s in mom’s wallet.

As the holiday season approaches, parents across the US are preparing to give gifts to their children.

However, one state is set to lead the way in spending, with households planning to invest significantly more than the national average.

Overall, American parents are expected to spend $461 on their kids’ wish list, according to a new survey from online shopping site Coupon Birds, but the state where kids’ socks will be the most is New Jersey, with moms and dads who plan to shell out a generous $712 per child this holiday season.

New Yorkers expect to rack up a $598 bill for the little one, who will once again bring home a big bag of toys.

Meanwhile, those in South Dakota plan to pay just $247 less per child than any other state.

But some parents are not holding back.

A shocking 9% of American parents say they’ll check big-ticket items off their kids’ wish lists, spending $1,000 or more per child this holiday season.

However, the withdrawals are not all within the budget.

Some 49% of parents plan to go into debt for Christmas shopping this year, with 65% saying they can’t afford to pay in cash and plan to use credit.

A quarter of parents are doing so to provide amazing experiences for their family, including concerts and holidays, but most are still wrapping presents to put under the tree.

The average American family has 1.85 children per household, but most shoppers are buying gifts for more than just their children.

So how much do they want? really to spend

Americans will pay an average of $1,014 more on gifts this holiday, according to Gallups 2024 holiday spending estimates.

That’s a 9% increase from 2023, when shoppers dropped an average of $923. The increase comes courtesy of inflation, experts say, a nagging problem that has significantly affected the retail industry.

To help shoppers enjoy the holidays within their budget, the experts at Coupon Birds shared some tips to help parents manage holiday anticipation and credit card bills.

Top spenders:

• New Jersey: $712
• Texas: $659
• Pennsylvania/Massachusetts: $648

The most modest budgets:

• South Dakota: $247
• West Virginia: $255
• Nebraska: $263

Bird Coupon Holiday Budgeting Tips:

• Set expectations early: Talk to your kids about holiday plans, focusing on the spirit of the season and why that’s what really matters.
• Shop smart: Search for sales, use coupon codes, and start early (now?) to avoid splurges and last-minute purchases.
• DIY magic: From homemade ornaments to baked goods to whatever creative mix you can come up with, DIY gifts can be just as special as store-bought ones.
• Give the gift of time: Plan family activities throughout the month like cookie decorating, watching holiday movies, or visiting local light displays to add warmth to your home and take the pressure off the upcoming exchange.