Winnipeg 
Canadians are approaching the 2026 holiday shopping season with tighter budgets, a stronger focus on finding deals and a willingness to spend more on loved ones than themselves.
According to the Retail Council of Canada’s annual holiday shopping survey, conducted by Leger, Canadians expect to spend an average of $911 this holiday season, down $64 from $975 in 2025, a decline of 6.5 per cent.
Despite financial pressures, 82 per cent believe they can buy everything they have planned.
How Much Are Canadians Planning to Spend?
Holiday budgets vary considerably across the country, with Alberta shoppers planning to spend nearly twice as much as those in Quebec.
| Province/Region | Planned Spending | Change From 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta | $1,184 | -$9 |
| British Columbia | $993 | -$136 |
| Ontario | $952 | -$143 |
| Manitoba/Saskatchewan | $941 | +$51 |
| Atlantic Canada | $868 | -$44 |
| Quebec | $664 | +$44 |
| Canada | $911 | -$64 |
Quebec and Manitoba/Saskatchewan are the only regions anticipating higher spending than last year.
What Are Canadians Buying?
Gifts for others account for 86 per cent of holiday budgets, compared with 79 per cent last year. Immediate family members will receive the largest share, at 64 per cent.
Clothing leads planned purchases at 19 per cent of spending, followed by gift cards at 16 per cent and travel at eight per cent.
For 53 per cent of respondents, choosing a memorable or meaningful gift matters more than finding the lowest price.
When Will Canadians Shop for Holiday Deals?
Black Friday, November 27, remains a major shopping occasion. Some 88 per cent rank it among their top three shopping days, while 52 per cent place it first.
Cyber Monday is also gaining popularity, with 72 per cent ranking it among their top three shopping days.
Overall, 64 per cent intend to search for more discounts than in previous years, while 43 per cent deliberately postpone purchases to take advantage of major sales.
Are Canadians Choosing Canadian-Made Products?
The survey found 84 per cent are more likely to purchase gifts labelled Made in Canada, although affordability remains important.
Meanwhile, 58 per cent of respondents affected by U.S. politics, trade policy or geopolitical uncertainty say they are avoiding American brands.
“Canadians are looking forward to the holidays, and they’re planning with purpose,” said Kim Furlong, President and CEO of Retail Council of Canada.
The survey involved 2,500 Canadian adults between August 21 and September 4, 2026.
