New research from Tesco Ireland has revealed that despite the best-laid plans, Christmas shopping in Ireland is still defined by last-minute dashes, forgotten essentials and quick-fix gifting solutions.
According to the study, batteries, tin foil, sellotape and spare gifts are the most common items people forget to buy before Christmas Day. These oversights lead to a familiar pre-Christmas scramble, particularly in the final days before the big day. In fact, more than 18,000 rolls of tin foil are purchased by Tesco customers on December 23rd alone, highlighting the scale of the last-minute rush as households prepare for festive meals and gatherings.
Avoiding queues may be the intention, but it doesn’t always go to plan. The research shows that 92% of people leave their final Christmas shopping run to the last 48 hours, hoping to beat the crowds but often finding themselves shopping at peak times instead. Despite this, many continue to rely on the final days to top up on forgotten items, ingredients and gifts.
Gift-giving habits also reflect a mix of organisation and improvisation. While people try to prepare in advance, unexpected visitors remain a common festive scenario. The survey found that two thirds of people will hand over a bottle of wine, chocolates or biscuits if someone arrives unexpectedly with a gift, cementing these items as the go-to emergency presents during the Christmas season.
The research also shows that some festive habits remain firmly rooted. Shoppers continue to rely on familiar solutions, whether it’s grabbing a spare gift just in case or stocking up on versatile items that work for multiple occasions. This combination of tradition and spontaneity defines how many households approach Christmas preparation.
To help ease the pressure, Tesco Ireland continues to offer a range of shopping options, including home delivery, Click & Collect and Whoosh, giving customers flexibility when time is tight. Whoosh remains available until 4pm on Christmas Eve, providing a last-minute lifeline for forgotten essentials without the need to brave busy aisles.
A Tesco Ireland spokesperson said “Christmas shopping is always a balance between planning ahead and reacting to those inevitable last-minute moments. Our research shows that while customers aim to be organised, it’s the final days before Christmas that really shape shopping habits.”
The findings confirm that festive chaos is still part of the Irish Christmas experience. Whether it’s a late dash for tin foil, a forgotten pack of batteries, or a bottle of wine handed over to an unexpected guest, shoppers continue to navigate the season with a mix of stress, generosity and good humour.
