"Kids Also Like Expensive Things"…Gifts Starting at 100,000 Won, Parents' Backs Are Breaking [Chosun Price Records]

(45) Christmas Gifts to Take Care of Instead of Santa
Price of Gift Calendars to Open One Each Day Increases

As the Christmas holiday approaches, the costs of buying Christmas gifts and cakes or spending time with family, lovers, and friends are rising. The price range of toys that are very popular among children is approaching 100,000 won, and the prices of Christmas limited-edition products such as 'Advent Calendars' have soared by more than 41% in recent years. The price of the cake, which was considered the 'most expensive Christmas cake' in Korea, also increased by 33% this year, setting a new record high.

Children are choosing toys at the toy section of a large supermarket in Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do. Photo by Yoon Seul-gi.

Parents preparing 'Santa Claus gifts' for their children ahead of Christmas are deeply concerned. Hyun-kyung Kim (39), an office worker raising a 7-year-old child, said, "Since before Christmas, my child has been saying, 'I hope Santa Claus buys me a certain toy.' Kids have eyes for expensive things, and the gift I chose is in the 100,000 won range, so I'm worried." She added, "Also, the kindergarten and academy ask us to send gifts for the Christmas party in advance, and I think I will spend more than 200,000 won on Christmas gifts this year as well."

In fact, the prices of toys ranked high in sales on Naver Shopping and Emart Mall are close to 100,000 won. Popular toy models include Catch Tini Pink Shooting Star Pact priced at 93,900 won and Sweet and Sour Tini Pink Magic Palace at 88,000 won. Additionally, the LEGO Duplo Cargo Train for infants and toddlers is priced at 152,900 won, and the Steam Locomotive at 89,900 won.

At the end of the year, when there are many gatherings and company dinners, the increased dining-out expenses are also a burden. As the costs of ingredients, labor, rent, electricity, and water rise, dining expenses continue to increase daily. Especially during the Christmas period, hotel buffet fees have exceeded 200,000 won. The adult dinner buffet fee at The Parkview of Seoul Shilla Hotel (from December 20 to 31) is 215,000 won, up 12% from 192,000 won in November. At Lotte Hotel's La Seine, the dinner and weekend/holiday price (from December 20 to 31) is 215,000 won, a 13% increase from 190,000 won last month.

'Advent Calendars' opened daily until Christmas... up 41% in 3 years

Pixabay

Christmas marketing becomes more active around Christmas. Companies release products using the Christmas theme and stimulate consumers' purchasing desires by emphasizing that the products are 'limited edition.'

Starbucks releases new drinks and whole cakes every Christmas season. This year, they re-released popular items from last year such as the Double Espresso Cream Latte, Non-alcoholic Holiday Passion Tea Vinho, and Starbucks Classic Milk Tea. From December 20 to 25, they will sell a Holiday Party Pack consisting of tablecloths, plates, toppers, and more. Gongcha also launched four types of 'Gingerbread Man Bottle Drinks' and other limited menus for the year-end season.

The Christmas Advent Calendar is also a representative limited-edition product. An Advent Calendar is a calendar containing gifts to be opened daily for about 24 days from the 1st to the 24th. Originally, it was used in Christianity during the Advent period (the four weeks preparing for Christmas) to read Bible verses or pray daily with religious significance while waiting for Christmas.

Recently, many people purchase it for the fun of opening one gift each day with excitement while waiting for Christmas. Cosmetic brands include small-sized products such as hand cream, foam cleanser, soap, and lotion, while food brands compose gift calendars with chocolates, snacks, candies, and more.

However, as prices rise, the price of Advent Calendars has increased significantly. The Advent Calendar from L'Occitane, which has been loved every year, was priced at 68,000 won when first released in 2016. This year, the classic version is 91,000 won, and the premium version is 170,000 won. The Advent Calendar from the UK beauty brand Cath Kidston also rose from 31,900 won in 2021 to 45,000 won this year, a 41% increase in three years.

Christmas cakes are no different. Starbucks whole cake prices ranged from 35,000 won to 59,000 won last year, but this year, the prices range from 36,000 won to 89,000 won, with the lower and upper price limits increasing by 2.9% and 50.8%, respectively. The price of the 'most expensive Christmas cake' in Korea also set a new record this year. The Shilla Hotel cake, 'The Taste of Luxury,' rose from 300,000 won last year to 400,000 won this year, an increase of more than 100,000 won.