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Despite a tough economic environment, the holiday season is still a time for giving back. According to PayPal’s 2008 Holiday Survey conducted by Ipsos, nearly three quarters of online shoppers intend to give to charity this season, compared to 60% in 2007.  While seven in 10 plan to give the same amount to charity again this year, 10% actually plan to increase their giving. Charitable giving is strongest among older online holiday shoppers (those 45 and older, at 83 percent) and among the most affluent (with salaries of $100,000 per year or more, at 85 percent).

“Our survey results show that even though people are cutting costs, they’re still planning to give back with donations and by choosing environmentally friendly gifts,” said Cliff Hopkins, senior director, PayPal. “In times like these, while people are spending less on gifts, the spirit of giving around the holidays is still very much alive.”

Going Green

Nearly a quarter of online shoppers plan to buy gift cards or green gifts such as organic foods, eco-conscious clothing and recycled house wares this holiday season. Twenty-seven percent of shoppers, ages 45 and under, are planning to give green gifts. Additionally, college graduates are the most likely to receive alternative gifts including green items (28 percent), electronic gift cards (25 percent) and donations to charity on their behalf (20 percent).

Cutting Back

Seventy percent of online shoppers intend to spend less this season, mostly by purchasing fewer and less expensive gifts, limiting spending on parties and decorations, and staying home instead of traveling.

Free shipping is the promotion most likely to entice holiday shoppers to purchase their gifts online. More than 80 percent plan to shop online to take advantage of free shipping, cash back and other promotions.

Additional findings from PayPal’s Holiday Survey include:

• 45 percent of holiday shoppers consider themselves bargain shoppers, and nearly a quarter say that they shop year round for holiday gifts.
• A third of online shoppers use PayPal for online purchases. Credit cards are the most common online payment method, followed by check cards.
• 44 percent of online shoppers traveled last holiday season, though more than a quarter say that gas prices are limiting their travel plans this year.
• One in five online shoppers plan to do more online shopping this year than they did last.

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