Tis the season to spoil yourself without breaking the bank
According to the new RACQ research, 51% of Queenslanders are likely to splurge on their own Christmas gifts while also prioritising family (76%), friends (28%), and pets (17%) in their shopping list1.
The data also found more than one in four Queenslanders (28%) intended to spend more than $500 on gifts and 24% planned to allocate up to $300 for decorations and festive activities.
RACQ spokesperson Ashleigh Paterson said while Christmas was a joyful time for many, Queenslanders should practice mindful spending to avoid a budget blowout.
“The cost of decorations, gifts, food and catching up with family and friends can all add up, and we know from our survey that 29% of Queenslanders feel they won’t financially recover from holiday spending until the end of January,” Ms Paterson said.
“While it can be easy to get swept up in spending at this time of year, we urge Queenslanders to consider their finances and avoid impulse purchases.
“Where possible, you should also limit the use of credit or buy now, pay later options as this can create further financial stress into the new year.”
Pleasingly, RACQ’s survey found nearly a third of Queenslanders (29%) planned to adopt cost-saving measures this festive season, such as re-using Christmas decorations.
Ms Paterson said members could also capitalise on Black Friday sales and deals, like those available through RACQ Member Benefits to reduce their costs.
“We would encourage Queenslanders to plan their spending in advance so they can take advantage of deals and upcoming sales to avoid spending beyond their means,” she said.
“RACQ’s Member Benefits Program is designed to make day-to-day life a little more affordable by offering a range of discounts on everyday items, including at this time of year when spending increases.”
RACQ Member Benefits 12 Deals of December:
- Event Cinemas – Gold Class double pass for $67
- Event Cinemas – Pack of 4 Movie eVouchers for $62
- Dreamworld or WhiteWater World – adult tickets at kids’ prices on one day entry tickets
- Cold Rock Ice Creamery – Save $15 (normally $10) off the regular price of any Cold Rock cake purchase of $60 or more
- Australia Zoo – Save and win! Purchase your Australia Zoo tickets by 31 December 2025 to go into the draw for a chance to win a Robert Irwin large canvas*
- Brisbane Bullets – Bronze 4 game flexi membership
- The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo – Save 20% on tickets for the Sunday 15 February 2026 show
- 99 Bikes – Save 20% on full priced items
- Star Car Wash – Save 12% off eGift Vouchers
- Sunglass Hut eGift Card – Save 10% on eGift Cards (normally 8%)
- Dusk eGift Card – Save 10% on eGift Cards (normally 8%)
- XBOX eGift Card – Save 7.5% on eGift Cards (normally 6%)
Terms and conditions apply to all offers. View the individual offer for full details. Offer is subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Unwrap the latest RACQ Member Benefits deals here.
1Survey findings from RACQ Quarterly Consumer Omnibus, FY26 Q2, n=503
*Offer and competition terms and conditions apply. Visit racq.com/australiazoo
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