While the holidays can be a fun and festive time in Toronto, they can put a real financial strain on those already operating on a tight budget amid all the tariffs and economic uncertainty this year.
With peak shopping season upon us, blogTO hit the streets to chat with Toronto residents and get a sense of how much people are willing to spend on holiday gifts this year.
One shopper told us they're looking to spend $500 on gifts for family and friends, while another said their budget is around $2,000.
Another person surprised us by dropping an amount that would take a minimum-wage worker in Ontario about 568 hours to earn: a whopping $10,000.
Why that amount? "Because I like to be comfortable everywhere I go," they said, adding that the amount isn't for gifts for others; it's a travel present for themselves.
Another local had a contrasting response, saying they're spending only $200 and making more DIY gifts this year.
While many people said their budgets are limited to "a few hundred bucks," one confident — and clearly generous — shopper simply said, "Whatever gets everyone satisfied."
@blogto What's your holiday budget this year? Host: @betabriii ♬ original sound - blogTO
How much are you looking to spend this holiday season?
Jack Landau