A few fewer stockings, but heavier. The traditional Epiphany gift was bought or prepared in half of the homes of Italians (a figure that is declining), but with a decidedly "heavier" content: this year the average expenditure for the gift of sweets and small games was about 67 euros, a sharp increase compared to 58 euros for Epiphany 2023. This is what emerges from the usual survey conducted by IPSOS for Confesercenti on a panel of consumers on the occasion of Epiphany. As always, the tradition is more heartfelt in the Central and Southern regions, where 55 percent and 65 percent of Italians, respectively, have given a gift for Epiphany this year, compared to those in the North, where the share stands at 49 percent. Boosting the value of the stocking this year is undoubtedly the boost of inflation, but also a greater propensity to choose a toy to go along with the classic treats: 29% of Italians will give a small toy this year, compared to 21% last year. Stable is the presence of the actual stocking, filled with sweets (or coal): filling it, 44% of those attending Epiphany, a share in line with what was reported last year.
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