Young adults spend almost £700 a year - on treating themselves

06 March 2023 , 13:10

450     0

Over a third of Brits treat themselves as a form of self-care (Image: Nuria Camps Curtiada/Getty Images)

Young adults aged 18-24 will splash out almost £700 a year – on buying themselves little treats such as chocolate, books, or scented candles.

A survey of 2,000 adults within this age range found they will treat themselves to little pick-me-ups as often as 51 times a year, spending an annual total of £681 on themselves.

Over a third (37%) justify these treats as self-care – including pamper products, spa treatments, make-up, and jewellery.

And others will treat themselves when they are having a bad day (26%), or even a good day (41%).

Over half of those polled (57%) feel these pick-me-ups have the desired effect of making them feel better about themselves, with 39% feeling happier afterwards, and 14% feeling excited.

Dr Michael Mosley shares exercise that can cut cholesterol and blood pressure

In contrast, those aged 55-64 years old treat themselves the least – a comparatively low 30 times annually, while also spending the lowest amount, £284.

Meals out and cocktails are among the top ways indulgent young adults treat themselves (Justin DeSouza/Baileys)

The study, commissioned by Baileys, found 17% of all those polled don’t think they treat themselves often enough.

However, one in ten (11%) believe they turn to little pick-me-ups a little too often.

Regardless, 52% think they should make more effort when it comes to treating themselves – perhaps putting more thought into how they do so.

And food and drink also rank highly among the ways Brits pamper themselves – including meals out, takeaways, fancy coffee or cake, and their favourite cocktails.

However, 7% admit they feel guilty after splashing the cash on themselves – which might be a factor in their inclination to spend money on others, something 95% of those polled said they do.

People aged 18 to 24 are most inclined to share the love, buying 47 treats for others annually – which is 11 more than the average adult.

And with their outlay of £555, the study, carried out through OnePoll, found they also spend the highest amount – £198 more than the average overall.

Motivations for wanting to spend money on others in this way including wanting to brighten their day (60%), and wanting to show someone they’re thinking of them (53%).

Andrew Young