Nearly half of shoppers have already begun filling bags with Christmas gifts, according to research from Asda.

As many as 48% of the 8,000 people surveyed said they had already purchased some presents, three-quarters of whom claimed it was a way to spread their festive spending.

More than one in ten, or 11%, said Christmas cards were not on their lists, with more than half saying it was an attempt at cost-cutting.

Asda spokeswoman Jennifer England said: “With only three more pay days until Christmas, many of our customers have started their festive shopping earlier than ever in a bid to spread the costs this year. People might think we’re crazy for selling gifts already, but our customers are telling us it’s what they want so we’re doing all we can to help them.

“By spreading the cost of Christmas and buying gifts early, our customers are making sure that they can have a Christmas to remember whilst avoiding any last minute credit card splurges that will leave them paying off the bill well into 2010.”

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