Almost three-quarters of Brits (72%) say their monthly ‘little treat’ is important to their wellbeing, as new research reveals the nation’s non-negotiable indulgences, and the surprising sacrifices people make to afford them.
The concept of a ‘little treat’ has become ingrained in modern culture, with Brits using the form of instant gratification to boost their mood. SumUp has surveyed 2,000 UK residents to uncover what their non-negotiable treats are, what they consider as ‘essential’ or ‘nice to have’, and what they often do to afford these treats each month.
Almost a third (29%) admit that their non-negotiable treat is so essential to their routine that they would sacrifice their grocery budget for it, with over half (53%) saying that a monthly treat boosts their mood, and another 36% say treating themselves to a small purchase each month reduces their overall stress and anxiety. A further 22% of Brits say that while they buy and enjoy non-negotiable treats, they feel the pressure on their budget.
Brits’ top 10 non-negotiable treats
Takeaways | 32% |
Drinks from a coffee shop/café | 29% |
Dining out | 26% |
Clothes /accessories | 25% |
Paid streaming services | 25% |
Drinks at a bar or pub | 21% |
Travelling abroad | 18% |
Skincare products or cosmetics | 18% |
Entertainment (e.g., cinema, gigs) | 17% |
Books | 17% |
How Brits budget for monthly treats
Brits are willing to spend a significant chunk of money on their monthly non-negotiables, too. Almost a third (31%) would happily spend between £25-50, while another fifth (20%) would spend between £100-200, as ‘little treats’ move beyond just a quick coffee stop.
Although the trend was initially intended as last-minute pick-me-ups, an increasing number of Brits are being intentional with their treats and regularly saving small amounts of money to be able to afford them (31%). But that doesn’t stop them from making sacrifices when necessary.
When it comes to cutting back on less essential spending, almost one in five (18%) would reduce their savings to afford their treat, a quarter (25%) would cut back on socialising, and 22% would reduce their travel or holidays.
Some Brits would even go over budget for their non-negotiable treat. Over a third (36%) consider a haircut to be necessary enough to stretch their budget, while another third (33%) say they’re likely to go over budget for their streaming subscriptions.
How different cities enjoy their non-negotiable treats
Most cities across the UK consider their non-negotiable treat to be relatively important, with those in Liverpool (82%) and Norwich (81%) the most dependent on theirs. People in Swansea are least reliant on their monthly treats; however, almost two-thirds (64%) still see them as important to their wellbeing.
Takeaways are the most popular monthly treat across the different cities, with those in Manchester (33%), Liverpool (38%), Swansea (43%), Belfast (33%), Glasgow (43%), and London (30%) saying it’s their most important non-negotiable treat.
Splashing the most cash on their non-negotiable treats are those in Carlisle, spending £80.68 on average, followed closely by those in York, who would be prepared to spend an average of £80.24. The most frugal regions, in terms of average spending, are Dudley (£24.58) and Peterborough (£25.59).
For more information, please visit: https://www.sumup.com/en-gb/
