New research from Direct Line business insurance1 reveals 9.2 million (17 per cent) people are making crafts to sell this Christmas period, expecting to make an estimated £2.5 billion.
Top crafts include Christmas cards and wrapping, festive food and drink and Christmas decorations, which will be sold on social media (29 per cent), to friends, family and colleagues (25 per cent), at markets (24 per cent) and on online bidding sites such as eBay (20 per cent).
Table 1: Top Christmas crafts being made to sell this Christmas
| Item | Per cent |
| Christmas cards, gift wrapping and tags | 25 per cent |
| Festive food and drinks including chutney, biscuits and alcohol | 24 per cent |
| Christmas decorations including wreaths, and tree decorations | 23 per cent |
| Jewellery | 22 per cent |
| Clothing and accessories including jumpers, hats, scarves | 21 per cent |
| Sewn crafts including stockings, place mats, napkins, tablecloths | 18 per cent |
| Candles and wax melts | 17 per cent |
| Art | 17 per cent |
| Ceramics | 12 per cent |
Source: Direct Line business insurance 2024
Crafters spend on average 11 hours per week making items in the run up to Christmas, with the majority (18 per cent) starting in November. One in ten (11 per cent) however do it year-round.
Almost half (48 per cent) of those that craft find it a nice way to fill their spare time. Those aged 18 – 34 are six times more likely to be crafting this Christmas (33 per cent), compared to those over 55 years (five per cent).
Finance is a key reason for crafting, with more than a third (39 per cent) of crafters saying it provides additional money and 12 per cent rely on it as their primary source of income. One in five (20 per cent) do so to offer people more affordable present choices at Christmas.
Londoners are most likely to be crafting, followed by those in the North East and Scotland.
Table 2: Top locations for Christmas crafters
| Location | Per cent |
| London | 34 per cent |
| North East | 25 per cent |
| Scotland | 21 per cent |
| Yorkshire and Humberside | 20 per cent |
| East Midlands | 17 per cent |
Source: Direct Line business insurance 2024
Mark Summerville, SME Product Manager at Direct Line business insurance commented: “It’s great to see so many Brits crafting this festive season but it’s important to make sure that you have appropriate insurance in place. Crafters are keeping an average of £906 worth of stock in their homes to fulfil their seasonal orders and a third do not have insurance, while a quarter mistakenly believe their crafting will be covered by their home insurance. It’s a good idea to speak to your insurance provider to find out if you are covered to save yourself from additional stress this season.”
-- ENDS --
Notes to Editors:
1. The research was conducted by Opinium, amongst a sample of 2,000 adults between 26 – 29 November 2024.
For further information please contact:
Direct Line Group
Unni Henry
PR Manager
Email: unni.henry@directlinegroup.co.uk
About Direct Line business insurance
Launched in 2007 Direct Line business insurance now has over half a million customer policies, providing a flexible range of insurance products for the landlord, van and small business sectors.
Direct Line business insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.
Direct Line business insurance and U K Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.
Customers can find out more about Direct Line business insurance products or get a quote by calling 0345 301 4827 or visiting https://www.directlineforbusiness.co.uk
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