Your True Love Will Need To Be More Generous This Year

Chart of the Week for December 16-22, 2005

For twenty-one years, PNC Advisors has charted the cost of the goods and services given as gifts in the classic "Twelve Days of Christmas" holiday song. This year it would cost $72,608 to give "that special someone" all of the gifts, including the repeats, as detailed in the verses of the song. This is an increase of 9.5% from the total price tag in 2004.

Fueled by rising gold prices, the "five golden rings" given on the fifth day are up 27.5% from last year's price, while the largest price increase is for the purchase of the "geese-a-laying," up 42.9% from 2004. It will also be a challenge to purchase the French hens this year, as the threat of the avian flu has restricted the international shipment of birds. Nevertheless, domestic breeders of French hens have helped keep the gift's cost in line, increasing a modest 3.7% since 2004. Although not part of the total price tag, shoppers who purchase gifts over the Internet will spend a whopping 60% premium over those who choose to shop in the more traditional manner.

Happy holidays!

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