The latest study from Forrester Research estimates that this years Christmas will be another bumper event, with British consumers expected to spend up to £500 each on presents.

Online sales are expected to jump by 58% (versus 2006) across Europe, with UK shoppers leading the pack:

• 1. UK - £14bn


• 2. Germany - £8bn


• 3. France - £4.5bn


• 4. Italy - £1.4bn


• 5. Dutch - £1.3bn

Forrester believes that the most significant reason for this years jump is the "easy access to broadband that [MOST] people now enjoy". Meanwhile travel, clothing and consumer electronics should account for half of the overall total.