Shoppers are expected to spend around £50 more on Christmas in 2007 than they did for the same period last year, according to the latest research from American Express.

With a total estimated spend of £511, consumers could find themselves getting into debt with interest rates higher than during the festive period in 2006.

Tom Allder, vice-president of UK Lending at American Express, said: "Wise men and women should be looking around for ways to make the most of their Christmas spending."

Presents are expected to once again be the biggest area of outlay, with an average £307 spent on gifts. This represents a £47 increase on 2006.

Some £25 less will be spent on decorations and cards this year, but money used for food and drink will rise by £28 on average, American Express has revealed.

The company has also found that some 82 per cent of men plan to have their Christmas shopping done by December 14th, dismissing the idea that many men leave it until the last minute to purchase their presents.

With nine out of ten people also admitting they will do some of their shopping online, credit card use - and therefore debt levels - could rise.ADNFCR-1287-ID-18371960-ADNFCR

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