Germans plan to spend on average €290 on presents – which is 1.3 percent more than last year, according to consulting company Deloitte’s “Christmas Survey 2010.”

Though they may be spending more, gifts will be practical, Deloitte said at the study presentation in Düsseldorf.

At the top of many shopper’s lists are gift certificates, with books and cosmetic products in second and third place.

While these may sound dull, such gifts are unlikely to be met with disappointment from recipients under the Tannenbaum because the top three items on wish lists are books, cash and gift certificates, with cosmetics in sixth place.

Germans have also embraced online shopping, Deloitte’s survey found, with respondents citing comfort and the avoidance of crowded shopping areas as their top motivators.

The German tendency to compare prices is also made easier online, Deloitte said.

An average citizen’s total holiday spending – including extras like food, drink and leisure activities – will average about €470, a miserly sum compared to other Europeans, the study found.

The average European will spend a total of €590 during the winter holidays, Deloitte said. Luxembourgers have the most monetary cheer, with plans to spend an average of €1,200. The Irish, Spaniards, Italians and French also plan to spend more than Germans, the study found.

The 13th annual holiday expenditures report questioned some 20,655 consumers in 19 European countries, among them 1,759 Germans.

DPAD/ka