Stocks in stockings will be much in evidence this year - despite recent falls on exchanges.
Around one quarter of Britons are considering giving shares to family and friends this Christmas, Lloyds TSB Wealth Management has claimed.
A poll from the investment firm also revealed that 50 percent of this group see stocks as a "gift that keeps on giving", providing "value for money" for recipients. This might seem surprising, considering the recent dire performance of global stock markets thanks to the credit crunch.
Indeed, analysts estimate that equities have lost around half of their value on exchanges across the world over the past year and a half.
Despite this, 46 percent of the Lloyds TSB poll respondents said that they would like to receive stocks in their own stockings. Around a quarter said that this would make them want to "get involved" in the markets more.
Popular gifts are anticipated to include shares in publicly-listed football teams and in blue chip brands popular with consumers.
Prabal Gupta, director of marketing and investments at the firm, said: "Many of us struggle for inspiration when it comes to buying Christmas presents and often resort to trusty gloves, slippers or socks. For more adventurous Christmas shoppers, giving stocks and shares could be an unusual alternative. An investment in someone's favourite football team or brand is sure to be a welcome surprise on Christmas morning."
