gifts

As retailers are offering more discounts and deals the number of shoppers wishing to buy "impulse" gifts for themselves or others is on the rise this season. An exclusive survey for Reuters by consumer research firm America's Research Group revealed that about 46% of U.S. consumers have already purchased an "impulse item" this season.

According to 2 similar surveys conducted earlier in November that number rose from 28% and 38%.

With the holiday season just around the corner, consumers are already on the hunt for the best bargains. While the bulk of holiday sales still occur in brick-and-mortar stores, surveys suggest most consumers will also go online to find deals on holiday gifts. A recent MarketLive survey reports that 55 percent of consumers plan to shop online for holiday gifts, compared to 49 percent last year, and 26 percent plan to spend more online this year compared to last year. In advance of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, blogs and social networking sites are buzzing with coupons and promotions.