12 Days of Gift-Giving Cost True Love $21,466
The partridge is a deal, and so is the pear tree, for the generous giver who wants to bestow the gifts listed in the song “The 12 Days of Christmas” on a beloved this season. But despite a tattered economy, the memorable mix of leaping lords, milking maids and a slew of fowl will cost slightly more this year.
At $21,465.56, the eclectic collection of goods and services is about 1.8 percent more expensive than a year ago, largely because of higher gold prices, according to PNC Wealth Management in Pennsylvania.
The group has compiled the list for 26 years as a catchy way to track the annual cost of living. The Web site, pncchristmaspriceindex.com, now includes sample lesson plans, games, music and other media to help elementary and high school students learn about economic trends.
Gold, an investor haven, rose almost 43 percent this year, lifting the price of the carol’s five gold rings to about $500, PNC said. Gold rings are one of five items on the whimsical gift list that rose in price. Four other items remained steady, and three fell from last year — bringing the total for the carol’s gifts to $385.36 more than 2008.
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At $21,465.56, the eclectic collection of goods and services is about 1.8 percent more expensive than a year ago, largely because of higher gold prices, according to PNC Wealth Management in Pennsylvania.
The group has compiled the list for 26 years as a catchy way to track the annual cost of living. The Web site, pncchristmaspriceindex.com, now includes sample lesson plans, games, music and other media to help elementary and high school students learn about economic trends.
Gold, an investor haven, rose almost 43 percent this year, lifting the price of the carol’s five gold rings to about $500, PNC said. Gold rings are one of five items on the whimsical gift list that rose in price. Four other items remained steady, and three fell from last year — bringing the total for the carol’s gifts to $385.36 more than 2008.