"Child" was the most popular response (32 percent), followed by "mom" (23 percent), and "significant other" (20 percent).

The global gifting survey of eight countries - the United States, Mexico, Brazil, United Kingdom, Germany, United Arab Emirates, South Africa and India - found that when it comes to holiday shopping, saving money, and wanting to please your loved ones, we are more alike than different. The company commissioned this global survey to align with the Western Union(R)World of Betters, which asks consumers how they would make the world a better place, in collaboration with several international recording artists.

In nearly every country surveyed, a majority of consumers (69 percent) will make a budget for the 2011 holiday season. Among those who made a budget last season, the majority (67 percent) spent more than they had budgeted. Budgets go out the window when it comes to making the holiday season special for loved ones.

Last year, 50 percent of consumers surveyed in the United States made a holiday spending budget, but most didn't follow it. Only 26 percent spent exactly what they budgeted, and 63 percent went over budget. This is an increase from the 2009 holiday season when only 48 percent went over budget.

According to the survey, cash is this season's must-have gift. No matter the currency, the allure of cash doesn't change: consumers in every country surveyed would rather receive cash than a gift of the same value this holiday season (69 percent). For example, 83 percent of U.S. consumers would rather have $50 in cash than a gift worth $50. While gifts are great, many could really use the extra money this year.

"Giving the gift of cash with Western Union is an easy way for gift givers to make their loved one's day better and to help avoid unforeseen costs associated with in-store and online holiday shopping, such as babysitting expenses and going over budget, allowing everyone to better manage their holiday-related expenses," Victoria López-Negrete, senior vice president and general manager, North America, Western Union said. "With Western Union, you can send cash and avoid these additional expenses, which helps to ensure that your loved one gets what they really want and need."

To facilitate gift giving solutions this holiday season, and help consumers be mindful of their budgets, Western Union is offering "$50 for $5" - consumers can send up to $50 from participating Agent locations to loved ones in the U.S. for five dollars or send a Western Union(R)gift card, with a personalized greeting card and voice message, available exclusively at www.westernunion.com.

Recently, the company launched Western Union World of Betters, one program of many designed to help raise awareness on the many ways we can make someone's day better.