This study examines consumers' use of in-store information sources while Christmas shopping. A literature review identifies a number of situational, personal, and démographic variables that may influence search behaviour for a Christmas gift. A survey was conducted soon after the Christmas season to investigate the effects of the identified variables on search behaviour pertaining to a clothing gift. Findings indicate that in-store search behaviour consists of three dimensions: general information search (e.g., dispays, comparing prices/brands), specific information search (e.g., labels, packaging), and assistance of sales clerks. Each search dimension was regressed on the identified variables, and determinants were obtained. Situational variables consistently outper-forn all other variables, and personal variables outper-form demographics for the two nonpersonal search variables. Implications for further research and for practitioners are provided.