Holiday season could be cheery

Scrooge might take a vacation this year.

That's the message embedded in the 2011 American Express OPEN Small Business Holiday Monitor. The survey reports small business owners' average budget for client/customer gifts is up 82% since 2009, from $455 to $827 in 2011. The average gift budget was $740 last year. The survey also says 43% of small business owners will give their clients gifts this year.

Not only are customers in line for pricier gifts, they could see more savings in products and services. On that front, the survey reports 24% of small business owners who responded to the poll plan discounts this holiday season. More than 60% of the respondents who say they will slash prices plan deeper discounts than 2010, the survey shows.

American Express, finally, projects some employees might feel the festive vibes, too: The survey reports 35% of the respondents will throw a holiday party in 2011, with an average budget of $1,029.