D. Tighe
Research expert covering consumer behavior, sporting goods retail, and the global toy industry.
Gift cards in the United States - statistics & facts
At times, it can be difficult to come up with an adequate present to give to another person, no matter whether it is Mother’s Day or Christmas. As a result, it is not surprising just how popular gift cards have become, especially in the United States. Gift cards allow the gift recipient to decide what he or she wants to buy, which takes out the guesswork for the person looking for gifts. In 2023, about 50 percent of consumers in the United States said they planned to buy gift cards due to how convenient they are, making it the leading reason why American shoppers purchase them.
In like manner, U.S. consumers spent different amounts depending on product category. In the past, for example, shoppers spent more on e-commerce gift cards compared to gift cards for video games.
How much do consumers spend on gift cards?
How much the average U.S. consumer spends on gift cards can depend on a number of factors including age, gender, and the season. During the holidays, for instance, Americans typically spend a lot: according to a survey, millennials shoppers planned to spend over 450 U.S. dollars on gift cards during the holiday season, while Gen Z and baby boomers intended to spend noticeably less.In like manner, U.S. consumers spent different amounts depending on product category. In the past, for example, shoppers spent more on e-commerce gift cards compared to gift cards for video games.
What are some unpopular gifts?
A lot of people enjoy receiving gifts, however, not all gifts are created equal. When asked about what gifts they would dislike receiving over Christmas in 2022, over 40 percent of respondents in the United States said flowers and plants, as well as beauty products, making them the most unpopular presents of the year. Both of these categories were especially unpopular among men, while more women disliked gifts such as alcohol and health and fitness items.
