If you’re wondering what exactly lies beneath all the neatly wrapped packages and sparkly gift bags across the country this time of year, you’re not alone. CivicScience polled the public to see from which categories they’ll be gifting this year, and it’s looking like many recipients will be unwrapping quite a bit of style.
Nearly one-quarter of respondents say they’re bestowing fashion items upon their beloved this season, which comes at a great time, given that many Americans are ready to overhaul their wardrobe. Children’s toys and entertainment items follow closely behind, while experiences, crafts, and health-related gifts just aren’t feeling the love this year.
The popularity of style-related gifts isn’t anything new; in fact, apparel was also the top category in 2019, though there have been some notable changes in other places since the pandemic entered the equation. Tech and electronics have dropped five percentage points (from 15% in 2019 to just 10% in 2021), while food and cooking gifts jumped up by five points (from 6% to 11%).
When examined by age, Baby Boomers are leaving fashion items and children’s toys under the tree at a greater rate than any other group — though, the trend is still closely mirrored by both Gen X and Millennials. As for Gen Z, entertainment, experiences, and culinary gifts take the top spots.
And of course, it wouldn’t be a consumer spending discussion without mentioning supply chain shortages — the gift that does not keep on giving. At least half of all polled holiday shoppers experienced the impact of the nation’s backlogged ports and shipping issues, with the greatest strain felt across wellness, art, and decor items.
It’s only a matter of time before this study becomes a point of comparison in Christmas past, so be sure to check back and see how CivicScience continues to monitor the most wonderful time of the year.
