Americans will spend an average of nine hours trying to pick out the perfect gift for the hardest-to-buy-for person on their list, a new study suggests.
According to a survey of 2,000 Americans who celebrate the winter holidays, partners and spouses (21%) were found to be the most difficult to get gifts for. This was followed by children (14%), their mother (13%), and even themselves (13%) as the hardest person to impress.
From children (3.7 each) to partners (2.7) and pets (1.7), along with in-laws (1) and more, the average American plans to give 16 gifts throughout the holiday season, though 80% said the current state of the economy is affecting how much they will spend this year.
When it comes time to buy gifts, one in five (22%) people will wait until after Thanksgiving before they start shopping, while 12% will wait until the week before or even the week of the gift exchange.
Interestingly, when it comes to gift planning, 29% want their gift to be a surprise for the recipient, while another 29% will simply ask someone what they want and buy it for them. Just over one in 10 (14%) even put a price limit on gift giving.
Conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Minted, the results found that gift-buying problems account for many of Americans’ holiday headaches this year.
These include budgeting for gifts (31%), finding the perfect one for that special someone (26%), keeping secret gifts (16%) and even taking the time to wrap them (17%).
The average American experiences a total of 16 specific holiday “headaches” or challenges during the holiday season.
Beyond shopping, other common headaches also include sorting out string lights and getting them working (14%), navigating family dynamics (15%) and going through their holiday to-do list (20 %).
This may be due in part to the fact that Americans have an average of 14 different tasks to complete before the holiday officially arrives. Americans begin their preparations about five weeks in advance and will devote five hours each of those weeks to getting everything ready: a total of over a full day, or 25 hours.
“Delivering your gifts in a festive gift wrap helps spread even more joy. Elegant elements like artist-designed illustration and foil accents add an elevated touch,” said Marissa Cedarleaf, Minted GM of Holiday. “Half of Americans (50%) say that the perception of the gift can be influenced by the presentation. So why not add accessories to keep their spirits high? Ribbons, bows, tags and more help add a personal touch to everyone on your list.”
With so much to do and so little time, the survey asked respondents what “holiday role” they play and most identify when it comes to bringing the holiday season to life.
Nearly one in five (17%) take on the role of “shopper,” scouring stores for the best gifts, decor and more, while 14% see themselves as “traditionalists,” who like to send holiday cards, they sing songs of songs. and baking cookies.
Others consider themselves the “decorator” (13%) who goes all out with seasonal decor and will prioritize the ambiance, or the “cleaner” (13%) who collects the wrapping paper after presents are opened and cleans up after meals .
One in 10 respondents identify as the “planner”, or the one who makes lists, double-checking them and making sure all deadlines are met, while 4% claim the role of “chaos coordinator”, the life of the party and it is likely. to forget something important.
No matter what role they play, spending time with family and friends (31%), enjoying food (24%) and decorating their home (14%) are some of Americans’ favorite parts of the holiday season. One in five (22%) respondents said gift-giving was one of their favorite parts of the holiday season, while only 8% said they preferred receiving gifts.
Another time-honored tradition is sending holiday cards to loved ones. The results revealed that two-thirds of Americans prioritize getting their holiday card details right.
“No matter what your role is during the holiday season, we know that Americans just want to connect with friends and family,” Cedarleaf said. “Whether you’re sending holiday cards, hosting a holiday party or wrapping presents, what matters most is spreading joy to loved ones near and far.”
Survey methodology:
Talker Research surveyed 2,000 Americans who celebrate the winter holidays; the survey was commissioned by Minted and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between November. 8 to November. 14, 2024.
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