This report outlines the 2025–2026 holiday shopping landscape, focusing on the surge in experience-based gifting as consumers prioritize memories over material clutter.

Consumers are becoming increasingly intentional with their holiday budgets, shifting toward "fewer, better" gifts.

Shoppers are choosing experiences partly to reduce environmental waste and avoid the "awkwardness" of unwanted physical items.

In 2025, experiential gifting grew as a primary category, especially among Gen Z and Millennials, who value "omnichannel" experiences and early-bird deals.

The Christmas shopping season now effectively begins in October , with consumers looking for genuine value rather than just deep discounts. Top Experience Gift Categories Christmas Gifts 2025 | 5000+ Holiday Experience Gift Ideas