Relaxation Gifts, Increased Donations And Sustainable Decorations: This Year’s Holiday Spending By The Numbers

American Express AXP just released its Amex Trendex survey which found that 48% of U.S. consumers surveyed agree they started their holiday shopping earlier this year knowing that retailers may face supply chain issues and shortages. This coincides with the Sezzle user survey that stated  44% of shoppers claimed to have already started holiday shopping.  

The Amex Trendex shows how consumers plan to spend this holiday season. Stephanie Schultz, vice president and head of emerging partnerships of Amex Digital Labs, stated, “This data points to a more festive holiday season than last year, with U.S. consumers shopping earlier and putting up holiday decorations to make their space more cheerful.”

The survey emphasizes that health and wellness remain a top priority for shoppers this year as consumers will spend money on gifts that help others destress. Survey results indicate many respondents showed interest in supporting small businesses. Consumers plan to put up decorations earlier this year and more than half of respondents indicated they are putting holiday decorations up to make their space feel more festive since they are spending more time at home. Societal buying motivations remain strong with many consumers looking for ethically sourced and sustainable gifts and holiday decorations. 

 Here is a look at the numbers: 

 48% of consumers surveyed have started their holiday shopping, which is especially true for Millennials surveyed (63%).

38% of consumers surveyed agree they will spend more on the holidays this year in anticipation of a more celebratory season.

38% agree they plan on splitting the cost of gifts with friends and/or families over the holidays, and notably 64% of Millennials. 

73% agree that they are interested in purchasing holiday gifts that will help others destress.

48% agree they plan to spend more money on donations or gifts this year to support those in need.

 81% of respondents indicate that it’s important to them to purchase gifts that support small or local businesses and 72% of consumers state it’s important to have holiday decorations that support small businesses,

75% of consumers surveyed agree that shopping in-person at a small business brings them joy and drives excitement for the holidays.

63% ​​respondents indicate that it’s important to them to purchase gifts that are ethically sourced and 56% of consumers state it’s important to have holiday decorations that are ethically sourced.

64% of consumers are shopping for gifts that are sustainable or minimize their environmental impact and 61%  of consumers state it’s important to have holiday decorations that are sustainable. 

54% of employed adults plan on getting together in-person with their colleagues to celebrate the holidays.

48% agree they are putting holiday decorations up earlier this year to feel more cheerful

51% agree they are putting holiday decorations up to make their space feel more festive since they are spending more time at home.

52% of respondents are excited about creating new holiday traditions this year.