Nearly 70% look forward to giving more than receiving during the holidays

Nearly seven in 10 Americans (68%) are more excited to give gifts than receive them this year, according to new research.

As families look to reconnect with their loved ones during this winter’s festivities, two-thirds agree that spending quality time with family is the highlight of their holiday season.

A recent survey asked 2,005 Americans who celebrate a winter holiday to pinpoint what makes the season so joyful, and found that 57% look forward to giving a greater number of gifts this year and have added more names than usual to their shopping lists. 

The survey, which was conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Minted, explored the highlights of the holiday season and identified how people’s holiday values differ across generations.

Almost half of millennial respondents (45%) said sending holiday cards is one of their favorite holiday activities, while over half (52%) of baby boomers think sharing gifts is the reason for the season.

And while many Americans are looking forward to reconnecting with their loved ones, more boomers (72%) said they were looking forward to gathering with their friends and family than millennials (63%).

During this year’s holiday downtime, four in five Americans (78%) plan on breaking out the tried-and-true family traditions, while 68% of those respondents will be trying out brand-new traditions this year.

Watching holiday movies (57%) and decorating the Christmas tree (54%) are the top two traditions people plan on partaking in this year. 

Roughly half of respondents cited preparing family recipes (51%) and watching holiday movies (49%) as the most beloved traditions that people have continued from their childhood into adulthood.

If you’re looking forward to trimming the tree this year, you’re not alone — three in five respondents said putting up holiday decorations with their families is the most important part of the season, while two in three said they planned to “go all out” with the decorations this year.

Nearly half (46%) said they own an ornament that has been passed down in their family through the generations. 

Vintage decorations have grown increasingly popular over the years, as more millennials (56%) are owners of decorative family heirlooms, compared to baby boomer respondents (30%).

“With a focus on quality family time and giving gifts rather than receiving, this year's holiday season is shaping up to become a joyful return to the beloved values and traditions of years past, ” said a Minted spokesperson.

How will this holiday season look different than those in the past? One-third of respondents said they’ll be sending care packages to their loved ones who live far away.

More than anything else, boomers said they’re looking forward to receiving gift cards to their favorite shops in their holiday stockings this year (44%). 

And while 51% of millennial respondents are hoping to see a shiny new piece of tech under the tree, 52% would prefer a sentimental gift, such as a custom framed picture or a puzzle.

In fact, two-thirds of all respondents (67%) said a custom gift is the best present to give to a family member or friend. 72% also agree that including a holiday card with a handwritten note is the perfect way to make any gift more meaningful.

It’s likely that those gift recipients will appreciate the gesture for a long time, as more than half (53%) have amassed a collection of treasured holiday cards they’ve received over the years.

“We love helping customers create custom gifts for everyone on their list. Each one is designed by an independent artist around the globe. We take pride in crafting unique gifts that feature the work of emerging talent, especially because recipients will keep them as family mementos for years to come,” continued the Minted spokesperson.

MOST DESIRED GIFTS OF HOLIDAY 2021

• Clothing – 41%
• Something personal/sentimental (framed photo, locket, etc) – 39%
• Technology (new phone, laptop, TV, etc.) – 35%
• Kitchenware – 24%
• Gift cards – 24%
• Jewelry – 24%
• Beauty/grooming products – 24%
• Books – 21%
• Art for my home – 12%
• Activity items (puzzles, coloring books, etc) – 12%