Name: Holiday shopping trends reveal sharp generational divide
Uploaded: 2025-12-17T03:16:57.015Z
Duration: 1 min 32 s
Description: Many Gen Z shoppers also plan to thrift for gifts this holiday season.

Many Gen Z shoppers also plan to thrift for gifts this holiday season.

Holiday shopping across the United States is projected to exceed $1 trillion, according to the National Retail Federation. However, spending patterns reveal a significant generational divide, with Gen Z expected to spend 23% less than previous years and showing a strong preference for second-hand purchases to save money.

Millennials are also reducing their holiday spending, while Gen X and boomers are increasing theirs compared to 2024. Experts recommend consumers set budgets and stick to shopping lists, and a growing number—33%—are using AI tools to assist with gift selection.

Holiday shopping trends reveal sharp generational divide

Twas just before Christmas and all through the town, shoppers scurried to get gifts before stores shut down. Prices were hung on the aisles with care, but with time running out, Christmas soon would be here. Americans are spending big all across the nation. Sales set to exceed $1 trillion, according to the National Retail Federation. Not all shoppers are the same. Some are more cautious. Some are more brave. This year, most shoppers are looking to save. The group most focused on avoiding a shopping frenzy, the youngest shoppers expect less spending from Gen Z. 23% less, according to a report, and Gen Z will look to thrift for a bit more support. 6 in 10 Gen Z are more likely to buy second-hand this season. Trying to save some dollars, of course, the main reason. You're not going to see a whole shelf full of the same item. You are going to find items that are unique. This thrift store manager says that's a smart cost-saving technique. Millennials will spend a little less, with Gen X and boomers set to spend a little more on their holiday haul this year compared to 2024. We should not be going overboard this year. And so really, as a consumer, make your list, stick to that list. Experts say a clear-cut budget can be a handy assist. And so can AI. While the tech might be replacing Santa's elves, 33% of shoppers say they're using it to help pick gifts off the shelves.

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