In brief
According to a new AP-NORC poll, 60% of Americans deem cash and gift cards as acceptable gifts for the holiday season, while many plan to sleep through New Year’s Eve. Younger adults are increasingly favoring cash for gifts due to rising prices, with 66% under 45 considering it a top choice. The trend reflects a more pragmatic approach to gift-giving amid economic pressures as well as changing attitudes towards holiday celebrations.
NEW YORK — In a survey conducted by the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, the preferences of Americans for holiday gift-giving in 2025 reveal a strong inclination towards cash and gift cards. Many Americans have expressed a desire for pragmatic gifts that meet their daily needs, suggesting a shift towards more utilitarian holiday customs.
Approximately 60% of adults favor cash or gift cards as very acceptable options for holiday gifting. Notably, younger Americans demonstrate a stronger preference for cash gifts, with 66% of those under 45 supporting this choice compared to only 55% of older adults.
Gabriel Antonucci, a 26-year-old ski resort cook from Alaska, highlights the reasoning behind this trend: Everything's too expensive nowadays. And I don't want to buy a gift for somebody and then it turns out they don't like it. So cash makes sense. The emphasis on practical gift-giving seems to be shared by many, leading to a notable increase in acceptance of secondhand and re-gifted items.
As the festive season approaches, many focus less on the clock, with 44% of respondents indicating they would not stay awake to ring in the New Year. People over 45 are particularly inclined to turn in early, with around half of that demographic planning to sleep through the midnight countdown.
Meanwhile, about one-third of U.S. adults will postpone taking down holiday decorations, embracing the spirit of the season well into January. This is a growing trend as holiday fatigue sets in, prompting many to keep their decorations as reminders of the festive cheer.
Interestingly, holiday traditions such as watching sports on Christmas Day are still prevalent, with 25% of adults planning to spend the day in front of the television, while only 5% will opt for cinema outings. As younger generations find alternative ways to celebrate the season, the essence of holiday traditions continues to evolve.
Among pet owners, the trend of giving gifts extends to their four-legged friends, with 30% of adults planning to treat their pets this year. As families create unique holiday traditions, ranging from cash gifts to spoiling pets, the nature of holiday celebrations is shifting in response to contemporary life.
The AP-NORC poll was conducted among 1,146 adults from December 4-8, representing the views and attitudes of the broader U.S. population. With a margin of error of 4 percentage points, these findings provide a glimpse into the changing landscape of holiday celebrations in America.
