More People Are Buying Themselves Gifts This Year, According to Survey

To say the holidays look different this year is an understatement. Maybe it’s because we can’t gather with extended family and friends to exchange gifts that more people are buying gifts for themselves this year.

Groupon recently conducted a survey of 2,000 Americans about their holiday gift-buying habits. Seventy-seven percent of those surveyed said they’re buying themselves gifts this year, which seems like a big upward shift because 43% of survey respondents said they don’t usually self-gift.

On average, those being their own Santa are buying themselves six gifts and spending over $100 on them in total. Naturally, people are looking for comfort where they can find it because fifty-five percent said 2020 has been their worst year ever.

At the same time, nearly 70% said this year has made them appreciate their family and friends more than ever, and 67% said they are putting extra thought into the gifts they give their loved ones. Three in five planned to give more personalized gifts for others, and 76% said they hope the gifts they give will lift their loved ones’ spirits. 

Although the holidays feel more somber this year, people are still looking forward to celebrating. The top five activities they’re looking forward to are being home (not traveling), eating and drinking, exchanging gifts, watching holiday movies, and cooking for family.

Finding joy in a scary time goes beyond gifting, too. People also said they’re doing self-care activities to stay optimistic, including watching their favorite movies and TV shows, reading their favorite books, and listening to music. Sometimes a relaxing moment is the best gift of all.