The average Gen Z Christmas budget is only 30€ this year

When Christmas comes, it comes for everyone – Gen Z included. While young people approach Christmas with enthusiasm, they must deal with increasingly empty wallets. According to data collected by the ScuolaZoo Observatory, involving over 3,300 young men and women aged 16 to 26, 94% of young people love giving gifts, although 40% report having limited funds. For this reason, 43% of respondents plan to limit gift exchanges to fewer than five people, while 40% intend to extend their list to more recipients. The interesting part, however, is the budget allocated for gifts, which varies significantly. A majority of 47% say they plan to spend between 10 and 30 euros per gift, while 29% expect to spend between 30 and 50 euros. Only 16% will exceed the 50-euro threshold, while 9% plan to spend more than 100 euros on a single gift. Overall, most young people intend to keep their total Christmas spending within 100 euros, although a more ambitious 15% plan to exceed 200 euros.

Even the timing of gift purchases is unstructured: 60% buy impulsively when they find a deal, and 30% postpone until the last minute, while a more organized 11% plan everything a year in advance. The most popular gift choices, however, are far more encouraging than the budgets. For example, books are considered an ideal choice by 60% of respondents, thus debunking the stereotype that young people don’t enjoy reading. Advent calendars are also very popular, purchased at least once by 32% of survey participants, with a preference for versions containing beauty products (41%) and skincare items (14%). Subscriptions to streaming services, music, or magazines are another highly appreciated option, chosen by 38% of young people, while DIY gifts, although appreciated by 49%, are actually created by only 37%. Gift cards, useful but not particularly impressive, are favored by 56%. Regarding the gifts that will end up under the tree, the data suggests that clothing will be the top choice, selected by 26% of respondents. DIY gifts come next at 22%, followed by beauty products at 19%. Other common gifts include tech accessories and gaming items (10%), gift cards (8%), books and experiences or trips (7% each), and finally subscriptions, preferred by only 1%. Interestingly, not only does the enthusiasm for gifts remain unchanged despite the cynical times we live in, but Gen Z’s mindset also leans towards pragmatic solutions that balance creativity, utility, and affordability. They will not have to endure, like Millennials, the dreaded gifts of “funny” socks, premium shower gels, and assorted trinkets from distant relatives.