Holiday Shopping Statistics 2026
By AJ CraneUpdated
The key 2026 holiday shopping statistics in one place: how much Americans plan to spend, when they shop, what they want to receive, and how AI is changing gift shopping. Every figure links to its original source, and the last section adds our own data on what top-rated gifts actually cost.
| Figure | What it means |
|---|---|
| $1.013 trillion | Forecast US holiday retail sales for November and December, up 4.2% from 2025 NRF |
| $1,654 | Average expected holiday spend per household, up 4% Deloitte |
| $988 | Of that, spending on gifts and other retail goods, up 10%, while holiday activities like travel and hosting fall 4% Deloitte |
| 79% | Of consumers expect holiday prices to be higher than last year Deloitte |
| 35% | Of consumers plan to spend more than in 2025; most of them blame inflation Basis |
Stretch the budget: top-rated gifts under $25
Dickies Dri-tech Crew Socks (6 Pairs)$15as of Nov 12, 9:39 AM PTAmazon
LeapFrog 100 Words BookSee price on AmazonAmazon
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter$16.69as of Nov 12, 9:39 AM PTAmazon
OKeeffes Working Hands Hand Cream$8.75as of Nov 12, 9:39 AM PTAmazon
| Figure | What it means |
|---|---|
| $275.1 billion | Forecast US online holiday spending, November 1 to December 31, up 6.7% Adobe |
| $15.1 billion | Forecast Cyber Monday online spending, the biggest day of the season; Black Friday $12.9 billion Adobe |
| 64% | Of consumers are likely to wait until Thanksgiving weekend to do most of their shopping NRF |
| 28% | Of holiday budgets are expected to be spent by the end of October, the highest share in six years Deloitte |
| 57.4% | Of online holiday spending is forecast to happen on phones Adobe |
Shopping late? Gift cards delivered by email instead of shipped
Starbucks eGift Card $25 (Email Delivery)$25as of Nov 12, 9:39 AM PTAmazon
DoorDash eGift Card $50 (Email Delivery)$50as of Nov 12, 9:39 AM PTAmazon
Netflix eGift Card $25 (Email Delivery)$25as of Nov 12, 9:39 AM PTAmazon
Airbnb eGift Card $100 (Email Delivery)$100as of Nov 12, 9:39 AM PTAmazon
| Figure | What it means |
|---|---|
| 47% | Would like to receive gift cards, still the top wish; clothing is next at 44% NRF |
| 50% | Of shoppers plan to give an experience, up from 39% in 2024 Deloitte |
| 27% | Of shoppers plan to give an experience, up from 19% five years ago (a narrower question than Deloitte's) NRF |
| 47% | Prefer to give one meaningful, higher-cost gift rather than several smaller ones Deloitte |
Clothing is the second most wanted gift: cozy top-rated picks
Carhartt Acrylic Watch Hat BeanieSee price on AmazonAmazon
Satin Pajama Set (4-Piece)$17.99as of Nov 12, 9:39 AM PTAmazon
Barefoot Dreams Pajama SetSee price on AmazonAmazon
Jeasona Women's Cute Cat Socks$9.99as of Nov 12, 9:39 AM PTAmazon
| Figure | What it means |
|---|---|
| 130% | Forecast growth in visits to US retail sites from generative AI tools Adobe |
| 39% | Say generative AI is their main tool for at least one holiday shopping task Deloitte |
| 16% | Would trust AI to complete a purchase for them, even with permission Deloitte |
| 17% | Of shoppers planned in May to use AI for holiday shopping, mostly for deals and gift ideas Basis |
Rising in search this fall
medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Jelly Gel Mask$19as of Nov 12, 9:39 AM PTAmazon
HydroJug Traveler 40oz Insulated Bottle$31.99as of Nov 12, 9:39 AM PTAmazon
Kindle Paperwhite (16 GB)See price on AmazonAmazon
Therabody Theragun Mini Massage Gun$219.99as of Nov 12, 9:39 AM PTAmazon
What a top-rated gift costs in 2026
We looked at the 837 gifts in our catalog rated 4.5 stars or higher with more than 1,000 reviews. The median price is $30.99: 41% cost under $25, and 71% cost under $50. Cheaper gifts also rate slightly higher, averaging 4.60 stars under $25 against 4.49 stars between $100 and $250.
| Shopping for | Median price |
|---|---|
| Coworkers | $16.99 |
| Pets | $21.99 |
| Grandparents | $22.97 |
| Kids | $24.00 |
| Teens | $28.87 |
| Friends | $29.99 |
| Mom | $31.99 |
| Her | $32.99 |
| Dad | $35.00 |
| Him | $37.44 |
| Couples | $39.90 |
Sources: NRF forecast (October 15, 2026) and survey of 8,094 adults (October 1 to 7); Deloitte Holiday Retail Survey of 4,000 consumers (August 26 to September 10); Adobe Digital Insights forecast (September 28), based on Adobe Analytics data; Basis and GWI survey of 2,006 consumers (May 2026). Forecasts are projections, not results. Catalog prices are as listed on November 9, 2026 and change often.
How Much Will Americans Spend on the Holidays in 2026?
Americans are expected to spend more this holiday season. NRF forecasts $1.013 trillion in November and December retail sales, up 4.2%, and Deloitte expects the average household to spend $1,654, up 4%, with gift spending rising faster than travel. Adobe forecasts a record $275.1 billion online. Most of the increase reflects higher prices: 79% of shoppers expect to pay more than last year.
Shuffle Top-Rated Gifts Under $50
No endless scrolling. One click serves up a fresh, top-rated pick, and Back revisits any you shuffled past.
Pin a few gifts that feel close (the pin on any card), then the Genie will read your picks, ask three quick questions, and conjure five matches from the whole catalog.
New to it? See how our free AI gift finder works: pin, answer three questions, get five matched gifts.
Top-Rated Gifts Under $50
RENPHO Elis 1 Smart Body Composition Scale
339,993 reviews
✦ Why we picked this: The best-selling smart scale on Amazon, with over 300,000 reviews, at a stocking-stuffer price.
Dickies Dri-tech Crew Socks (6 Pairs)
218,272 reviews
The 218,000-rating work sock: moisture-control, arch support, and the reason sock gifts stopped being a punchline. Six pairs fills the whole foot of a stocking.
YETI Rambler Tumbler (20 oz)
147,337 reviews
✦ Why we picked this: A nearly indestructible everyday upgrade that fans of the outdoors and tailgates love.
Lodge 12" Cast Iron Skillet
144,939 reviews
Pre-seasoned cast iron that gets better with every cook. Works on any heat source - stovetop, oven, grill, campfire. Lasts a lifetime.
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
112,430 reviews
Filter up to 1,000 gallons of contaminated water with no chemicals or batteries. A must-have for camping, hiking, and emergency kits. Tested to EPA standards.
HEETA Scalp Massager Shampoo Brush
154,506 reviews
A tiny under-$10 scalp massager that feels amazing, a great add-on or stocking stuffer.
The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman
92,495 reviews
✦ Why we picked this: A small, meaningful book that newlyweds actually read together.
Bicycle Standard Playing Cards (2-Pack)
91,600 reviews
✦ Why we picked this: The cheapest gift on the list and probably the highest hours-of-use ratio for the price. Two decks cover every card game a group of adults will want to play.
MATEIN Travel Laptop Backpack, 15.6 in
115,426 reviews
✦ Why we picked this: Over 115,000 reviews, and a travel-ready personal-item bag for under $20.
CeraVe Cleanser & Moisturizer Duo
109,117 reviews
✦ Why we picked this: A no-fuss, gentle starter set that suits almost any skin type and any budget.
Olaplex No.3 Hair Repair Pre-Shampoo Treatment
135,572 reviews
✦ Why we picked this: It turns a daily wash routine into a visible upgrade, ideal for anyone who colors or heat-styles their hair.
Poo-Pourri Before-You-Go Toilet Spray, Pocket Size
100,048 reviews
✦ Why we picked this: A funny and genuinely useful travel stocking stuffer with 100,000 reviews.
Catan Base Board Game
78,234 reviews
The most popular strategy game in the world. Build settlements, trade resources, and expand your civilization. For 3-4 players, ages 10+.
Carhartt Acrylic Watch Hat Beanie
98,234 reviews
The original Carhartt watch hat - a true American classic. Firm hand acrylic knit construction that repels water while keeping you warm.
Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState Tumbler 40oz
89,400 reviews
✦ Why we picked this: Get the matte black. The insulation is excellent, it fits in a car cupholder, and it gets used daily without ever feeling like a gift that got put away.
MZOO Luxury Contoured Sleep Mask
101,647 reviews
✦ Why we picked this: Over 100,000 reviews from red-eye flyers, shift workers, and light sleepers. A simple gift that improves every flight.
Stanley IceFlow 2.0 Flip Straw Tumbler with Handle 30 oz
78,292 reviews
The 30 oz Stanley IceFlow with a flip straw lid that snaps shut leak resistant. Keeps drinks cold for 20 hours and iced for days.
Cozy Sherpa Blanket
97,529 reviews
An ultra-soft reversible sherpa throw blanket, 50x60 inches of pure warmth and comfort.
Gritin Rechargeable LED Book Light - 80hr Battery
56,475 reviews
A rechargeable clip-on book light with 9 LEDs, 3 color temperatures, stepless dimming, and 80 hours of battery life. Lightweight and perfect for reading without disturbing others.
Ticket to Ride Board Game
56,234 reviews
Award-winning strategy board game for 2-5 players. Build train routes across America in 30-90 minutes. The perfect game night staple for couples and families.
Play-Doh 10-Pack of Colors
69,566 reviews
Ten 2-ounce cans of the real thing in assorted colors, with nearly 70,000 reviews. Splits into two or three stockings or anchors one very happy one.
Microfiber Cleaning Cloths 12-Pack
87,569 reviews
Ultra-soft microfiber cloths that trap dirt without scratching. Works on screens, glasses, car interiors, and kitchen surfaces.
Turn the Numbers Into a Gift
Tell TheGiftShuffle who it is for and your budget, and get a top-rated match in one click.
Try the Gift Shuffle →Frequently Asked Questions
When do most people do their holiday shopping in 2026?
Most people still shop late. NRF found 64% of consumers are likely to wait until Thanksgiving weekend to do most of their shopping. Shopping is also starting earlier for many: Deloitte expects 28% of holiday budgets to be spent by the end of October, the highest share in six years, and 22% of shoppers plan to start earlier than last year.
What gifts do people want most in 2026?
Gift cards are still the most wanted gift: 47% of consumers told NRF they would like to receive one, followed by clothing at 44%, books and other media at 25%, and personal care or beauty items at 24%. Gen Z most wants clothing and accessories, while 59% of Boomers most want gift cards.
Are experience gifts popular in 2026?
Yes, and growing. Deloitte found 50% of shoppers plan to give an experience this year, up from 39% in 2024, and 79% of them want to pair it with a physical gift. NRF, which asked a narrower question, puts it at 27%, up from 19% five years ago. Restaurant meals and event tickets are the most common experience gifts.
How many people use AI for holiday shopping?
A growing minority. Deloitte found 39% of shoppers say generative AI is their main tool for at least one holiday shopping task, but only 16% would trust it to complete a purchase. Adobe forecasts visits to retail sites from generative AI tools will grow 130% this season. Earlier in the year, Basis found 17% planned to use AI, mostly to find deals and gift ideas.
What is the biggest online shopping day of 2026?
Cyber Monday, November 30. Adobe forecasts $15.1 billion in US online spending that day, up 6.2%, ahead of Black Friday at $12.9 billion, which is growing faster at 9.2%. The five days from Thanksgiving to Cyber Monday are forecast to bring in $47.5 billion online.
How much should I spend on a gift?
You do not need to spend much to give a well-loved gift. Across 837 top-rated gifts in our catalog, the median price is $30.99, and 71% cost under $50. Typical top-rated gifts run about $17 for coworkers, $24 for kids, $32 for mom and $35 for dad. Spend what fits your budget, and pick for the person rather than the price.
What if I have no idea what to get?
If you have no idea what to get, stop guessing and let TheGiftShuffle pick for you: tell it who the gift is for and your budget for an instant, top-rated, crowd-pleasing idea. You can also browse our Help Me Pick a Gift guide for foolproof gifts that are genuinely hard to get wrong, or hit shuffle as many times as you like until one feels right.
What is the Gift Genie?
The Gift Genie is the free AI gift finder built into TheGiftShuffle. Pin a few gifts that feel close while you browse, answer three quick questions about the person, and it reads your pins to recommend 5 matched gifts ranked by confidence. Everyone gets 3 readings a day with no sign-up; you can summon it under any shuffle grid on this page.
How is TheGiftShuffle different from other gift guides?
Most gift guides are long static lists you scroll top to bottom. TheGiftShuffle is interactive: tap Shuffle for an instant, top-rated pick matched to the recipient and your budget, pin the ones you like, and use Back to revisit any you passed. It turns scrolling a giant list into a one-click decision, so you spend seconds instead of skimming a hundred items.
