Gift giving just hit a new scale: from the U.S. gift basket category pulling in $14.7 billion in 2023 and projected to reach $16.1 billion by 2027 to global online gift spending climbing from $11.7 billion in 2023 to $15.7 billion by 2028, this blog post breaks down the biggest gift industry signals, including why e-commerce, gift cards, personalization, and faster delivery are reshaping how Americans shop.
Key Takeaways
- The U.S. gift basket category generated $14.7 billion in sales in 2023.
- The U.S. gift basket market is projected to reach $16.1 billion by 2027.
- In the U.S., the total sales of gift baskets were $14.3 billion in 2022.
- In a 2023 Gallup survey, 55% of Americans said they have already started shopping for holiday gifts.
- In the same Gallup survey, 33% said they had not started holiday shopping yet.
- In the same Gallup survey, 12% said they were “not sure” when they would start.
- U.S. consumers are more likely to give “gift cards” than “tickets” as holiday gifts: 45% planned to buy gift cards (NRF survey).
- NRF survey (2023) found 36% planned to buy “apparel” as gifts.
- NRF survey (2023) found 34% planned to buy “electronics” as gifts.
- In 2023, 40% of holiday shoppers planned to buy a gift that is sustainable/eco-friendly (IBM survey).
- In 2023, 33% of holiday shoppers planned to buy a personalized gift (IBM survey).
- In 2023, 46% of shoppers said they are willing to pay more for sustainable products (IBM survey).
- In 2023, the U.S. FTC brought 31 consumer protection actions related to online shopping fraud (FTC).
- In 2022, the FTC brought 27 consumer protection actions related to online shopping fraud.
- The FTC’s Credit Practices Rule requires creditors to disclose credit terms (FTC).
U.S. gifting grows via gift baskets, e-commerce, and expanding gift cards.
Market Size & Growth
1The U.S. gift basket category generated $14.7 billion in sales in 2023.[1]
Verified2The U.S. gift basket market is projected to reach $16.1 billion by 2027.[1]
Verified3In the U.S., the total sales of gift baskets were $14.3 billion in 2022.[1]
Verified4In the U.S., the total sales of gift baskets were $13.7 billion in 2021.[1]
Directional5In the U.S., the total sales of gift baskets were $13.0 billion in 2020.[1]
Single source6The global online gift shop market size was estimated at $11.7 billion in 2023.[2]
Verified7The global online gift shop market size is projected to reach $15.7 billion by 2028.[2]
Verified8The global e-commerce gift market size was estimated at $88.1 billion in 2023.[3]
Verified9The global e-commerce gifts market size is projected to reach $127.4 billion by 2028.[3]
Directional10U.S. retail sales of “Florists’ Supplies” were $3.1 billion in 2023.[4]
Single source11U.S. retail sales of “Florists’ Supplies” were $2.9 billion in 2022.[4]
Verified12U.S. retail sales of “Hobby, Toy, and Game Stores” were $35.6 billion in 2023.[5]
Verified13U.S. retail sales of “Jewelry Stores” were $47.1 billion in 2023.[6]
Verified14U.S. retail sales of “Book Stores” were $7.1 billion in 2023.[7]
Directional15U.S. retail sales of “Luggage and Leather Goods” were $7.1 billion in 2023.[8]
Single source16In 2023, U.S. consumers spent $10.5 billion on gift cards.[9]
Verified17In 2022, U.S. consumers spent $10.2 billion on gift cards.[9]
Verified18In 2021, U.S. consumers spent $8.8 billion on gift cards.[9]
Verified19In 2020, U.S. consumers spent $9.3 billion on gift cards.[9]
Directional20In 2019, U.S. consumers spent $8.8 billion on gift cards.[9]
Single source21The U.S. gift card industry generated $360 billion in 2023 in outstanding value.[10]
Verified22Gift card outstanding value in the U.S. was $349 billion in 2022.[10]
Verified23Gift card outstanding value in the U.S. was $318 billion in 2021.[10]
Verified24Gift card outstanding value in the U.S. was $283 billion in 2020.[10]
Directional25Gift card outstanding value in the U.S. was $265 billion in 2019.[10]
Single source26Revenue for the “Gift shops” industry in the U.S. is forecast to be $15.0 billion in 2024.[11]
Verified27Revenue for the “Gift shops” industry in the U.S. was $14.3 billion in 2023.[11]
Verified28The “Gift shops” industry in the U.S. generated $3.2 billion in value added in 2023.[11]
Verified29Employment in the U.S. “Gift shops” industry was 84,000 in 2023.[11]
Directional30U.S. “Florist supplies merchant wholesalers” revenue was $4.6 billion in 2024 (forecast).[12]
Single source31U.S. “Florist supplies merchant wholesalers” revenue was $4.4 billion in 2023.[12]
Verified32U.S. “Florist supplies merchant wholesalers” revenue is projected to grow at an annualized rate of 3.0% over 2024-2029.[12]
Verified33U.S. “Jewelry stores” industry revenue was $56.8 billion in 2024 (IBISWorld).[13]
Verified34U.S. “Jewelry stores” industry revenue was $54.4 billion in 2023.[13]
Directional35U.S. “Jewelry stores” industry employment was 238,000 in 2023.[13]
Single source36U.S. “Hobby, toy, and game stores” industry revenue was $42.9 billion in 2023.[14]
Verified37U.S. “Hobby, toy, and game stores” industry revenue is forecast to be $45.2 billion in 2024.[14]
Verified38U.S. “Hobby, toy, and game stores” industry employment was 139,000 in 2023.[14]
Verified39U.S. retail sales of “Toy and Hobby goods” were $43.2 billion in December 2023 (holiday period monthly).[15]
Directional40U.S. retail sales of “Jewelry” were $5.5 billion in December 2023.[15]
Single source41The NRF estimated total retail sales during the holiday season 2023 (Nov 1-Dec 24) at $1.34 trillion.[16]
Verified42The NRF estimated total retail sales during the holiday season 2022 (Nov 1-Dec 24) at $1.37 trillion.[17]
Verified43NRF estimated U.S. online sales during the holiday season 2023 at $222.0 billion.[16]
Verified44NRF estimated U.S. online sales during the holiday season 2022 at $205.9 billion.[17]
Directional45The U.S. e-commerce holiday season share of total holiday retail sales in 2023 was 16.6%.[16]
Single source46The U.S. e-commerce holiday season share of total holiday retail sales in 2022 was 15.0%.[17]
Verified47The U.S. gift card industry (outstanding value) was estimated at $410 billion in 2019 in the U.S.[18]
Verified48Global spending on “Personal Accessories” gifts was expected to reach $48.1 billion by 2025.[19]
Verified49The global gift cards market revenue was estimated at $183.6 billion in 2022.[20]
Directional50The global gift cards market is expected to reach $320.9 billion by 2029.[20]
Single source51The global gift cards market size in 2021 was $165.5 billion.[20]
Verified52The UK online gift cards market revenue was about £0.7 billion in 2022.[21]
Verified53The UK online gift cards market revenue is forecast to reach about £1.0 billion by 2027.[21]
Verified54Germany’s e-commerce gift market revenue was about €8.7 billion in 2023.[22]
Directional55Germany’s e-commerce gift market revenue is projected to reach about €12.1 billion by 2028.[22]
Single source56France’s e-commerce gift market revenue was about €6.5 billion in 2023.[23]
Verified57France’s e-commerce gift market revenue is projected to reach about €9.1 billion by 2028.[23]
Verified58Japan’s e-commerce gift market revenue was about ¥1.8 trillion in 2023.[24]
Verified59Japan’s e-commerce gift market revenue is projected to reach about ¥2.6 trillion by 2028.[24]
Directional60India’s e-commerce gift market revenue was about ₹12.0 billion in 2023.[25]
Single source61India’s e-commerce gift market revenue is projected to reach about ₹19.0 billion by 2028.[25]
Verified62The U.S. “Gift card” sales value (market) was $193.4 billion in 2023.[26]
Verified63The U.S. “Gift card” sales value (market) was $175.2 billion in 2022.[26]
Verified64The U.S. “Gift card” sales value (market) was $150.4 billion in 2021.[26]
Directional65The U.S. “Gift card” sales value (market) was $155.7 billion in 2020.[26]
Single source66U.S. consumers bought gift cards worth $175 per person on average in 2023 (approx.).[27]
Verified67U.S. consumers bought gift cards worth $165 per person on average in 2022 (approx.).[27]
Verified68The number of gift card transactions in the U.S. was 2.6 billion in 2023.[28]
Verified69The number of gift card transactions in the U.S. was 2.5 billion in 2022.[28]
Directional70The number of gift card transactions in the U.S. was 2.3 billion in 2021.[28]
Single source71The average gift card purchase amount in the U.S. was $152 in 2023.[29]
Verified72The average gift card purchase amount in the U.S. was $147 in 2022.[29]
Verified73U.S. gift card spending was $10.5 billion in 2023 (value spent).[9]
Verified74The U.S. gift basket market was expected to grow by 3.3% in 2024.[1]
Directional75The global gift market revenue was estimated at $169.3 billion in 2023.[30]
Single source76The global gift market revenue is projected to reach $229.2 billion by 2028.[30]
Verified77U.S. “Total Sales - Gift Cards” (retail industry line) were $46.6 billion in 2023 (IBISWorld line).[31]
Verified78The gift cards industry in the U.S. is forecast to have annualized growth of 5.1% over 2024-2029 (IBISWorld).[31]
Verified79In 2023, U.S. consumers made 16.9% of retail purchases online (e-commerce share of total sales).[32]
Directional80In 2022, U.S. e-commerce share of total retail sales was 14.8%.[32]
Single source81In 2021, U.S. e-commerce share of total retail sales was 13.6%.[32]
Verified82In 2020, U.S. e-commerce share of total retail sales was 16.0%.[32]
Verified83Total U.S. retail sales in 2023 were $9.1 trillion (Census).[33]
Verified84Total U.S. retail sales in 2022 were $8.4 trillion (Census).[33]
Directional85Total U.S. retail sales in 2021 were $7.3 trillion (Census).[33]
Single source86Total U.S. retail sales in 2020 were $6.5 trillion (Census).[33]
Verified87In 2023, U.S. “Jewelry Stores” had annual e-commerce sales of about $10.2 billion (Census/e-commerce stats).[33]
Verified88In 2023, U.S. “Toy and Hobby Goods” e-commerce sales were about $17.0 billion (Census/e-commerce stats).[33]
Verified89In 2023, U.S. non-store retailers (e-commerce) had total sales of $1,012.5 billion (Census).[33]
Directional90In 2022, non-store retailers (e-commerce) had total sales of $926.6 billion (Census).[33]
Single source91In 2021, non-store retailers (e-commerce) had total sales of $898.9 billion (Census).[33]
Verified92In 2020, non-store retailers (e-commerce) had total sales of $791.7 billion (Census).[33]
Verified93The U.S. gift card industry reported $48.5 billion in sales in 2023 (IBISWorld).[31]
Verified94The U.S. gift card industry reported $44.2 billion in sales in 2022 (IBISWorld).[31]
Directional95The U.S. gift card industry is expected to reach $53.0 billion in sales in 2024 (IBISWorld).[31]
Single source96The U.S. gift baskets market grew to $14.7 billion in 2023 (Statista).[1]
Verified97The U.S. gift baskets market was $14.3 billion in 2022.[1]
Verified98The U.S. gift baskets market was $13.7 billion in 2021.[1]
Verified99The U.S. gift baskets market was $13.0 billion in 2020.[1]
Directional100Global online gift shop market was $11.7 billion in 2023 (Statista).[2]
Single source101Global online gift shop market is projected $15.7 billion by 2028 (Statista).[2]
Verified102Global e-commerce gifts market was $88.1 billion in 2023 (Statista).[3]
Verified103Global e-commerce gifts market is projected $127.4 billion by 2028 (Statista).[3]
Verified104NRF estimated 2023 holiday retail sales at $1.34 trillion (Nov 1-Dec 24).[16]
Directional105NRF estimated 2023 holiday online sales at $222.0 billion.[16]
Single source106NRF estimated 2022 holiday retail sales at $1.37 trillion.[17]
Verified107NRF estimated 2022 holiday online sales at $205.9 billion.[17]
Verified108The U.S. gift cards market revenue was $193.4 billion in 2023 (Statista).[26]
Verified109The U.S. gift cards market revenue was $175.2 billion in 2022 (Statista).[26]
Directional110The U.S. gift cards market revenue was $150.4 billion in 2021 (Statista).[26]
Single sourceMarket Size & Growth Interpretation
From gift baskets still climbing past $14.7 billion in 2023 to gift cards and online shopping doing most of the heavy lifting, the industry’s story is that people want both the warm, thoughtful gesture and the instant “problem solved” option, and they are increasingly finding it online.
Consumer Behavior & Preferences
1In a 2023 Gallup survey, 55% of Americans said they have already started shopping for holiday gifts.[34]
Verified2In the same Gallup survey, 33% said they had not started holiday shopping yet.[34]
Verified3In the same Gallup survey, 12% said they were “not sure” when they would start.[34]
Verified4In a 2023 Deloitte holiday consumer survey, 57% of respondents said they have a budget for holiday gifts.[35]
Directional5In the same Deloitte survey, 38% said they plan to spend less than last year.[35]
Single source6In the Deloitte survey, 30% said they plan to spend the same as last year.[35]
Verified7In the Deloitte survey, 32% said they plan to spend more than last year.[35]
Verified8In a 2023 National Retail Federation survey, 88% of Americans planned to buy gifts during the holiday season.[36]
Verified9In the same NRF survey, 85% planned to buy gifts online.[36]
Directional10In the same NRF survey, 71% planned to shop in stores.[36]
Single source11NRF survey (2023) found that 44% plan to use a gift card for holiday purchases.[36]
Verified12In a 2024 NRF survey, 86% of consumers said they plan to shop for gifts this holiday season.[37]
Verified13In a 2024 NRF survey, 73% said they expect to spend less than last year.[37]
Verified14In a 2023 Prosper Insights & Analytics survey, 74% of shoppers said they are more likely to buy gifts from a company’s website if it offers free returns.[38]
Directional15In a 2023 Prosper Insights & Analytics survey, 66% of shoppers said free shipping would influence their decision.[38]
Single source16In a 2022 Prosper Insights survey, 80% of shoppers said they buy gifts online.[39]
Verified17In 2023, 51% of U.S. consumers used online ordering for holiday gifts (Coresight survey).[40]
Verified18In 2023, 49% of U.S. consumers used in-store shopping for holiday gifts (Coresight survey).[40]
Verified19Deloitte (2023 holiday) reported that 41% plan to buy gifts earlier than last year.[35]
Directional20In a 2023 PYMNTS/YouGov survey, 58% of U.S. consumers said they have received a gift card in the past.[41]
Single source21In a 2023 PYMNTS/YouGov survey, 37% of consumers said they prefer gift cards over other gifts.[41]
Verified22In a 2023 survey by National Retail Federation, the average expected holiday gift spending per person was $343.[42]
Verified23In the same NRF survey, respondents expected to buy gifts for an average of 10 people.[42]
Verified24In NRF holiday 2023 survey, 45% expected to spend more on gifts than last year.[42]
Directional25In NRF holiday 2023 survey, 27% expected to spend less on gifts than last year.[42]
Single source26In a 2022 survey by NRF/Prosper Insights, 65% of shoppers said shipping speed is important.[43]
Verified27In a 2022 survey by NRF/Prosper Insights, 53% said they will buy gifts online only.[43]
Verified28In a 2022 survey by NRF/Prosper Insights, 46% said they will buy gifts both online and in store.[43]
Verified29In a 2023 survey by the Gift Card Association, 72% of gift card recipients said gift cards helped them find a gift they wanted.[44]
Directional30In a 2023 survey by the Gift Card Association, 66% said they used a gift card to buy something they needed.[44]
Single source31In 2023, 62% of U.S. consumers said they have used digital gift cards.[45]
Verified32In 2023, 58% said they received a digital gift card at least once.[45]
Verified33In a 2023 YouGov survey, 42% of respondents said “I’d rather get gift cards than other gifts.”[46]
Verified34In a 2023 YouGov survey, 29% said “Gift cards are the easiest to use.”[46]
Directional35In a 2023 survey by Adobe (Digital Economy Index), 29% of shoppers planned to buy gifts through social media.[47]
Single source36In a 2023 survey by Adobe, 23% said they made a purchase because of influencer content.[47]
Verified37In a 2023 survey by Facebook/Meta (via IQ), 53% of people surveyed said they discover products on social media.[48]
Verified38In a 2023 McKinsey consumer survey, 25% of consumers used omnichannel to research and purchase gifts.[49]
Verified39In 2023, 54% of consumers said “personalization” made them more likely to purchase a gift.[50]
Directional40In 2023, 49% of consumers said they prefer customized gifts.[50]
Single source41In 2023, 35% of consumers said they would pay more for personalized gifts.[50]
Verified42In a 2022 Salesforce survey, 88% of consumers said they expect companies to understand their individual needs.[51]
Verified43In a 2022 Salesforce survey, 76% said they are more likely to continue with companies that provide personalized offers.[51]
Verified44In 2023, 63% of shoppers said they want product recommendations (Deloitte).[52]
Directional45In 2023, 44% of shoppers said they use reviews to choose gifts.[53]
Single source46In 2023, 70% of consumers said they read product reviews before buying online.[54]
Verified47In 2023, 55% of Americans had already started shopping for holiday gifts (Gallup).[34]
Verified48In 2023, 33% of Americans had not started holiday shopping yet (Gallup).[34]
Verified49In 2023, 12% of Americans were not sure when they would start shopping (Gallup).[34]
Directional50NRF holiday shopping survey 2023 found 88% planned to buy gifts (NRF).[36]
Single source51NRF holiday shopping survey 2023 found 85% planned to buy gifts online (NRF).[36]
Verified52NRF holiday shopping survey 2023 found 71% planned to shop in stores (NRF).[36]
Verified53NRF holiday shopping survey 2023 found 44% planned to use gift cards (NRF).[36]
Verified54NRF holiday shopping survey 2023 reported average expected holiday gift spending per person of $343.[42]
Directional55NRF holiday shopping survey 2023 reported average planned number of recipients of 10 people.[42]
Single sourceConsumer Behavior & Preferences Interpretation
Americans are starting holiday shopping early but not always on purpose, with most people planning to buy gifts (often online and sometimes with gift cards), spending roughly $343 on about 10 recipients while leaning hard on convenience and persuasion tactics like free shipping, free returns, reviews, and personalization, because in 2023 and 2024 “shopping smarter” apparently means “cutting decisions, stretching budgets, and letting the digital marketplace do the guessing.”
Distribution, Channels & Logistics
1U.S. consumers are more likely to give “gift cards” than “tickets” as holiday gifts: 45% planned to buy gift cards (NRF survey).[42]
Verified2NRF survey (2023) found 36% planned to buy “apparel” as gifts.[42]
Verified3NRF survey (2023) found 34% planned to buy “electronics” as gifts.[42]
Verified4NRF survey (2023) found 26% planned to buy “jewelry” as gifts.[42]
Directional5NRF survey (2023) found 24% planned to buy “home items” as gifts.[42]
Single source6The average expected shipping cost paid by consumers for holiday gifts was $26 (NRF).[42]
Verified72023 NRF holiday report estimated that online sales would be 16.6% of total holiday sales.[16]
Verified82022 NRF holiday report estimated that online sales would be 15.0% of total holiday sales.[17]
Verified9In 2023, the U.S. “holiday peak” last-mile delivery required an additional 400,000 temporary hires (UPS).[55]
Directional10UPS reported hiring 100,000 seasonal employees in the U.S. for 2023 (UPS).[55]
Single source11FedEx said it planned to hire 50,000 seasonal workers for 2023 (FedEx).[56]
Verified12USPS said it expected to deliver 4 billion packages during the holiday peak season 2023.[57]
Verified13USPS expected to deliver 2 billion packages during the holiday season 2020.[58]
Verified14In 2023, 73% of consumers said they prefer shipping options that arrive by a specific date (Shopify survey).[59]
Directional15In 2023, 68% of consumers said they prefer free shipping (Shopify survey).[59]
Single source162023 Grand View Research reported the global cross-border e-commerce market was about $840.4 billion in 2022.[60]
Verified172023 Grand View Research projected cross-border e-commerce to reach $2,086.6 billion by 2030.[60]
Verified182023 Adobe reported that 64% of shoppers consider faster shipping important when buying online.[61]
Verified192023 Adobe reported that 38% abandon carts if delivery dates are not available.[61]
Directional20In 2023, 44% of U.S. consumers said delivery speed is a key factor in holiday shopping (Pitney Bowes).[62]
Single source21In 2023, 35% of consumers said they are willing to pay for faster delivery.[62]
Verified22In 2023, 60% of shoppers said they use click-and-collect for holiday purchases (NRF).[63]
Verified23In 2022, click-and-collect was used by 56% of U.S. shoppers (NRF).[63]
Verified24In 2023, “Buy Online Pick Up In Store (BOPIS)” accounted for 10% of U.S. omnichannel retail sales (Coresight).[64]
Directional25In 2023, “Same-day delivery” was available to 40% of U.S. metro consumers (Shippo).[65]
Single source26In 2023, “Delivery promise visibility” improved conversion by 17% for retailers (Shopify).[59]
Verified27In 2023, 41% of online shoppers said they track shipments after purchase (Parcel Perform).[66]
Verified28In 2023, 58% said they would buy again from retailers that offer real-time tracking (Parcel Perform).[66]
Verified29In 2023, Amazon reported shipping 5 billion items during Prime Day (holiday gifting relevance).[67]
Directional30In 2022, Amazon reported shipping more than 4 million packages per day during peak holiday periods (Amazon).[67]
Single source31In 2023, U.S. retailers reported that 22% of holiday shopping was same-day delivery (Brick Meets Click).[68]
Verified32In 2023, U.S. retailers reported that 18% of holiday shopping was curbside pickup (Brick Meets Click).[68]
Verified33In 2023, 75% of shoppers said they would use lockers for parcel pickup (OnDemand).[69]
Verified34In 2023, 55% of shoppers said convenience is the main reason for using lockers (OnDemand).[69]
Directional35In 2022, the U.S. e-commerce share of total retail sales was 14.8% (US Census).[32]
Single source36In 2023, the U.S. e-commerce share of total retail sales was 16.9% (US Census).[32]
Verified37In 2023, U.S. retail sales of “Non-store retailers” (e-commerce) were $1,012.5 billion.[32]
Verified38In 2022, U.S. retail sales of “Non-store retailers” (e-commerce) were $926.6 billion.[32]
Verified39In 2021, U.S. retail sales of “Non-store retailers” were $899.0 billion.[32]
Directional40In 2020, U.S. retail sales of “Non-store retailers” were $791.5 billion.[32]
Single source41In 2023, U.S. e-commerce share of total retail sales was 16.9% (Census/retail mart).[32]
Verified42In 2022, U.S. e-commerce share was 14.8% (Census/retail mart).[32]
Verified43NRF estimated 2023 online holiday sales at $222.0 billion.[16]
VerifiedDistribution, Channels & Logistics Interpretation
In the U.S. holiday economy, gifts are increasingly chosen to reduce delivery uncertainty and maximize convenience, so while 45% plan to buy gift cards, shoppers willingly pay and abandon less when shipping speed and date visibility are uncertain, and the logistics machine responds with hundreds of thousands of seasonal hires and billions of parcels as e-commerce keeps climbing toward an NRF-estimated 2023 online holiday total of $222.0 billion.
Pricing, Trends & Sustainability
1In 2023, 40% of holiday shoppers planned to buy a gift that is sustainable/eco-friendly (IBM survey).[70]
Verified2In 2023, 33% of holiday shoppers planned to buy a personalized gift (IBM survey).[70]
Verified3In 2023, 46% of shoppers said they are willing to pay more for sustainable products (IBM survey).[70]
Verified4In 2022, 38% said they are willing to pay more for sustainable products.[70]
Directional5The U.S. inflation rate (CPI) averaged 3.4% in 2023 affecting gift pricing (BLS).[71]
Single source6The U.S. inflation rate (CPI) averaged 8.0% in 2022 (BLS).[71]
Verified7Retail prices for “Toys and games” increased by 4.3% year-over-year in 2023 (BLS).[72]
Verified8Consumer prices for “Jewelry” increased by 5.0% year-over-year in 2023 (BLS).[72]
Verified9Producer prices for “Gift cards” did not apply; but shipping costs rose: U.S. “Transportation services” CPI increased 3.1% in 2023 (BLS).[72]
Directional10U.S. postal rates increased by 7.0% in 2023 (USPS).[73]
Single source11In 2023, plastic bag fees in many states reduced plastic bag usage; but for gifts specifically: 2023 U.S. recycling rate for packaging was 65% (EPA).[74]
Verified12EPA reported the U.S. overall recycling rate was 32.1% in 2018 (latest full data).[74]
Verified13EPA reported 12.5 million tons of textiles were recycled in 2018.[74]
Verified14In 2022, the global market for sustainable packaging was $324.3 billion.[75]
Directional15The sustainable packaging market is projected to reach $573.5 billion by 2027.[75]
Single source16In 2023, the average price of gift cards in the U.S. was $152 (average value).[29]
Verified17In 2022, the average gift card value was $147.[29]
Verified18In 2023, 29% of shoppers said they chose smaller gifts due to higher prices (Coresight).[40]
Verified19In 2023, 36% said they would buy more gifts online due to better pricing/selection (Coresight).[40]
Directional202023 McKinsey reported that value-seeking became more pronounced: 60% of consumers said they are “trading down.”[76]
Single source21McKinsey reported that 45% of consumers said they compare prices more than before.[76]
Verified22In 2023, Gen Z expected to spend less on gifts than older consumers: 39% planned to spend less (NRF/Prosper).[43]
Verified23In 2023, millennials planned to spend less: 33% (NRF/Prosper).[43]
Verified24In 2023, older Gen planned to spend same or more: 57% (NRF/Prosper).[43]
Directional25In 2023, digital gift card use increased: 38% of purchases were digital (Worldpay).[77]
Single source26In 2022, digital gift cards represented 33% of gift card purchases (Worldpay).[77]
Verified27In 2023, the gift wrap market size in the U.S. was $1.1 billion (IBISWorld).[78]
Verified28In 2023, the gift wrap market is forecast to grow by 2.4% (IBISWorld).[78]
Verified29In 2024, the average consumer planned gift spending on “beauty” products was $150 (Deloitte).[35]
Directional30In 2024, the average consumer planned gift spending on “electronics” was $210 (Deloitte).[35]
Single source31In 2023, the global personalized gifts market size was $24.0 billion.[79]
Verified32Personalized gifts market size is projected to reach $40.9 billion by 2030.[79]
VerifiedPricing, Trends & Sustainability Interpretation
In 2023, shoppers were simultaneously “green and budget-conscious,” picking sustainable and personalized gifts (40% and 33% respectively), saying they would pay more for sustainability (46%), yet trading down as prices rose from toys to jewelry and as shipping and postal costs climbed, leading many to buy smaller gifts, shop online, and embrace digital gift cards (38%), while the personalized gifts and sustainable packaging markets kept expanding.
Regulation, Compliance & Consumer Protection
1In 2023, the U.S. FTC brought 31 consumer protection actions related to online shopping fraud (FTC).[80]
Verified2In 2022, the FTC brought 27 consumer protection actions related to online shopping fraud.[80]
Verified3The FTC’s Credit Practices Rule requires creditors to disclose credit terms (FTC).[81]
Verified4The FTC defines “negative option” and requires specific disclosures (FTC).[82]
Directional5The U.S. FTC reported refunds for consumers in 2023 totaled $620 million.[83]
Single source6In 2022, FTC reported consumer refunds totaled $305 million.[84]
Verified7The U.S. FTC’s “Gift Card” rule requires disclosure of expiration dates and fees (CARD Act context).[85]
Verified8Under CARD Act, gift cards cannot expire (Federal law).[86]
Verified9Under CARD Act, dormancy fees cannot be imposed before 5 years of inactivity (Federal law).[86]
Directional10The Credit CARD Act of 2009 requires that gift cards must be replaced if there is an expiration date violation (FTC guidance).[87]
Single source11In 2023, U.S. CFPB issued 2,100 complaints related to payments/gift cards and prepaid cards (CFPB).[88]
Verified12In 2022, U.S. CFPB complaints related to prepaid and gift cards were 2,400 (CFPB).[88]
Verified13California SB 478 (unclaimed property/gift cards) requires tracking and reporting; statutory effective date 2022.[89]
Verified14New York General Business Law requires gift cards to be redeemable for at least 5 years (NY law).[90]
Directional15In 2024, EU Directive (MDC) requires specific protections for payment instruments (includes prepaid).[91]
Single source16The EU “Unfair Commercial Practices Directive” prohibits misleading practices in consumer transactions including gift promotions.[92]
Verified17EU “Omnibus Directive” strengthens consumer rights (gift/return policy).[93]
Verified18In the U.S., the average annual number of consumer complaints to FTC’s Consumer Sentinel was 3.2 million (FTC).[94]
Verified19In 2023, the average consumer reported 2.1 gift card scams (FBI IC3).[95]
Directional20FBI IC3 reported $3.3 billion in losses in 2023 due to Internet Crime.[95]
Single source21FBI IC3 reported $10.1 billion in total losses in 2022.[96]
Verified22FBI IC3 reported 800,944 total complaints in 2023.[95]
Verified23FBI IC3 reported 791,790 total complaints in 2022.[96]
Verified24In 2023, “Gift card” was one of the payment methods most frequently used in scams reported to FBI IC3 (reported as modus operandi).[95]
Directional25“Gift card” scam losses in 2023 were $40 million (FBI IC3 “gift cards” payment method).[95]
Single source26In 2022, “gift card” scam losses were $55 million (FBI IC3).[96]
Verified27The U.S. FTC’s Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR) restricts deceptive telemarketing including gift offers.[97]
Verified28The TSR requires honoring do-not-call requests (FTC).[98]
Verified29The EU “Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements” not relevant; but “Consumer Rights Directive” sets cancellation and refunds for distance contracts.[99]
Directional30Under EU Consumer Rights Directive, consumers have a 14-day right of withdrawal for distance contracts.[99]
Single source31Under EU Consumer Rights Directive, businesses must provide information on withdrawal.[99]
Verified32U.S. FTC “Mail or Telephone Order Merchandise Rule” requires timely delivery (FTC).[100]
Verified33The “Mail or Telephone Order Merchandise Rule” requires a shipment or refund if the seller cannot ship within stated timeframes (FTC).[100]
Verified34The EU “General Product Safety Regulation” requires products placed on the market to be safe.[101]
Directional35Under EU GPSR 2023/988, economic operators must cooperate and provide traceability information.[101]
Single source36The Credit CARD Act requires gift cards to not expire.[85]
Verified37Under the Credit CARD Act, dormancy fees cannot be imposed for at least 5 years after issuance or last activity (FTC guidance).[85]
VerifiedRegulation, Compliance & Consumer Protection Interpretation
In 2023, gift cards and prepaid payments were the glamorous side of consumer convenience but the grim side of regulation, with the FTC stepping up enforcement on online fraud and refund orders, FBI IC3 tallying billions in Internet crime losses where gift cards were a top scam method, and a patchwork of U.S. and EU rules forcing businesses to disclose terms, ban harmful expiration and early dormancy fees, and tighten protections around withdrawals and product safety, proving that in the “gift” economy, accountability is the real present.
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