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Christmas gifts underneath a Christmas tree.

A Christmas gift or Christmas present is a gift given in celebration of Christmas. Christmas gifts are often exchanged on Christmas Eve (December 24),[1] Christmas Day itself (December 25) or on the last day of the twelve-day Christmas season, Twelfth Night (January 5).[2] The practice of giving gifts during Christmastide, according to Christian tradition, is symbolic of the presentation of the gifts by the Three Wise Men to the infant Jesus.[3]

History

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Wise men give gifts to Jesus, woodcut by Julius Schnorr von Karolsfeld, 1860

Gift-giving in general is an ancient tradition that came to be associated with the Christian feast of Christmas.

In ancient Rome, gift giving might have occurred near the winter solstice in December which was celebrated during the Saturnalia holiday.[4]

As Christianity became increasingly widespread in the Roman lands, the custom of gift-giving occurred on New Year's Day.[5] Around 336 AD, the date December 25 appears to have become established as the day of Jesus's birth, and the tradition of gift-giving was tied to the story of the Biblical Magi giving gifts to baby Jesus;[6][7] together with another story, that of Saint Nicholas, a fourth-century Christian bishop and gift-giver, it slowly became a part of Christmas celebrations in countries such as the United Kingdom; in other Christian countries, the practice of gift-giving occurs early in Advent, on Saint Nicholas Day.[5][4]

Christmas advertising mentioning gifts from c. 1900
Christmas presents for World War I soldiers awaiting shipment, 1917

Some early Christian rulers, however, interpreted this story as indications that it should be their subjects who should give gifts to their superiors, and insisted on tributes and tithes during that period. This changed around the turn of the millennium following the popularity of the Good King Wenceslas story based on the life of another historical person claimed to be a gift-giver, Saint Wenceslaus.[5] Christmas gift-giving to superiors became less common, and around the time of the Protestant Reformation, customs of gift-giving to children became increasingly widespread in Europe.[5] The custom spread to the United States in the 19th century. This also coincided with the desire of some elites to reduce the rowdiness of adult Christmas celebrations, which in some places were tied to begging, as "bands of young men, often rowdy, would wassail from home to home and demand handouts from the gentry". Another related aspect was the growing desire by parents to keep children at home, away from the corrupting influence of the urban streets.[8][9]

Another relatively recent change concerned the time of Christmas gift-giving. For many centuries, gift-giving took place on December 6 around Saint Nicholas Day or in early January after New Year's Eve. The popularity of this custom grew after the positive reception of the 1823 poem The Night Before Christmas and the 1843 novella A Christmas Carol. By the end of the 19th century, Christmas Eve replaced early December or January dates as the most common date for gift-giving in the Western culture.[5]

With the Christmas season lasting twelve days according to the liturgical calendars of many Christian Churches, a gift is given for each of the twelve days of Christmastide in some cultures, while in other Christian households, gifts are only given on Christmas Day or Twelfth Night, the first and last days of the Christmas season, respectively.[2]

Economic impact

[edit]
Red Cross workers packing Christmas presents for the Fighting Forces during World War II, October 1942
Christmas decorations, often featuring Christmas gifts, abound in many shopping malls
Main article: Economics of Christmas

The tradition was also embraced by retailers, for whom the weeks and, eventually, the entire month before Christmas became a very profitable period.[5] Around the turn of the 20th century retailers started directing marketing efforts at children in the hopes that they would entice the parents to buy more goods.[8]

It can divide the gifts given by parents into involvement in parental Christmas gift giving and giving branded items as gifts. Up to the 1970s, those six weeks before Christmas accounted for 80% of the toy industry's sales.[10] RetailMeNot research found that UK households expect to splurge an average of £473.83 on presents, making far more profligate than European. It was normal to spend as much as £300 per child. Retailers predicted £1.1bn would be spent on toys during Christmastime 2020, with an average of £105 spent on younger children.[11] The relationship between involvement in giving gifts and giving branded items as gifts was investigated using Pearson's correlation coefficient. A composite mean for involvement in gift giving was calculated at 5.81 with a standard deviation of 1.32. A calculated composite mean for involvement in brands as gifts was 1.74 and a standard deviation of 1.09.[10] However, if parents' assuming it was normal for children to receive a lot of gifts, note that we also made a point to shop for other kids for donations. Besides, if parents plan to give no gifts, it is because they don't want children only live in this society of consumption. They will look for other things that bring more joy to the family.[12]

In the early 2000s it was estimated that shoppers in the U.S. alone spend over $4 billion each day during the Christmas shopping season, with an average individual spending over $1,000 on gifts.[5]

There are concerns that gift-giving during Christmas is too commercial. Seventy percent of respondents to an online survey of 13,576 people in 14 European countries in 2016 said that too much attention is put on spending during the Christmas period, 42% said they felt forced to spend more at Christmas, and 10% borrowed money to be able to afford the gifts.[13]

Economist Joel Waldfogel noted that because of the mismatch between what the giftee values the gift and the value paid for by the giver, the gifts lose between one-tenth and one-third of their value; he calls it the "deadweight loss of Christmas".[14] This leads to gifts often being returned, sold, or re-gifted. In the 2016 European online survey, 15% of respondents were unhappy about their gifts and 10% could not remember what they had received. Twenty-five percent of respondents said they had re-gifted their presents to someone else, 14% sold the items, 10% tried to return them to the store, and 5% returned the gift to the giver.[13] Seniors were more likely to send their unwanted presents to charity, while those aged 25 to 34 "simply threw them away".[13] Gifts that are least likely to be appreciated rely on personal tastes, and include items like perfumes and cosmetics, ornaments, and clothing.[15]

Wrapping

[edit]

According to researchers from the University of Nevada, poorly-wrapped gifts get a preferable reaction because "presents that are neatly wrapped increase a recipient's expectations."[15]

Common Christmas gift packaging materials and styles:

  • Ribbons and ribbons: Shiny ribbons and ribbons are the finishing touch of Christmas gift packaging, which can add a sense of luxury to the gift. Usually, festive colors such as gold, silver, and red are selected.
  • Gift boxes and gift paper: Some particularly exquisite gifts will choose to use gift boxes or patterned gift paper for packaging, and some decorations can be added to the outside, such as small garlands, sequins, or Christmas ornaments.
  • Labels: Sticker labels and paper tags are used to name the recipient and giver of the gift. They are often designed.
  • Gift bags: Paper gift bags with handles which are often decorated or lettered have become popular in the past few decades since being first introduced by Hallmark in 1987. Jumbo plastic gift bags used for larger items were introduced by Hallmark in the 1970s. Gift bags are a faster and more convenient way in preparing gifts as there is no wrapping involved. They can also be reused.[16]
  • Gift envelopes: They are used for monetary gifts, checks, or gift cards. They are often colored or designed. A greeting card and its associated envelope can be used, and this is especially so when mailing the gift.

Further reading

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See also

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References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Christmas gift

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
A Christmas gift is a present given and received during the Christmas holiday season, most commonly on December 25, as part of celebrations commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ in Christian tradition. This practice symbolizes the biblical account of the Magi, or Wise Men, presenting gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the infant Jesus, as described in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 2:11). The tradition blends ancient pagan customs with Christian symbolism, evolving into a global cultural phenomenon that emphasizes generosity, family bonds, and seasonal joy. The origins of Christmas gift-giving trace back to pre-Christian winter festivals, particularly the Roman Saturnalia held from December 17 to 23, during which participants exchanged small figurines called , dice cups, and other tokens to promote social harmony and mark the solstice. In the early 4th century AD, as spread in the , these pagan rituals were adapted to align with the new feast of , with gift exchanges explicitly linked to the Magi's offerings on Epiphany (January 6), reinforcing themes of homage and divine kingship. By the , the legend of , a 4th-century known for secret gift-giving to the poor, further popularized the custom, especially in where children received treats on his feast day, December 6. In the , particularly during the in Britain and America, gift-giving transformed into a more structured, family-oriented ritual focused on children, influenced by works like Clement Clarke Moore's 1823 poem and Charles Dickens's 1843 novella , which portrayed gift exchanges as acts of charity and domestic warmth to curb public rowdiness. This shift domesticated the tradition, moving it indoors and emphasizing modest, heartfelt presents over extravagance. Today, the practice has become heavily commercialized, with global retail sales surging in the holiday period, yet it retains its core significance as an expression of love, gratitude, and communal celebration across diverse cultures.

History and Origins

Ancient and Medieval Roots

The practice of gift-giving during winter celebrations predates Christianity, originating in pagan festivals tied to the . In , the festival, held from December 17 to 23, featured widespread exchanges of small, affordable gifts known as —typically wax or terracotta figurines, candles, combs, and pottery—among all social classes, including slaves who were temporarily treated as equals. This egalitarian custom, culminating on December 23 in a dedicated day of gift-giving, marked the end of the agricultural year and emphasized communal joy and reversal of social norms. Early Christians in the adapted these traditions as they established as the date for celebrating 's birth, coinciding with Roman pagan festivals like to facilitate cultural integration. Gift-giving became linked to the biblical account of the , who presented the infant with gold, , and as described in the Gospel of Matthew, symbolizing kingship, divinity, and sacrifice, respectively. This scriptural precedent, combined with the repurposing of Saturnalian customs, laid the foundation for associating presents with the Nativity. In medieval Europe, these elements evolved through Christian and folk customs. The 4th-century Bishop St. Nicholas of became a central figure in gift-giving lore due to legends of his secret distributions of dowries and aid to impoverished children, with stories circulating from the 6th century onward. His cult spread widely after the 11th-century translation of his relics to , , in 1087, fostering the image of a benevolent gift-bringer that prefigured the archetype. Concurrently, in Anglo-Saxon from the 7th to 11th centuries, observances incorporated the burning of a for communal feasting, often involving token exchanges of food and drink as symbols of hospitality and prosperity. Wassailing, a related custom of door-to-door blessings with spiced ale, similarly entailed reciprocal gifts of ale, bread, or fruits to ensure good fortune, blending pagan roots with emerging Christian winter rites.

Development in the Modern Era

In the , the tradition of Christmas gifting underwent significant transformation in , largely influenced by and Prince Albert. The royal couple popularized the as a central element of holiday celebrations in the 1840s, adorning it with ornaments that served as gifts for family members, blending German customs with British domestic rituals. This practice gained widespread appeal following an 1848 engraving in the Illustrated London News depicting the royal family gathered around a decorated tree at , which disseminated the image through print media and inspired middle-class households to adopt similar traditions. American commercialization accelerated these developments in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, shifting gifting toward mass-market accessibility. , founded in 1872 as the first major mail-order business, expanded its catalogs by the 1890s to include a diverse array of toys, enabling rural consumers to order holiday gifts directly for delivery and fostering the "wish book" culture. In 1931, Coca-Cola's advertising campaign, illustrated by , introduced a jolly, red-suited promoting the beverage during the holidays, standardizing the modern Santa image in and linking gift-giving to commercial branding through annual magazine ads. The 20th century saw further milestones driven by demographic and economic shifts, particularly after . The post-war in the United States, spanning 1946 to 1964, dramatically increased demand for children's toys as families grew, with the 1950s marking a surge in popular items like electric trains from manufacturers such as Lionel and the introduction of the doll by in 1959, which became an enduring symbol of aspirational gifting. Retail promotions also evolved, with Black Friday emerging in the 1960s as a term coined by retailers and police to describe the chaotic post-Thanksgiving shopping crowds, soon adopted nationwide for deep discounts on holiday gifts to boost year-end sales. Globally, Christmas gifting adapted to local contexts beyond Western traditions, notably in non-Christian nations. In , post-World War II exposure to American culture via U.S. military presence introduced as a secular holiday, evolving by the 1980s economic boom into a romantic occasion focused on couples exchanging gifts like jewelry or dinners, distinct from family-oriented celebrations elsewhere.

Cultural and Religious Significance

Christian Traditions

The tradition of Christmas gift-giving in Christianity originates from the biblical account in the Gospel of Matthew, where the three Wise Men, or , present gifts to the infant upon visiting him after his birth. According to Matthew 2:1-12, the bring , , and as offerings, symbolizing ' identity and future. represents his kingship and royal authority, signifies his divinity and priestly role, and foreshadows his suffering, death, and burial, as it was commonly used in and sacrificial rites. This biblical event is commemorated liturgically on the feast of Epiphany, observed on in many Christian denominations, marking the Magi's adoration of Christ and the manifestation of his divinity to the Gentiles. In Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions, Epiphany celebrations often include gift exchanges that echo the Magi's offerings, serving as a reminder of the original presentation to and emphasizing themes of revelation and generosity. These practices vary by region but commonly involve families or communities sharing modest gifts, sometimes in church services or processions, to highlight spiritual homage over material excess. Denominational differences shape how Christmas gifts align with faith principles, with Protestants often prioritizing spiritual and charitable giving to counter . In Puritan traditions, for instance, 17th- and 18th-century communities in and early America viewed elaborate Christmas celebrations—including lavish gift-giving—as indulgent and pagan-influenced, favoring instead subdued observances focused on fasting, prayer, and acts of charity to honor Christ's humility. Catholic customs, by contrast, integrate gift-sharing into Advent rituals like in Latin American countries, a nine-night reenactment from December 16 to 24 of Mary and Joseph's search for shelter, where participants exchange food, prayers, and small gifts such as treats or piñatas to foster community solidarity and anticipation of the Nativity. Charitable gift-giving remains a core expression of Christian almsgiving, rooted in biblical calls to aid the needy as an act of . Modern programs, such as those run by since the late 19th century, exemplify this by distributing toys and essentials to underprivileged children during the holidays, linking material support to imperative of and reflecting the Magi's through practical . These initiatives, evolving from early Christmas meal provisions in the , underscore how gift-giving embodies Christian teachings on and love for the vulnerable.

Secular and Global Variations

In Western secular contexts, Christmas gift-giving has evolved into communal activities detached from religious observance, such as exchanges, which emerged in early 20th-century American social groups like sororities and were later popularized in workplaces for affordable, anonymous gifting among colleagues. Similarly, gift swaps, inspired by a historical Southeast Asian where the King of Siam bestowed rare albino elephants as burdensome "gifts" to disfavored courtiers, became a playful 20th-century party tradition involving the trading of quirky or unwanted items to foster fun and surprise. Globally, seasonal and environmental factors shape unique gift practices; in , where Christmas falls during summer, gift-giving aligns with outdoor barbecues and seaside gatherings under the southern sun. In , the secular of the 13 Yule Lads—troll-like figures first documented in 17th-century poetry—continues through a 13-night where children place shoes on windowsills to receive small treats or toys from each lad, a custom that has softened from its original mischievous intent into a lighthearted, non-religious family tradition. Multicultural adaptations further diversify gifting; among Jewish communities in the United States, ""—a hybrid celebration blending and —gained traction in the early 2000s as interfaith families exchanged dual-themed gifts like menorah ornaments alongside tree decorations to honor both heritages. In urban , since the early 2000s, cosmopolitan "Christmas towns" in cities like and have hosted secular parties featuring imported toy swaps and apple exchanges (symbolizing peace), reflecting a commercial embrace of the holiday among young professionals without traditional religious ties. Contemporary inclusivity trends emphasize gender-neutral and personalized gifting in LGBTQ+ circles, where selections like customizable jewelry, apparel, or experiences from queer-owned brands prioritize individual identity over conventional gendered norms, promoting equitable joy.

Gift-Giving Practices

Selection and Common Types

Selecting Christmas gifts involves considering factors such as the recipient's age to ensure appropriateness and developmental benefits. For children under 12, educational toys that promote motor skills, , and learning are recommended, such as building blocks or puzzles that align with cognitive stages from infancy to pre-adolescence. enhances sentimental value, with or monogramming on items like jewelry tracing back to 19th-century Victorian trends where hand-engraved initials signified and . Common gift categories include toys and games, which have long been staples for family celebrations. sets, introduced in their modern interlocking form in , became a holiday favorite due to their versatility in fostering imaginative play. Books, particularly annual bestsellers and holiday-themed editions, offer intellectual engagement and seasonal charm, with publishers releasing special formats to capitalize on festive reading traditions. Clothing and accessories, such as woolen scarves, hold prominence in Nordic Christmas customs, reflecting cultural emphasis on warmth and handmade craftsmanship during winter gatherings. Gift cards have emerged as one of the most popular Christmas gifts in recent years, offering flexibility for recipients to choose their own items. As of 2025, approximately 50% of U.S. consumers plan to purchase gift cards for the holidays, contributing to a market projected at $447.1 billion in revenue. Electronics, such as wireless earbuds or smart devices, are also common, appealing to tech-savvy adults and aligning with trends toward practical, high-use presents. Experiential gifts, like tickets to concerts, theater events, or workshops, have surged in popularity since the 2010s as alternatives to material items, with surveys indicating 82-92% of recipients preferring memorable activities over possessions. Regifting, the practice of passing on an unwanted , stems from 19th-century social norms of reciprocity in exchanges, where balanced giving maintained relationships. Modern accepts it discreetly to avoid waste, with surveys showing about 33-43% of participating during holidays.

Exchange Customs and Etiquette

The exchange of Christmas gifts often follows established rituals tied to family and cultural traditions, with timing varying significantly by region and household. In many Western countries, particularly the and , gifts are traditionally opened on Christmas morning during family gatherings, allowing for a communal experience that fosters shared excitement. In contrast, Scandinavian countries like emphasize openings, where the Julklapp tradition involves surprise deliveries—gifts are left anonymously at doors with a knock, or distributed by a costumed Santa figure during evening celebrations—to heighten anticipation and playfulness. Etiquette surrounding gift exchanges prioritizes reciprocity and graciousness to maintain social harmony. The principle of reciprocity dictates that gifts should be of comparable value to avoid imbalance, though the focus remains on thoughtful intent rather than exact equivalence; this norm, rooted in , encourages mutual exchange without obligation for immediate repayment. Formalized in early 20th-century guides, thank-you notes are considered essential for acknowledging gifts, even if expressed verbally upon receipt, to convey appreciation and reinforce relationships— authority advised prompt, handwritten notes for presents to uphold courtesy standards. Cultural variations influence these norms, adapting to local values of restraint or communal obligation. In minimalist Scandinavian households, particularly in and , gift-giving is often subdued or omitted altogether in favor of shared meals and experiences, reflecting a cultural emphasis on simplicity over materialism; extravagant presents may even be viewed as intrusive unless reciprocated first. In East Asian contexts where Christmas has been secularly adopted, such as and , gifting becomes semi-obligatory to preserve group harmony (wa in Japanese culture), with exchanges typically involving modest items like sweets or accessories presented with both hands and refused once initially for politeness. When gifts do not align with preferences, emphasizes discreet handling to spare feelings. Recipients are advised to express immediate thanks regardless, then opt for returns, donations, or regifting without disclosure; , surveys indicate 15-30% of gifts are returned annually, often through retailer policies allowing exchanges within a post-Christmas window. Donating unwanted items to charities is a common, eco-conscious alternative, provided the original packaging is removed to avoid traceability.

Presentation and Packaging

Evolution of Wrapping

The evolution of Christmas gift wrapping emerged as a distinctly Western tradition in the , particularly among upper-class Victorians who employed elaborately decorated paper, lace, and ribbons to conceal presents. This practice transformed simple gift-giving into a of anticipation, with department stores in the United States, such as those pioneering holiday displays in the late 1800s, introducing colorful and ribbons to make wrapping more accessible and festive for middle-class consumers. By the early , wrapping shifted toward standardization and disposability, from earlier elaborate decorations giving way to printed paper amid growing . In 1917, during shortages of traditional tissue paper, J.C. Hall and Rollie Hall of in Kansas City improvised by selling engraved liners—featuring geometric patterns, florals, and Christmas motifs—as decorative wrap, priced at 10 cents per sheet; these sold out rapidly, prompting the brothers to produce their own pre-printed paper by 1919 and founding the modern gift wrap industry. This innovation democratized festive wrapping, evolving from bulky, hand-decorated materials to affordable, mass-produced sheets that became ubiquitous by the , replacing earlier fabric and lace traditions with convenient, tear-away designs. Mid-20th-century advancements further enhanced the aesthetic appeal, with the introduction of shiny materials like metallic foils and self-sticking ribbons to provide a celebratory sheen that amplified glamour. The sparked interest in reusable alternatives like saved wrapping sheets, cloth bags, and ribbons to reduce amid rising awareness of resource conservation. Throughout its development, gift wrapping has carried symbolic weight as an "unveiling of mystery," mirroring medieval of St. Nicholas, who secretly delivered bags of gold to a destitute family by tossing them through a —unseen and unrecognized—to provide without expectation of thanks, inspiring the concealed, anticipatory nature of modern presents. This hidden generosity underscores wrapping's role in fostering surprise and anonymity in gift exchange.

Materials and Techniques

Contemporary Christmas gift wrapping relies on a variety of core materials that balance aesthetics, durability, and practicality. , prized for its rustic appearance and natural brown hue, has become a staple for eco-conscious wrappers due to its biodegradability and recyclability; it is produced from long wood fibers using a sulfate process that minimizes . , a transparent regenerated cellulose film, adds shimmering accents or full enclosures to gifts, enhancing visual appeal while allowing contents to be glimpsed; invented in by Swiss chemist Jacques E. Brandenberger as a waterproof , it was later adapted for . Adhesives such as provide seamless bonds for folds and edges, eliminating visible seams and promoting a polished finish without the need for traditional Scotch tape. Standard techniques for wrapping begin with basic box methods, which involve measuring to exceed the gift's dimensions by twice the height on all sides, cutting to size, centering the upside down on the paper, and folding the sides upward to overlap at the top before securing with ; the ends are then creased into triangular flaps and folded flat against the sides. For irregularly shaped items like bottles or toys, pleating techniques are employed by gathering excess paper into even folds at the ends and twisting or taping them closed to create a tidy, balloon-like seal. Bow-tying varies from simple knots using basic wrapped around the package to more elaborate florist-style loops, where multiple ribbon segments are pinched and looped in sequence to form voluminous, multi-tiered decorations secured with wire or twists. Essential tools facilitate precise execution, including sharp for clean cuts, rulers or measuring tapes to ensure accurate sizing, and tape dispensers for efficient adhesive application without waste. In the 2010s, digital cutting machines like models gained popularity among hobbyists for creating custom patterns, such as vinyl stickers or intricate paper cutouts, that can be applied to wrapping for personalized designs; these devices use software to plot and cut materials with high precision, revolutionizing DIY embellishments. To accommodate varying skill levels and time constraints, accessibility adaptations include pre-wrapped options offered by retailers, where gifts are professionally packaged in boxes or bags ready for gifting, often at an additional fee starting around $5 per item. Additionally, DIY tutorials on platforms like have proliferated since the mid-2000s, providing step-by-step video guides that have democratized advanced techniques, with millions of views annually on channels dedicated to holiday wrapping hacks.

Economic and Social Impact

Retail and Consumer Spending

The retail sector experiences a significant surge in during the season, with the serving as a primary indicator of global patterns. According to the (NRF), U.S. retail sales for and 2025 are projected to reach between $1.01 trillion and $1.02 trillion, marking the first time spending surpasses $1 trillion and representing a 3.7% to 4.2% increase over 2024's $955.6 billion total. Of this amount, the majority is allocated to gifts, with consumers planning an average expenditure of $890.49 per person on items, including approximately $627.93 on presents, accounting for about 70% of the per-person . Globally, the gift retailing market is expected to reach $491.82 billion in 2025, driven by seasonal demand for -related purchases. Shopping patterns intensify in the lead-up to , with and accounting for peak retail activity as consumers prepare for exchanges. This period sees a concentration of sales, particularly online, where events like —coined in 2005 by the industry group Shop.org to promote post- —play a pivotal role. typically contributes around 5.5% of total holiday online spending, generating a record $13.3 billion in 2024 and fostering a 7.3% year-over-year increase in digital sales during the event. Overall, Cyber Week (encompassing through ) drives about 17.2% of the entire holiday online sales volume, underscoring its importance in boosting momentum for purchases. Demographic variations influence spending behaviors, with younger generations like prioritizing certain categories amid economic pressures. , often in peak earning years, plan expenditures that are relatively stable year-over-year but allocate a notable portion toward experiential gifts, with 78% expressing a preference for experiences over physical items in their overall budgets. has tempered this enthusiasm; between 2022 and 2023, 56% of U.S. shoppers reported being unable to purchase as many gifts as desired due to rising prices, leading to adjustments in quantity rather than value per item, though overall per-person spending dipped slightly from $940 in 2022 plans to around $875 in 2023. The for Christmas gifts, particularly toys, relies heavily on the holiday period for revenue generation. Toy manufacturers such as derive a substantial portion of their annual income from seasonal sales, with the company reporting an 8% revenue increase in Q3 2025 partly due to accelerating holiday orders and projecting high-single-digit growth for the full year driven by Q4 demand. This dependency highlights how retailers and suppliers time and production to capitalize on the compressed November-December , where holiday-related products can account for up to 40-50% of category sales in peak economies.

Commercialization and Criticisms

The commercialization of Christmas gift-giving has drawn historical critiques emphasizing its shift toward materialism at the expense of spiritual and communal values. In his 1843 novella A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens portrayed the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge as a symbol of unchecked materialism, using the story to warn against the dehumanizing effects of prioritizing wealth over generosity and compassion during the holiday season. By the mid-20th century, as television advertising proliferated, critics raised concerns about the targeting of children to fuel holiday consumerism, viewing it as an erosion of innocent family traditions into manipulative sales tactics. Modern manifestations of this have led to significant financial and environmental burdens. spending often results in substantial accumulation, with surveys indicating that in about 36% of incurred an of $1,181 in during the season, exacerbating post-holiday financial stress. Environmentally, the practice generates massive , including an estimated 2.3 million pounds of and from wrapping and bags discarded annually in the U.S., much of which ends up in landfills and contributes to . Cultural debates highlight the perceived loss of Christmas's spiritual essence amid rampant consumerism. In his 2013 apostolic exhortation , critiqued the "idolatry of money" and consumerism's dominance, arguing that it distorts societal priorities and marginalizes the poor, urging a return to gospel-centered values over material excess. This sentiment has fueled anti-consumerist movements, such as , initiated in 1992 by Canadian activist Ted Dave as a counter to Black Friday frenzy, promoting reflection on overconsumption's cultural and planetary impacts. Psychologically, the pressure to select and exchange gifts intensifies anxiety for many. According to a 2023 American Psychological Association survey, 40% of U.S. adults report stress specifically from finding the right gifts, often tied to expectations of reciprocity and perfectionism, which can overshadow familial joy.

Sustainable and Ethical Gifting

Sustainable and ethical gifting during emphasizes reducing environmental impact and promoting through mindful choices in materials and sourcing. Eco-friendly wrapping options, such as recycled paper, help divert waste from landfills; for instance, , approximately 2.6 billion pounds of wrapping paper are discarded annually, much of which ends up in landfills, and opting for recycled alternatives can significantly cut this volume by reusing post-consumer materials. Reusable fabric wraps provide another effective solution, inspired by traditions like the Scandinavian use of linen cloths or simple fabric bundles for bundling gifts, which eliminate single-use paper entirely and can be reused indefinitely, aligning with broader zero-waste principles. Ethical sourcing ensures gifts support fair labor and sustainable production, avoiding exploitative practices common in fast fashion. Fair-trade certifications verify that products like chocolate are produced without child labor or unfair wages; Tony's Chocolonely, founded in 2005, exemplifies this by sourcing 100% slave-free cocoa and holding Fairtrade certification from its inception to promote equitable supply chains. Similarly, choosing durable goods from local artisans over mass-produced fast fashion items reduces overconsumption and supports community economies, as these pieces are designed for longevity rather than disposability. Consumer trends reflect growing awareness, with surveys indicating a strong preference for sustainable options; a 2022 IBM study found that 73% of consumers consider a major factor in purchases. Zero-waste gifting challenges, popularized on platforms like and since the mid-2010s, encourage participants to wrap gifts without producing trash, further amplifying these practices through community sharing and viral content. Corporations have responded by integrating repair and reuse into their models to extend product life cycles. launched its Worn Wear repair program in 2012, offering free or low-cost fixes for gifted outdoor gear, which has repaired over 100,000 items annually.

Digital and Experiential Gifts

Digital gifts represent a shift toward intangible, technology-enabled presents that prioritize convenience and immediacy over physical items. E-gift cards, redeemable online for purchases, emerged as a prominent option in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with platforms like Amazon introducing them to facilitate instant delivery via or text. By 2023, digital gift cards accounted for 34% of the total U.S. market, reflecting their growing dominance in gifting due to ease of distribution and reduced logistical barriers. During the 2021-2023 cryptocurrency boom, non-fungible tokens (NFTs) briefly surged as novel collectible gifts, often marketed as unique or assets for exchanges, appealing to tech-savvy recipients interested in blockchain-based ownership. Experiential gifts, which emphasize memories and activities rather than objects, have also proliferated through digital channels. Subscription boxes, delivering curated monthly selections of products like beauty samples, trace their modern origins to Birchbox, launched in 2010 as a pioneering service that personalized deliveries based on user profiles. Virtual reality (VR) experiences have emerged as immersive gifts, with VR headsets and app-based adventures—such as holiday-themed simulations—gaining traction as popular Christmas presents, exemplified by Meta's Oculus devices topping tech gift lists in recent holiday seasons. Travel vouchers, redeemable for trips or accommodations, have seen renewed demand post-COVID-19, with experiential travel bookings contributing to a broader 7.5% rise in global travel spending above pre-pandemic levels by 2024. Supporting these trends are digital platforms that streamline gifting processes. Apps like Giftster, available since the early , enable users to create and share private wish lists for occasions including , allowing family members to track purchases and avoid duplicates. E-commerce sites have integrated AI-driven recommenders to enhance personalization; , for instance, rolled out its "Gift Mode" feature in 2024, using to generate tailored gift suggestions based on recipient details like age and interests, building on earlier algorithmic tools introduced around 2020. In 2025, trends have evolved further with increased adoption of AI-curated experiential gifts and sustainable tech gadgets, such as eco-friendly smart devices. These non-physical gifts offer distinct advantages, including from minimized shipping and packaging, with digital options reducing carbon emissions by up to 97% compared to traditional plastic cards. through data analytics allows for more thoughtful selections, aligning with consumer preferences for meaningful experiences; surveys indicate that 62% of favor such experiential or digital gifts over physical items, underscoring a generational tilt toward intangible value in 2024 spending.

References

  1. https://www.historyhit.com/why-do-we-give-presents-at-christmas/
  2. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%202&version=NIV
  3. https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2015/12/why-people-give-christmas-gifts/421908/
  4. https://www.vindolanda.com/blog/saturnalia-roman-midwinter-festival
  5. https://blogs.ashmolean.org/latininscriptions/2014/12/12/on-the-feast-of-saturnalia-my-master-gave-to-me/index.html
  6. https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/people-cultures-in-the-bible/jesus-historical-jesus/how-december-25-became-christmas/
  7. https://www.stnicholascenter.org/who-is-st-nicholas/origin-of-santa
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