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Holiday shopping trends reveal sharp generational divide

Many Gen Z shoppers also plan to thrift for gifts this holiday season.
Holiday shopping trends reveal sharp generational divide
Shoppers browse through stores at Mall of America for Black Friday deals, Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, in Bloomington, Minn.
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Americans may spend more than $1 trillion on the holidays this year, but not everyone plans to splurge.

Most shoppers are looking for opportunities to save. In fact, holiday spending among Gen Z is expected to drop by 23%, according to a report from accounting firm PwC.

Many Gen Z shoppers also plan to thrift. The report found six in 10 Gen Z consumers are more likely to buy secondhand this season as they look for ways to save money.

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Millennials are also expected to spend slightly less, while Gen X and baby boomers are projected to spend a bit more on their holiday shopping compared with 2024.

“We should not be going overboard this year,” shopping expert Trae Bodge said. “As a consumer, make your list and stick to that list.”

Experts say setting a clear budget can help — and so can AI. About one-third of shoppers say they’re using artificial intelligence tools to help choose gifts.

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