Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
Americans Plan to Spend $1,007 on Holiday Gifts, Gallup Finds
News
By News
Published 2 hours ago on
October 28, 2025

Gallup’s 2025 poll shows Americans plan to spend $1,007 on holiday gifts, matching last year’s record highs as income gaps widen. (Gallup)

Share

U.S. consumers plan to spend an average of $1,007 on holiday gifts this year, according to Gallup’s latest poll. This amount roughly matches last year’s record-high expectations and signals  continued strength in seasonal spending.

Gallup’s Oct. 1-16 survey shows that 86% of Americans intend to buy gifts this season, while 8% say they won’t or don’t celebrate the holiday. About 37% expect to spend $1,000 or more, 18% between $500 and $999, and 31% under $500.

While overall spending plans remain steady, Gallup found widening gaps by income level. Households earning less than $50,000 expect to spend $651, down sharply from $776 in 2024. In contrast, those making $100,000 or more project spending $1,479, up from $1,403 last year. Middle-income households plan to spend $847, similar to 2024 levels.

BMW 1280x180

“Continuity in this metric has historically been a sign that holiday sales will be better than average,” Gallup said, noting that steady spending forecasts typically translate to 4% to 5% retail growth.

 

Line chart showing U.S. holiday spending trends since 2006, with 2025 average at $1,007 according to Gallup.
Gallup’s 2025 survey shows Americans expect to spend an average of $1,007 on holiday gifts, continuing a post-pandemic upward trend in spending.

Despite inflation hovering near 3% and wage growth slowing, Gallup analysts say strong stock market gains may buoy higher-income shoppers. Meanwhile, half of lower-income respondents plan to spend about the same as last year, and 30% expect to cut back.

Gallup’s next update, due in November, will assess whether shoppers follow through on their plans — and whether economic uncertainty begins to cool consumer optimism.

Chart showing how holiday spending plans differ by income group in 2024 vs. 2025, based on Gallup survey results.
Gallup survey data shows higher-income Americans are slightly more likely to increase holiday spending in 2025, while lower-income households remain cautious. Source: Gallup

RELATED TOPICS:

Search

Help continue the work that gets you the news that matters most.

Send this to a friend