Gift card shoppers worldwide during the holiday season 2022, by country

Across the 12 markets analyzed, consumers in the United States were the most likely to purchase gift cards as a present for the holidays in 2022. At around 40 percent, gift cards were also a popular choice among holiday shoppers in France, Germany, and Australia. Globally, the average stood at just under 30 percent.

Gift cards: a convenient solution

Finding an appropriate gift for a friend or family member can sometimes feel like a daunting task, especially when the clock is ticking during the holiday season. As such, many holiday shoppers tend to gravitate toward gift cards and vouchers: in 2022, more than 40 percent of consumers in the United States said they planned to buy gift cards as a holiday gift due to how convenient they are, making it by far the most common reason to purchase them that year. And given the fact that the vast majority of U.S. consumers consider gift cards an appropriate holiday present, they are a viable option for those who have not yet decided what to buy.

Popular holiday gifts in the United States

When asked what they would like to see under the Christmas tree in 2022, some 40 percent of surveyed individuals in the United States wanted money, while roughly 36 percent desired gift cards or vouchers. In other words, these were the most wanted holiday gifts that year. In terms of what U.S. consumers were planning to buy for others, many did plan to buy gift cards, alongside toys and clothing items.