As holiday shopping ramps up, younger consumers are taking a different approach to gift-giving: instead of buying several small presents, many in Gen Z are pooling money with friends, partners or siblings to afford one meaningful gift.
Amram Adar, co-founder and CEO of Oobit, a platform that simplifies crypto checkout, says the shift reflects a broader generational focus on getting more for less. “Gen Z focuses most on getting value back,” Adar said. “Sixty-six percent (66%) say rewards and cash back matter more to them this year than to 58% of all Americans.”
The cost-splitting strategy is especially popular among siblings looking to give parents something bigger than they’d buy for themselves. “Gifts are the biggest cause of financial stress around the holidays, so siblings can split the costs and gift a major appliance or a special experience that a parent might never buy for themselves,” Adar said. “This way, each person only spends a small portion of what they would if they were buying it individually. This also helps with shopping habits between generations.”
What’s worth splitting
Adar points to several categories where pooling resources tends to pay off.
Nostalgic items are one trend driving interest. “Record players, retro-style tech, digital photo frames and throwback toys and games are popular nostalgic toys,” Adar said. “Younger shoppers especially are drawn to anything with a vintage feel.”
Home and kitchen upgrades are another popular pick for group gifting. “Espresso machines, air fryers, quality cookware and smart home devices are great home and kitchen items to split,” Adar noted. “With more people entertaining and cooking at home to save money, practical upgrades that people can use every day are an easy win.”
Wellness gifts round out the list. “Massage guns, weighted blankets, sleep gadgets, skincare sets and spa packages are excellent wellness and self-care finds to buy during the holidays,” Adar said. “These are comfort gifts that feel expensive without breaking the bank.”
Electronics also remain a staple purchase, particularly during early holiday sales. “Headphones, tablets, smartwatches and phone accessories remain a holiday staple, and early sales like the pre-Black Friday shopping period make them a popular pick, especially for shoppers who are starting early,” Adar said.
For consumers looking to stretch their holiday budget this year, the takeaway from Gen Z’s approach is straightforward: a bigger, more useful gift split several ways can go further than a handful of smaller individual purchases.
