The 2023 Christmas and holiday season is now well underway in America.

People started shopping a few months ago, but the big shopping numbers reveal themselves between November and December. 

Americans are expected to spend in excess of $800 on average per person on Christmas 2023.

This includes holiday spending on gifts, food and beverage, travel, entertainment, decorations, Christmas cards, etc.

So, how much do Americans spend on Christmas?

Let’s find out.

U.S. Christmas Spending Statistics

• In the United States, Christmas spending is forecasted to reach $1.1 trillion in 2023.
• 2023 Christmas spending in America is expected to be record-breaking. 
• In 2022, the average American spent about $826 (USD) on food, gifts, and decorations.
• Men spend 10% more than women on Christmas gifts on average.
• In America, 32.8 million real live Christmas trees were sold over the 2022 holiday season. 
• 95% of American consumers intend to shop for the 2023 holiday season.
• 34% of Americans buy Christmas presents for their dogs and 22% for their cats.
• Americans aged 45 to 54 are the biggest Christmas spenders.
• 47% of women say they want jewelry and 32.3% of men say they want gift cards for Christmas.

How Much Do Americans Spend On Christmas?

1. In The United States, Christmas Spending Is Forecasted to Reach $1.1 Trillion in 2023.

According to data, the United States Christmas spending is expected to reach at least $1.1 billion (USD) in 2023.

Some forecasts are saying it will be higher at $1.3 billion (USD).

Either way, that’s a lot of money being spent on Christmas gifts and other activities.

(DemandSage)

2. 2023 Christmas Spending in America Is Expected to Be Record-Breaking. 

Americans have the largest global share of Christmas shopping over other countries.

It’s no surprise that while last year’s spending was slightly less than 2021 Christmas spending, that 2023 spending will break records.

Investopedia revealed that 2023 Christmas spending is set to reach between $958.3 billion (USD) and $966.6 billion (USD) in 2023, which is up by 3% to 4% over 2022.

(Investopedia)

3. In 2022, the Average American Spent About $826 (USD) on Food, Gifts, and Decorations.

We know that 2023 is set to see higher spending on Christmas gifts, food, decorations, etc.

So, for reference, in 2022, the average American spent around $826 (USD) on food, decorations, and gifts for the holiday season.

Moreover, of that $826 spent, $500 was spent on family gifts. 

(Wharton Women)

4. Men Spend 10% More than Women on Christmas Gifts on Average.

According to data, men spend an average of 10% more on the Christmas/holiday gifts they buy than women do.

Whether this is due to women being more adept at finding the best deals because of their own shopping habits or not is unknown.

Spending habits among men and women are different.

(Exploding Topics)

5. in America, 32.8 Million Real Live Christmas Trees Were Sold Over the 2022 Holiday Season. 

American consumers bought 32.8 million real Christmas trees in 2022.

This is another Christmas expenditure that goes beyond gifts.

For reference, in 2017, 27.1 million real Christmas trees were sold.

Many feel that this is a more environmentally friendly option over fake trees that aren’t biodegradable and end up in landfills.

(Fortunly)

6. 95% of American Consumers Intend to Shop for The 2023 Holiday Season.

Seeing as Americans spend more than anyone else in the world on Christmas (gifts, trees, decorations, food, beverages, events, etc.), it’s not surprising that 95% of them will shop during the 2023 Christmas season.

Retail sales for this season are expected to reach $960 billion (USD) in the United States.

(DemandSage)

7. Black Friday Is the Biggest Shopping Day in America with Cyber Monday the Second Biggest. 

The National Retail Foundation survey found that 72% (130.7 million people) of American consumers say they planned to shop Black Friday sales in 2023.

Moreover, 39% (71.1 million people) said they planned to shop Cyber Monday sales in 2023.

Overall, these two days account for the biggest shopping days in America for retailers.

(Investopedia)

8. 34% of Americans Buy Christmas Presents for Their Dogs and 22% for Their Cats.

This statistic tells us that Americans love their pets.

On average, pets in America receive $50 in Christmas gifts.

Further statistics show that 34% of Americans buy Christmas presents for their dogs and 22% for their cats.

However, only 19% of Americans buy presents for their in-laws.

(Wharton Women)

9. Americans Aged 45 to 54 Are the Biggest Christmas Spenders.

Of all age groups in America, those between 45 and 54 are the nation’s largest spenders at Christmas.

In fact, $1,161.98 is spent on average by people in this age group.

The age group that spends the least is between 18 and 24 years old. 

(Exploding Topics)

10. 42.2% of Women Say They Want Jewelry and 32.3% of Men Say They Want Gift Cards for Christmas.

Statistics show that 47% of women want jewelry, 46% of them would be happy to get a weekend vacation, and 42.2% of women said they are find with getting a gift card.

Moreover, 35.8% of women want something homemade.

Among men, 32.3% said they want a gift card (20.3% actually get one), 32% want apparel, and 23.5% of men report feeling unloved by the gifts they receive.

Bonus U.S. Christmas Spending Stats

• Millennials are expected to be the biggest Christmas 2023 spenders.
• Gen X Christmas shoppers are expected to be the second biggest spenders.
• Baby Boomers are in third place in terms of Christmas spending according to age.
• Gen Z is expected to be the lowest spenders for Christmas 2023.
• In 2021 and 2022, 77% of Christmas gifts were clothing and accessories.
• In 2022, 77% of Christmas presents were toys compared to 76% in 2021.
• Gift cards accounted for 76% of Christmas gift giving in 2021 and 2022.
• Pet Christmas spending accounted for 50% in 2022 compared to 46% in 2021.
• 80% of shoppers say they want to find cost-effective ways to Christmas shop in 2023.
• 81% of in-store shoppers for Christmas research products online before making a buying decision.

FAQs

Conclusion

Americans really love Christmas, which shows since this country accounts for the largest share of Christmas revenues in the world.

In fact, a whopping 95% intend to engage in the Christmas experience in 2023.

Christmas/holiday spending includes not only gifts, but it also includes food, beverages, decorations, Christmas trees, ornaments, travel, and other festivities.

Most people buy apparel and toys as Christmas presents in America.

This article addressed the fact that Millennials will be the biggest spenders for the 2023 holiday season.

However, Americans between 45 and 54 years old will spend the most on gifts. 

More data showed that Americans love to buy Christmas gifts for the pets, especially dogs and cats.

Also, most women want jewelry and most men gift cards, but most never get that for Christmas. 

Finally, we learned that in America, Black Friday is the biggest retail shopping day of the year and Cyber Monday is the second biggest retail shopping day of the year.

Do you shop Black Friday or Cyber Monday deals?

We hope you feel we have answered the question of how much do Americans spend on Christmas and that you can apply some of the tips below to save money this year.

Sources

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