The state where people spend the most on gifts in the US is Alaska, where the average person spends between $1,000 and $1,499 on gifts.
50% of people spend less than $250 on holiday gifts.
90% of people spend less than $1,000 on holiday gifts.
Just 1% of workers plan on spending over $2,000 on gifts this year.
As the holiday season approaches, many workers find themselves juggling professional responsibilities and personal traditions. December is typically a bustling time with end-of-year performance reviews, office celebrations, and the anticipation of holiday bonuses.
However, as we move into 2026, the landscape of holiday spending continues to evolve. With many workers experiencing a shift in remote and hybrid work arrangements, we conducted a survey of nearly 2,000 employees to gauge current spending habits and sentiments surrounding holiday gifting.
The findings reveal that while some traditions remain, there is a noticeable shift in attitudes towards holiday spending and bonuses.
Key Findings
Additional Insights
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When it comes to holiday spending, the majority of people prioritize purchasing gifts for children, followed closely by their partners.
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Approximately 1 in 4 employees receive paid time off on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
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Only 13% of respondents anticipate receiving a cash bonus this holiday season.
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An additional 5% expect to receive gift cards or other rewards, although cash remains the preferred choice for most employees.
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Interestingly, only 6% of surveyed employees are participating in virtual holiday parties.
Research Methodology
At Zippia.com, we conducted a comprehensive survey of 1,900 workers across the United States to gain insights into holiday spending behavior. Participants were selected through Clickworker, a prominent survey platform, and asked a standardized set of questions regarding their holiday spending plans.
The data showcased in our findings reflects the most frequently reported responses from participants.
The State of Work Holiday Parties in 2026
This year, for many workers, holiday parties may not be on the agenda. A significant portion, around 70%, report that their companies are opting out of traditional holiday celebrations. For the 16% of employees whose workplaces have never held holiday parties, this is business as usual.
While 9% of companies are continuing with in-person gatherings, only 6% are hosting virtual celebrations. For those attending virtual events, a little holiday cheer might help mitigate the usual technical hiccups.
Given the lack of anticipated bonuses, it seems unlikely that many companies will invest in lavish celebrations this year.
The Preference for Cash Bonuses
While gift cards and other tokens of appreciation can be nice, they often don’t carry the same weight as cash. Employees express a clear preference for cash bonuses, making it a versatile and appreciated gift option.
Wishing You Happy Holidays Amid Challenges
The holiday season can be a source of stress for many workers, particularly with the disappointment of canceled celebrations or unmet expectations for bonuses. While some employees may be facing financial constraints within their organizations, others may simply be accustomed to limited holiday perks.
Despite these challenges, this could be the perfect opportunity to seek new employment that offers more generous benefits and a supportive work culture. Don’t hesitate to explore your options—this could be the year you find your dream job.
How much will you spend on holiday gifts?
| State: | Label |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Less than $250 |
| Alaska | $1,000-$1,499 |
| Arizona | Less than $250 |
| Arkansas | Less than $250 |
| California | Less than $250 |
| Colorado | Less than $250 |
| Connecticut | $250-$499 |
| Delaware | $250-$499 |
| Florida | Less than $250 |
| Georgia | Less than $250 |
| Hawaii | $250-$499 |
| Idaho | Less than $250 |
| Illinois | Less than $250 |
| Indiana | Less than $250 |
| Iowa | Less than $250 |
| Kansas | $250-$499 |
| Kentucky | Less than $250 |
| Louisiana | $250-$499 |
| Maine | Less than $250 |
| Maryland | Less than $250 |
| Massachusetts | Less than $250 |
| Michigan | Less than $250 |
| Minnesota | Less than $250 |
| Mississippi | Less than $250 |
| Missouri | Less than $250 |
| Montana | Less than $250 |
| Nebraska | Less than $250 |
| Nevada | Less than $250 |
| New Hampshire | Less than $250 |
| New Jersey | Less than $250 |
| New Mexico | $250-$499 |
| New York | Less than $250 |
| North Carolina | Less than $250 |
| North Dakota | $250-$499 |
| Ohio | Less than $250 |
| Oklahoma | Less than $250 |
| Oregon | Less than $250 |
| Pennsylvania | $250-$499 |
| Rhode Island | Less than $250 |
| South Carolina | Less than $250 |
| South Dakota | Less than $250 |
| Tennessee | Less than $250 |
| Texas | Less than $250 |
| Utah | Less than $250 |
| Vermont | Less than $250 |
| Virginia | Less than $250 |
| Washington | Less than $250 |
| West Virginia | $250-$499 |
| Wisconsin | Less than $250 |
| Wyoming | Less than $250 |
Author
Kathy is the head of content at Zippia with a knack for engaging audiences. Prior to joining Zippia, Kathy worked at Gateway Blend growing audiences across diverse brands. She graduated from Troy University with a degree in Social Science Education.
