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Forget gadgets and socks. All Americans want for Christmas this year is cash,\u00a0according to new research<\/a>.<\/p>\n A survey of 5,000 Americans across all 50 states revealed that most (58%) would prefer to receive money for the holidays, hoping for an average of just over $600. Those in West Virginia (69%) and Georgia (68%) are most likely to want cash this season.<\/p>\n But the practical gifts preferences don\u2019t stop there, wearables and accessories (29%) ranked in second place, with casual attire (58%) and shoes (56%) being the most popular clothing items.<\/p>\n Essentials, such as bills being paid (21%) rounded out the top three most coveted gifts across the board this holiday season. Those in Maine (31%) and Wyoming (29%) were most likely to appreciate someone covering their costs.<\/p>\n Having their utilities (58%) or rent (51%) covered for the month topped these respondents\u2019 list, while a little more than two in five would even be most happy with having some of their credit card debt paid (44%).<\/p>\n One quarter of Gen X (25%) would like to have their mortgage paid, while 33% of millennials would like home improvements, such as new windows or an updated bathroom.<\/p>\n Conducted by Talker Research on behalf of banking app\u00a0Chime<\/a>, results found that some of those polled are bridging the gap between practical and fun, and still want a gift they can show off.<\/p>\n Labubus, blind boxes, Stanley cups and Rhode skin care products top these respondents\u2019 lists, along with items from popular brands such as Free People, UGG, Lululemon, Adidas and Gucci.<\/p>\n Additionally, the survey aimed to uncover how Americans are allocating budgets and selecting the perfect gifts.<\/p>\n According to the results, Americans polled will spend an average of almost $1,120 on presents this year. Millennials are the biggest spenders, averaging almost $1,400 ($1,369) on gifts for others, while baby boomers average the least at $842.<\/p>\n Most of their budget goes towards kids (39%) and partners (24%), averaging about $620 between the two. Parents (15%), friends (13%), coworkers (4%) and service providers (5%) round out the rest of their budgets and gift lists.<\/p>\n Though 31% say that they\u2019ll be spending less on gifts this year than in years past, another 35% believe that they\u2019ll spend more on gifts for other people, compared to how much other people will spend on gifts for them.<\/p>\n Interestingly, those polled believe that their partner will spend an average of $65 on their gifts, with their kids spending another $60, including their parents ($50), friends ($30) and coworkers ($15), this brings their total to just $218.<\/p>\n When it comes to telling others what they want for gifts, actual lists are better left to Santa. Only 16% of those polled give others a list with various options to choose from and even fewer (8%) list our specific items that they shouldn\u2019t stray from.<\/p>\n The most popular approach is simply to let everyone come up with a surprise (31%), though those in Arkansas (38%) tell them the typical \u201cI don\u2019t need anything,\u201d along with those in Montana, South Carolina and West Virginia (all 37%). Those in Georgia (34%) opt to casually drop hints throughout the year.<\/p>\n No matter how they approach the holidays, 62% of those polled agree that it\u2019s more \u201cin\u201d this year than ever before to purchase practical gifts for others.<\/p>\n \u201cMore people are prioritizing financial well-being this year, with 70% hoping for cash instead of traditional gifts,\u201d said Chime\u2019s Chief Spending Officer, Janelle Sallenave. \u201cIt\u2019s clear Americans want to bank smarter this season by making intentional spending choices that reduce stress and help them start the new year on stronger financial footing.\u201d<\/p>\n During the holiday season, two in five (41%) find themselves checking their bank account at least once a day, with 18% doing so multiple times and is especially true for those in Nevada (30%).<\/p>\n In the new year, 41% have to cut back on spending overall due to holiday costs and 22% struggle to afford bills.<\/p>\n Those in Maine (41%) and Oregon (30%) find themselves eating cheap meals for a while while they recover from holiday spending and one in five of those in Washington (21%) and Massachusetts (18%) even have to delay planning travel.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s no secret that costs can add up quickly during the holiday season and can set people up for a stressful financial start in the new year,\u201d said Sallenave. \u201cThis year, we\u2019re seeing a shift in gift preferences toward essentials and cash, reflecting how many Americans are prioritizing practical support over traditional gifts.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Research methodology:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Talker Research surveyed 5,000 state-by-state Americans (100 in each state) who celebrate a winter holiday, who have access to the internet;<\/strong>\u00a0the survey was commissioned by\u00a0Chime<\/strong>\u00a0and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between Oct. 23 to Oct. 31, 2025. A link to the questionnaire can be found\u00a0here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n To view the complete methodology as part of AAPOR\u2019s Transparency Initiative, please visit the Talker Research\u00a0Process and Methodology page<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\nSome Still Want Fun, Trendy, Show-off Gifts<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Prioritizing Financial Well-Being<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Most Wanted Gifts This Holiday Season<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Most Wanted Essentials This Holiday Season<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Most Wanted Experiences This Holiday Season<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Most Wanted Gadgets This Holiday Season<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Most Wanted Trendy Items This Holiday Season<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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