# US holiday consumer spending trends > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-holiday-consumer-spending-trends > Updated: 2026-11-01T15:00:00.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. Consumer spending patterns for the holiday season are shifting away from traditional gift-giving toward home decor, dining, and experiential activities. A JLL study indicates that Americans plan to spend an average of $1,243 this season, representing a 9.7% increase from the previous year. While gift budgets have seen a modest 3.1% rise, spending on food, decorations, entertainment, and dining out has increased by 16.0% and 17.3% respectively. Younger generations, specifically Gen Z and Millennials, are expected to account for half of holiday spending. These groups are driving trends such as ‘grannycore’, which involves a revival of analog hobbies like knitting and crochet, alongside a preference for nostalgic, screen-free activities. In addition to physical goods, there is a growing trend toward experience-based gifts. Options such as memberships to museums, zoos, and science centers are being utilized to create lasting family traditions. These memberships often provide benefits like member discounts and reciprocal admission to other institutions. ## Timeline ### 2026-11-01: Holiday traditions and experience-based gift ideas Holiday gift trends are moving toward experiences, such as museum or zoo memberships, to foster family traditions and community support. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/holiday-traditions-and-experience-based-gift-ideas ### 2026-10-28: Holiday spending trends shift toward experiences and home decor Holiday spending is pivoting from gifts to experiences and home decor, with Gen Z and Millennials driving trends in analog hobbies and social gatherings. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/holiday-spending-trends-shift-toward-experiences-and-home-decor --- Cite as: US holiday consumer spending trends. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-holiday-consumer-spending-trends