Have you finished your holiday shopping? Almost done? Haven’t started yet? Many people will still be shopping on Christmas Eve (and I know several of them, lol).

On NCP’s Facebook page we recently asked how everyone was doing with their holiday shopping. Most of our panel members/followers said they were almost/halfway done.

How are you doing with your holiday shopping? Let me know in the comment section, I would love to hear from you!

Insights into the Holiday Season

In early November, the National Retail Federation (NRF) forecasted that holiday spending is expected to reach record levels during November and December and will grow between 2.5% and 3.5%, totaling $979.5 billion to $989 billion. The NRF also shared some holiday shopping and spending info from a survey* they conducted that I found interesting and thought you might, too! Let’s take a look.

  • The Internet remains the most popular source for gift ideas, with 44% of shoppers using online search for inspiration. Other top sources include friends and family, in-store and wish lists.
  • Younger shoppers continue to embrace social media for gift ideas, with those between the ages of 18-24 more likely to find ideas on TikTok and Instagram.
  • For adults shopping for children this year, the top five toys for boys include Legos, Hot Wheels, cars, video games and PlayStation. For girls, the top five toys include Barbie, dolls, Legos, makeup/beauty and Disney items.
  • Forty-four percent of consumers plan on using a debit card for their holiday purchases, compared with 39% who plan to use credit cards. A total of 57% of shoppers plan on using at least one digital wallet or app while shopping, with the top three payment methods including PayPal (30%), Apple Pay (15%) and Cash App (14%).
  • The survey also found that most shoppers will embrace the spirit of giving back this holiday season, with two-thirds planning to engage in at least one charitable activity such as donating money or items this season.

*The survey asked 8,135 adult consumers about their holiday shopping purchases.

Holiday Closings

Panel members: Please note NCP’s Panel Support Center’s holiday hours.

Tuesday, December 24th: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET

Closed on Wednesday, December 25th (Christmas Day)

Tuesday, December 31st: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET

Closed on Wednesday, January 1, 2025 (New Year’s Day)

Our Support Center staff would like to wish you and your family all the best this holiday season and in the new year!

Remember, no matter what you buy, when you buy it, or where you buy it from, please remember to report all of your holiday purchases (as well as your regular ones, of course!).

I wish everyone all the best this holiday season and in the new year. I hope you enjoyed reading this year’s blogs! I’ll be back in January to continue to share more information with you on a variety of topics, including those related to panel membership. And I will continue NCP’s Spotlight on States throughout 2025.

Happy Holidays to all!

Taylor

More from NCP:

Blog comment reminder: If you have a panel-related issue that you need assistance with such as a problem with scanning or your rewards, please contact our Panel Support Center directly and they will be happy to assist you! You can reach them at 1-800-962-6700 or email them at [email protected]. You can send a message from NCP’s Facebook page. Please don’t enter panel-related issues or share any personal panel membership information in the blog comment section. Any issues will be addressed faster if you contact our support center directly. Thank you so much!