During the holiday season, Americans are gearing up to spend more than ever. Despite inflation, individual shoppers are projected to spend $641 on gifts and just over $900 in total, according to the National Retail Federation. Another survey by Gallup forecasts an even higher $1,012 per person. The most popular gift category is clothing, followed by gift cards, toys, books, video games, and food or candy. More than 183 million Americans are expected to shop during the Thanksgiving Day weekend. Holiday spending is expected to hit record levels in November and December, growing between 2.5% and 3.5% from 2023 to upwards of $989 billion. From the start of November through November 24, holiday shoppers had already spent $77.4 billion. Adobe forecasts holiday revenue in 2024 to approach $241 billion, surpassing last year's figure. Holiday spending on gift cards is expected to reach $28.6 billion, with the average shopper buying three to four gift cards and spending an average of $51.18 on each.Hot Toys for Boys
Legos are a favorite among boys, offering endless creative possibilities. Hot Wheels with their speedy cars are always a hit. Cars in various forms also make the list. Video games provide immersive entertainment. PlayStation systems are popular choices. Remote controlled cars allow for exciting adventures. Video game consoles bring the gaming experience to life. Nerf products are great for active play. Spider-Man toys capture the imagination. Trucks are a classic for boys.Hot Toys for Girls
Barbie dolls are a staple for girls, with their diverse range of styles. Dolls in general are loved. Legos also appeal to girls. Makeup and beauty items add a touch of glamour. Disney items bring the magic of the movies to life. Baby dolls are cherished. The Barbie Dreamhouse is a dream come true. Clothes for girls allow them to express their style. Electronics offer new ways to have fun. Squishmallows provide soft and cuddly companions.Key Drivers of Holiday Spending
Toys, video games, and electronics will be the main drivers of holiday spending. Adobe predicts that the Bluey Ultimate Lights & Sounds Playhouse will be a highly sought-after gift, appealing to the 3- to 4-year-old fan base. Popular gifts this holiday season include Bluey toys, smartphones, Bluetooth headphones, MGA's Miniverse items, and the Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 video game.Holiday Safety Considerations
The holidays are not just about fun and games; safety is also crucial. From online shopping to in-person gatherings, protecting our children should be a top priority. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission warns that in 2023, an estimated 154,700 children 12 years or younger were treated in emergency rooms due to toy-related injuries, and 10 kids died in toy-related incidents. Non-motorized scooters accounted for the largest share of injuries in 2023, with 53,000 cases. Most toy-related deaths were due to choking on small balls or rayons, drownings linked to flotation toys, entrapment inside a toy chest, and ingestion of water beads.
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