The Future of Gifting: What to Expect
It's no secret that gift-giving has changed a lot in recent years.
With the rise of technology, we now have more options than ever when it comes to choosing the perfect gift. We can go down the traditional route and pop to the store (but really, who has time for that these days?), we can purchase items online and have them shipped directly to the recipient, or we can even send digital gift cards that can be used to buy anything from groceries to airline tickets. There are also new ways to personalise gifts and attach sentimental value. This means that many of us may be rethinking what gifts we give, and what gifts we want to receive. So, what does the future of the gifting industry look like? Here are a few trends to watch out for that will last beyond the holiday season:
1. Sentimental gifts will make a comeback.
For many people, gifting in 2020 grew beyond just an act of love on special occasions, to one of empathy and a way to bridge the physical distance caused by quarantine. With so much of our lives moving online over the past year, it's easy to feel disconnected from the people we care about, which is why we'll see sentimental gifts make a big comeback in the coming years. It's not always about the monetary value. Whether it's a frame filled with a heartfelt photo or even a collectable object, anything that can help us connect with our loved ones, and strengthen relationships on a deeper level will be cherished.
2. Consumers will increasingly shop for gifts online.
The Covid-19 pandemic pushed shoppers online to buy their gifts when the holiday season came along. This caused a huge spike in online sales, increasing by 45.2% from the same time last year. While we are not in Covid times anymore, we do not foresee this trend in consumer behaviour decreasing any time soon. People have greater expectations from their favourite gifting companies and have become accustomed to the more convenient services of online shopping.
As our lives get busier and busier, we simply don't have the time to go out and browse for gifts like we used to. Not only is an e-commerce site convenient, but it also provides a wider selection of unique gifts to choose from. At Curated Home, we carefully curate our selection of high-quality products and gift ideas, at all price points. So whether you're looking for the perfect birthday present, holiday gift, or you've been invited for dinner somewhere last minute, you're sure to find something fit for any occasion, in just a few clicks.
3. Experiential gifts will continue to grow in popularity.
Another consequence of Covid is the rise in appreciation of experiences over things. People feel the need to make up for the time and experiences lost due to the pandemic, like graduations, birthdays, and family holidays. So remember that the term 'spend' is not limited to cash only, sometimes just spending time with the people you love is more valuable than any material gift.
That's why experiential gifts like tickets to a concert, or a cooking class, are only going to become more popular in the coming years. Trends in searches indicate that many people are trying to recreate experiences at home. These types of gifts allow us to create lasting memories in our relationships, which is something we can always treasure.
We recommend merging the experiential with the material. Incorporating a physical gift into the experience will allow for lasting memories to be created, with a built-in keepsake. Consider a home cooking class, or opt for a themed evening and consider an idea like a fondue set; or go book shopping with your intended gift recipient (antique books, coffee table books, museum books, etc...) and buy them a beautiful book stand for display, we guarantee, every time they pass it, they will think of you.
Our Marble & Acrylic Book Stand, crafted from clear acrylic and elevated on a beautiful white marble base. This versatile piece will complement both minimalist and maximalist settings alike.
4. Personalised gifts will become more common.
Anything custom-made or personalised evokes a sense of exclusiveness and uniqueness. When gift givers put a lot of thought into a gift, they feel closer to the recipient. The thought that one can add personal value to their gift purchase, enhances the overall experience for both – the gift buyers as well as the gift receivers. As we move further into the digital age, it has become easier to personalise gifts, and there are endless possibilities. These days, shoppers tend to use social media to find inspiration so feel free to do a little bit of research if you feel stuck. With everyone's lives becoming more and more hectic, this kind of gifting can involve more emotions and thoughtfulness and can be a great way to show appreciation, support, empathy, and gratitude in your relationships.
5. Sustainable gifts will become the norm.
As we become more aware of the importance of sustainability, many of us are looking for ways to incorporate sustainable products into our lives, and that includes our gift-giving. We're seeing a growing trend of people giving sustainable gifts, like handmade goods, organic and/or faire-trade food baskets, or looking for a gifting platform that incorporates recyclable and/or sustainable materials in their products. Not only are these gifts better for the environment, but they also support ethical and sustainable businesses, which is something we can all feel good about.
The future of gifting is all about creating sentimental connections and lasting memories. With more and more people shopping for gifts online, it's easier than ever to find unique presents that perfectly suit your gift recipient's interests and personalities—no matter what the occasion may be. So if you're looking for something special this year, don't forget to think outside the box and consider gifts that merge the material with the experiential.
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