While kids are putting together their wish lists, parents are getting ready to shop this holiday season.
According to an October survey of more than 1,000 adults released by Intuit Credit Karma, the most popular items kids are looking for this year are toys and electronics, including items like Barbie dolls, Lego, the iPhone 17 and Oura rings.
Nearly one-third of parents say tickets to entertainment events such as concerts and sporting events are also popular. And while the buzz around Lovey Doll collectibles subsided this fall, the survey says they’re still in demand this holiday season, with 28% of parents expecting their kids to request one.
Here are the five most common items parents ask for from their kids this holiday season.
Toys and games like Barbie, fidget toys, Legos, and slime: 54% Electronics and technology like the iPhone 17, Nintendo Switch, Apple Watch, and Oura Ring: 47% Entertainment like concert tickets, sporting event tickets and music festival tickets: 32% Trendy clothing and accessories, including brands like Brandy Melville, Lululemon, and Princess Polly: 29% Collectibles and novelties Item Love Doll, Sonny Angel, or other blind box: 28%
An October Gallup poll of 1,000 Americans found that shoppers plan to spend an average of $1,007 on gifts this year, down slightly from a reported $1,014 in 2024 but up from $923 in 2023.
Barbie dolls typically retail for between $10.49 and $44.99 as collectible dolls, with the iPhone 17 starting at $799 and the Love Bus listed for $27.99.
In 2024, the average ticket price for the top 100 touring concerts of the year was $135.92, according to Pollstar analysis. However, purchasing tickets on the resale market can result in a much higher purchase price.
Price increases due to tariffs add further stress
This year’s appropriations budget includes the possibility of additional costs from tariffs. Financial services firm LendingTree estimates that the tariffs could cost shoppers an additional $132 each, adding up to $40.6 billion in holiday costs for all shoppers and sellers.
Nearly 50% of Americans in the Credit Karma survey said they felt stressed about their holiday budget this year, 39% said they felt pressured to spend more than they could afford, and more than 80% said they were worried that increased costs from tariffs would affect their holiday shopping.
Gifts must not affect your financial well-being
While you may feel pressure to be generous during the holiday season, gift-giving shouldn’t affect your financial well-being, Erica Lasle, chief financial wellness advisor at Beyond Finance, previously told CNBC Make It.
To keep your spending at a comfortable level, she said, be intentional with the gifts you give, take your time to avoid impulse purchases, and remember that it’s always OK to say “no” without feeling guilty.
“Give yourself permission to say ‘no,'” Rathle says. “It’s okay to prioritize your finances and where you’re going this holiday season.”
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