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Survey Finds Most Americans Cutting Back on Holiday Gift Spending

US Business News Staff 2 US Business News Staff 2 on December 17, 2025

The holidays have always been a time for gift-giving, but recent trends are signaling a shift in consumer behavior, with many Americans planning to spend less this year. A new survey reveals that over half of U.S. consumers are reducing their holiday gift budgets, citing economic pressures like inflation, higher living costs, and uncertainty around future financial conditions. While consumers are still eager to celebrate, these changing habits underscore the evolving priorities in spending and the impact of broader economic forces on holiday traditions.

The reasons behind this reduction in spending are multifaceted. For many, rising inflation has eroded disposable income, forcing them to reassess where their dollars go. Moreover, the uncertainty surrounding job security and wages has made people more cautious about how much they’re willing to spend on gifts. Acknowledging the strains of increased cost of living and supply chain disruptions, it’s clear that people are adjusting their expectations for the season in ways that could reshape the retail landscape.

For retailers, this shift in consumer behavior could have lasting effects. They may need to adapt by offering more affordable options, running promotions earlier in the season, and focusing on value-driven marketing. The impact on businesses will likely depend on how well they can navigate the delicate balance of offering holiday cheer while respecting consumers’ increasingly tight budgets. The question now is how brands will pivot to meet this demand for thoughtful, budget-friendly gifts while maintaining profit margins.

Adapting to the New Normal: Consumer Behavior and Retail Strategy

Consumer behavior has shifted significantly in recent years, and this holiday season is no exception. Many Americans are more selective with their spending, focusing on quality over quantity and opting for more personalized gifts that provide greater meaning. The idea of “experience over possession” has become more popular, with many preferring to give or receive gifts like concert tickets, experiences, or subscriptions, rather than physical products. This trend suggests that consumers are looking for deeper connections during the holidays, a move away from the materialistic nature of past seasons.

For businesses, understanding this shift is crucial. Retailers may see a decrease in overall sales volume, but there is still an opportunity to engage consumers with meaningful offerings that prioritize thoughtfulness over cost. From a strategic standpoint, companies may benefit from personalized marketing and creating platforms where consumers can customize their gifts. Whether it’s through personalized gifts, experiences, or subscription boxes, brands that tap into the deeper motivations behind holiday spending could find a way to sustain demand in a more financially cautious market.

As consumer spending habits evolve, the broader impact on retail businesses will continue to unfold. However, the question remains: can retailers successfully pivot to meet these changing demands, or will they struggle to adapt to a market where spending on material gifts is declining? The answer could reshape the future of retail and holiday shopping trends for years to come.

The Role of Inflation in Consumer Spending Decisions

Inflation has had a profound effect on consumer confidence and purchasing behavior over the past year. With prices rising on everyday goods, many households are finding it harder to allocate funds for discretionary spending like holiday gifts. As a result, shoppers are opting for smaller, more thoughtful gestures rather than large, expensive presents. The desire for affordability has prompted consumers to seek out discounted products or smaller, more personalized gifts that still carry emotional weight but don’t come with hefty price tags.

This shift in spending patterns reflects an underlying concern among many Americans about their financial security, with many choosing to prioritize savings or paying down debt instead of spending on non-essential items. In a time when the cost of living continues to rise, cutting back on holiday expenditures may be a financial safeguard, allowing families to better manage uncertainty. It’s a reminder that even during festive seasons, people are increasingly focused on financial stability.

Retailers who wish to maintain consumer interest during this period must embrace these changes. Value-driven retail has become a necessity. Offering promotions, loyalty discounts, or bundling items together for a more attractive price could help businesses maintain their foothold in a market where many shoppers are more financially cautious. This trend may push brands to reevaluate their pricing strategies, ultimately making affordability a cornerstone of their holiday marketing campaigns.

How Technology and Online Shopping Are Shaping Holiday Spending

As Americans continue to prioritize affordable gift options, the role of e-commerce and digital shopping experiences has only grown. More consumers are turning to online platforms, where they can easily compare prices, find discounted items, and even purchase secondhand gifts. Online shopping allows for more strategic spending, as consumers can shop with more focus, often relying on price comparison tools and subscription services that offer exclusive deals.

In addition to the convenience of online shopping, the growth of social commerce has given businesses an opportunity to connect with shoppers through social media platforms, making it easier to target deals directly to their audience. However, businesses need to ensure that their digital storefronts provide an experience that emphasizes convenience, trust, and value to meet the needs of these increasingly price-sensitive consumers. Additionally, offering buy-now-pay-later options could help alleviate financial concerns, while maintaining consumer interest in purchasing gifts.

With e-commerce projected to see continued growth, especially in the lead-up to the holiday season, businesses that invest in a seamless, customer-first digital experience will likely capture the attention of those looking to save time and money. Retailers who fail to keep pace with digital trends may see a decline in sales, as consumers continue to gravitate toward online platforms that make their shopping experience smoother, cheaper, and more rewarding.

The Impact of Economic Uncertainty on Consumer Confidence

Economic uncertainty is another significant driver of reduced holiday spending. Global supply chain disruptions, coupled with rising energy costs, have increased inflationary pressures, leaving many Americans feeling financially uncertain. For businesses, this uncertainty presents a challenge: how can they keep consumers engaged during a time of uncertainty? The answer lies in offering predictable pricing, clear value propositions, and flexible payment options that ease financial strain.

As consumer confidence fluctuates, many are opting for a simpler holiday experience, one that values connections over costly purchases. Companies can meet this demand by offering gift bundles, DIY options, or low-cost add-ons that align with a more modest gift-giving approach. By aligning with consumer sentiment, retailers can carve out a niche for themselves during a time of cautious spending, showing that they understand their customers’ shifting priorities.

Despite the financial challenges of 2025, consumers are still looking to make the season special, albeit with a mindful approach to spending. This balance between affordability and emotional value will guide the future of holiday retail strategies and provide valuable insights for businesses looking to capitalize on evolving trends in consumer behavior.

The shift in holiday spending habits signals a fundamental change in the way consumers approach gift-giving during a financially uncertain period. For businesses, adapting to this change with thoughtful, affordable solutions will be key to driving sales and retaining customer loyalty. As we continue through this transformative holiday season, the ability to balance value and sentiment will dictate success in an increasingly cautious market.

A Detailed Overview of SIRE Life Sciences within Europe’s Expanding Medtech Regulatory Landscape

US Business News Staff US Business News Staff on December 17, 2025

Over the past 10 years, regulations in the medical devices and diagnostics industry in Europe have become increasingly complicated. The Medical Device Regulation of 2017 and the In Vitro Diagnostic Regulation of 2017 altered vendor practices not only in documentation workflow but also in how the safety of a product is monitored after it is released to market. The shift increased the amount of technical evidence required for CE marking, as well as the responsibility placed on companies to maintain the retention of Quality Management Systems (QMS) compliant with ISO 13485. Consequently, companies across Europe sought structured support to keep up with changing rules and ensure that their internal processes met the expectations of their notified bodies.

Across the European Union, regulators have reported that the volume of technical documentation submitted for assessment has increased significantly since the transition from MDD to MDR. According to data shared by the European Commission in 2023, applications for MDR certification increased significantly compared to the previous three-year period, reflecting the growing demand for regulatory approval of medical devices in the EU. This increase has created a heightened need for specialized consulting support, particularly for firms facing gaps in documentation, risk classification, or post-market surveillance planning. These challenges have also encouraged companies to adopt more mature quality management systems that meet the requirements of ISO 13485, which remains the primary international standard guiding device manufacturing practices.

Within this broader context, SIRE Life Sciences has built a consulting practice that supports medical device and diagnostics organizations as they respond to these regulatory shifts. Under the leadership of Jordy Stravers, the company has developed capabilities that address compliance readiness, quality system development, and the preparation of technical documentation required for European market access. These services reflect a broader trend in which European firms seek external regulatory expertise to strengthen internal audit procedures and documentation accuracy, especially during the transition timelines associated with MDR and IVDR.

A central area of SIRE Life Sciences’ work is supporting companies preparing for MDR readiness assessments. Many organizations have required updated conformity strategies following changes to clinical evidence provisions, device classification rules, and post-market clinical follow-up requirements. Consultants from the firm assist clients in reviewing their existing documentation, identifying gaps, and organizing the materials required for CE marking submissions. This support has become particularly relevant as data from the European Commission shows that only a limited percentage of legacy devices completed full MDR certification by early 2024, underscoring the urgency of structured compliance planning.

Technical documentation remains one of the most resource-intensive components of device regulation. Many companies have had to revise their product dossiers to include expanded sections on risk management, usability, and post-market performance. SIRE Life Sciences contributes to this process by helping firms assemble complete files that follow MDR requirements. This work includes organizing clinical evaluation reports, updating risk documentation in accordance with ISO 14971, and preparing labeling materials that comply with relevant language and content requirements. The company’s involvement reflects a broader shift within the medtech sector, where documentation completeness has become a critical determinant of regulatory timelines.

Another area of growing demand relates to ISO 13485 quality management system maturity. European regulators have reported that gaps in QMS design are among the most common reasons for delayed device approvals. To address this, SIRE Life Sciences guides on implementing quality systems and preparing for internal audits. This includes reviews of manufacturing procedures, document control systems, supplier management frameworks, and CAPA processes. These activities align with the expectations of both notified bodies and international standards organizations, and they help clients prepare for surveillance audits conducted at regular intervals.

Post-market surveillance has become increasingly crucial under MDR, which places stronger obligations on manufacturers to collect and evaluate safety data throughout a product’s lifecycle. Companies are now required to submit periodic safety update reports and trend analyses for a wide range of devices. SIRE Life Sciences assists clients in establishing monitoring systems that track field performance, incident reporting, and follow-up investigations. This work is connected to the firm’s broader regulatory consulting activities, including safety documentation updates and preparation for unannounced audits, which have become more common in Europe since 2014.

Throughout these engagements, the company’s work is shaped by regulatory expectations set by European institutions, including the European Medicines Agency and national competent authorities. The consulting work does not reference specific clients, but it reflects a range of common challenges faced by medtech organizations throughout the continent. These challenges include the need for accurate documentation, the pressure to meet regulatory timelines, and the requirement for continuous updates to quality management practices.

SIRE Life Sciences has expanded its regulatory consulting services across Europe and other countries in recent years. Under Jordy Stravers’s leadership, they have continued to work with organizations focused on device construction, diagnostics, and quality improvement programs. The consulting work put them in touch with their network of consulting firms that assist medtech companies with compliance in a heterogeneous regulatory environment across diverse jurisdictions in Europe. Participating in this activity illustrates the continuing role of a consultancy in aiding compliance and maintaining ongoing stability within a complex set of regulations.