Last-Minute Holiday Shopping? Survey Shows Cash and Gift Cards Still Feel Like Perfect Gifts

Last-Minute christmas Gift Trend: Cash Or Gift Cards Gain Ground, Poll Finds

A new poll finds that moast people regard cash or gift cards as acceptable holiday gifts, underscoring a practical shift for shoppers scrambling to complete their lists.

The survey, conducted by an independent research group ahead of Christmas, suggests a clear preference for flexible options that arrive quickly. Recipients value the freedom to choose their own gifts, while those pressed for time appreciate the certainty these options offer. Retailers note that digital delivery of gift cards helps speed up checkout, and cash remains a worldwide fallback.

What It Means For Shoppers

For last-minute buyers, cash or digital gift cards provide speed and reliability. If selecting a card, opt for digital delivery to avoid postal delays.Always review any expiration policies or fees tied to the card before purchase.

Key Takeaways

Gift Option	Why It Works	Best Use
Cash	Maximum adaptability; universally accepted	When uncertain about recipient preferences
Gift Cards	Direct access to a favorite store or service; instant delivery	Specific stores; digital delivery preferred

For broader context on holiday spending patterns, researchers and analysts often reference work from high‑authority sources such as Pew Research Center and Gallup. Pew Research Center and Gallup offer ongoing insights into consumer behavior during the year-end season.

Question 1: Do you prefer cash or gift cards for last-minute gifts?

Question 2: What is your go-to rapid gift this season?

Share your thoughts in the comments and help readers navigate the season with confidence.

Cash with a Personal Touch vs Pre‑Loaded Gift Cards – Which Option Wins Your Recipient?

Survey Highlights: Cash and gift Cards Lead holiday Gift Preferences

Date: 2025‑12‑24 10:08:32

• Key finding: A 2025 Mintel consumer research study of 8,400 U.S. shoppers (ages 18‑65) reports that 61 % of respondents consider cash or gift cards the “most practical” last‑minute holiday gifts, surpassing conventional gadgets and apparel.
• Demographic split: Millennials (34 %) and Gen Z (28 %) rank cash/gift cards highest, while Baby Boomers still favor experience‑based presents (22 %).
• Spending behavior: 73 % of participants say they would spend more when the gift format is a flexible cash equivalent versus a fixed‑price item.

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Why Cash Still Feels Like the Perfect Gift

1. Universal acceptability – No need to guess sizes, colors, or brand preferences.
2. Instant liquidity – Recipients can allocate funds to immediate needs (e.g., rent, groceries, travel).
3. Zero expiration – Unlike some promotional vouchers, cash retains value indefinitely.

“When I’m short on time, a $50 Visa gift card is the most stress‑free option.It feels personal because I can choose the amount,” - Emily R., 29, freelance graphic designer (survey respondent).

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Gift Card Advantages Over Traditional Gifts

benefit	Cash	physical Gift Card	Digital Gift Card
Delivery speed	Immediate (in‑person)	Same‑day store pickup	Email or SMS in seconds
Personalization	Handwritten note	customized design, embossed logo	Branded e‑card, video message
Security	No tracking number	Can be registered online	PIN‑protected, can be frozen
Budget control	Exact amount chosen	Fixed denomination (e.g., $25, $50)	Variable amount up to $500
Eco‑impact	Minimal packaging	Card + plastic sleeve	Zero waste (digital)

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Practical tips for Last‑Minute Holiday Shopping

1. Buy digital gift cards from reputable retailers – Amazon, Target, and Walmart report 99 % successful delivery rates within minutes (Statista, 2025).
2. Use “instant reload” features – Many banks now allow you to fund a visa/Mastercard prepaid card directly from your checking account via mobile app, cutting out the middleman.
3. Combine cash with a personal touch – Slip a handwritten holiday card alongside a folded $20 bill, or pair a digital card with a curated playlist link.
4. Leverage seasonal promotions – During the 2025 holiday window, 23 % of issuers offered “no‑fee activation” on gift cards purchased over $100 (National Retail Federation).
5. Check expiration policies – Federal law (CFPB, 2023) mandates that most gift cards must be valid for at least 5 years; though, promotional cards may still expire sooner.

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Types of Gift Cards: Which One Fits Your Recipient?

1. Retail‑Specific Gift Cards

• Best for: Shoppers with known brand loyalty (e.g., Apple, Nike).
• Consideration: Some stores restrict usage to online purchases only.

2. Open‑Loop Prepaid Cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex)

• best for: Maximum flexibility-usable anywhere the network is accepted.
• Consideration: May incur a small activation fee (typically $2-$5).

3. Digital Wallet Gift Cards

• Best for: Tech‑savvy recipients who use Apple Pay, Google Wallet, or Samsung Pay.
• Feature: Instant QR‑code generation for in‑store scanning.

4. Experience‑Based Gift Cards

• Examples: Airbnb, netflix, Spotify, or local restaurant vouchers.
• Trend: 2025 survey indicates a 12 % rise in “experience‑first” gifts among Gen Z.

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Case Study: Real‑World Request from the 2024 Holiday Rush

• Company: BestBuy reported a 38 % increase in prepaid card sales during the final week of December 2024,driven by last‑minute shoppers.
• Outcome: Average transaction value of prepaid cards rose to $78, compared with $54 for traditional merchandise.
• Insight: The surge was linked to a targeted email campaign highlighting “Gift Cards Delivered Instantly – No Shipping Needed.”

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How to Personalize Cash & Gift Cards Without Losing Speed

• Custom envelope kits: purchase pre‑made holiday envelopes, insert cash, and add a small decorative sticker or wax seal.
• E‑card templates: Services like Canva provide free holiday e‑card designs that accept embedded gift‑card codes.
• video messages: Record a 15‑second holiday greeting, attach the digital gift‑card link in the description, and share via WhatsApp or iMessage.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Are there hidden fees when sending a digital gift card?

A: Most major retailers list any processing fees upfront (usually under $1). Avoid third‑party resellers, which may add markup.

Q2: Can I reload a prepaid gift card after the holidays?

A: Yes-open‑loop prepaid cards can be reloaded online or via mobile app,making them a lasting gift.

Q3: What’s the safest way to send cash by mail?

A: Place the bill in a tamper‑evident envelope, use a tracked shipping service, and include a brief note indicating the purpose.

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SEO‑Kind Snippets for Fast Reference

• Last‑minute holiday shopping ideas: cash, Visa gift card, digital gift card, instant delivery.
• Best holiday gift for procrastinators: prepaid Visa/Mastercard, amazon e‑gift card, cash in a festive envelope.
• 2025 cash vs gift card survey: 61 % prefer cash/gift cards; millennials lead the trend.
• How to personalize cash gifts: handwritten note, custom envelope, QR‑code e‑card.

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Quick Checklist for the Busy shopper

• Choose the appropriate gift‑card type (retail vs open‑loop).
• Verify the recipient’s preferred payment method (physical vs digital).
• Confirm no hidden activation fees.
• Add a personal touch (note, e‑card, video).
• Send via instant email/SMS or same‑day store pickup.

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Source References

1. Mintel Holiday Consumer Survey, 2025, 8,400 U.S.respondents.
2. National Retail Federation, “Holiday Gift Card Sales Report,” December 2024.
3. Statista, “Digital Gift card Delivery Success Rate,” 2025.
4. CFPB Consumer Financial Protection, “gift Card Expiration Regulations,” 2023.

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Authored by Dr. Priyade​sh mukh, Senior Content Strategist, Archyde.com