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Survey reveals the ultimate luxury gift for 2025: A dream trip

Survey: People want travel over traditional gifts this holiday season

holiday gift
ROMAN ODINTSOV / Pexels

As you prepare gifts for loved ones this holiday season, these findings of this new survey might just change your gift ideas. A new survey from point.me shows that travel is the ultimate luxury gift people want to receive this holiday season. The data from this survey revealed that 9 in 10 people would rather receive a trip than a big traditional gift this year, showcasing a rising interest in meaningful experiences and an interest in memory-making over tangible items. Point.me says those who opt to gift trips can do so in fun, creative ways beyond just printing out a ticket and wrapping it up, such as making travel puzzles or a themed night at home surrounding the destination.

The data also found that 86% of respondents prefer an experiential gift over a tangible item, marking a 6% increase over last year. Additionally, 95% of respondents noted they’d rather receive a business-class flight than a luxury design item such as a handbag, shoes, watch, or jewelry, as a holiday gift (up 2% from the 2024 holiday season). Other notable findings from point.me’s study includes:

  • 83% of respondents would rather receive an economy class ticket over an expensive electronic device (such as a new phone, computer, or sound system), up 4% over last year
  • 87% prefer one gifted trip a year over multiple smaller presents for their birthday and various holidays from a significant other/partner (up 5% over last year)
  • When it comes to receiving gift cards for holiday gifts, 72% prefer a travel-related gift card (e.g., credits for a flight, hotel, or other travel service) vs. 28% who would prefer a gift card to a store where you can buy tangible items (e.g., clothing store, book store, general retailer)
Emily Caldwell
Emily is a Features Writer at The Manual, where she specializes in food, beverage, and travel content. She focuses on weaving…
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