In order to complete their shopping for the holidays, consumers use different methods to purchase gifts for their loved ones.
According to college student Jennifer Nguyen, holiday shopping can be hard for many but to avoid the hassle she prefers to shop for her gifts online for numerous reasons. “I can shop without worrying about items being out of stock or waiting in long lines,” Nguyen said.
She believes it is “more convenient” to shop online during the holiday season because she has access to shops that “aren’t available locally”
Usage of online shopping has been expanding and is expected to continue growing as the years progress.
“In its online shopping forecast for the 2024 holiday season from November 1 through December 31, Adobe forecasts U.S. online sales will hit a record $240.8 billion. That is an 8.4% increase over last year,” National USA Today reporter Betty Lin-fisher wrote in an article.
According to sophomore Emma Caputo, she thinks that after the COVID-19 pandemic, people have become more “used to the concept” of doing things in the online world.
Due to the large number of customers during the holiday season, it can make the shopping experience difficult for some people.
“As more people shop around the holiday season, the high demand for items can make it harder to find exactly what you want,” Nguyen said.
Another common way people purchase their holiday gifts are by going to in person stores like the mall.
For sophomore Kennedy Solly, she would rather go in person shopping than online.
“I definitely prefer in person shopping more because you never know what you are going to get with online shopping,” Solly said.
Souderton resident Salee Sipes also prefers to shop in person because “sometimes you see a gift that you didn’t know you needed.”
Giving presents can be considered a large aspect to the holiday season because it displays your gratitude to loved ones.
“Gift giving is a big part of the holidays because it is a way to show your love to others,” Solly said, “and it is just fun to give to other people.”
For Sipes, she loves to see the “excitement when someone opens a gift.” She also thinks that the act of giving presents to others creates joy.
Some families have traditions during Christmas that incorporate giving gifts.
The Sipes family has a tradition where they get a Christmas ornament every year since they were born in order to commemorate the moment.