Holiday spending 2025: how security, flexibility and experiences are defining the season

With the holiday season in full swing, retailers around the world are navigating a period defined by changing consumer expectations and new spending behaviours which demand attention from businesses across sectors. Paysafe’s latest research report, Inside the Wallet – Holiday Edition, based on a survey of 8,500 consumers across eight countries, reveals a holiday landscape shaped by early planning, value-driven choices and a growing appetite for experiences over material goods.

 

Value sensitivity

 

Discounts and promotions remain critical, with 88 per cent of consumers citing them as influential in purchase decisions. At the same time, support for small businesses is strong: 69 per cent of shoppers say they are likely to buy from independent retailers, motivated by a desire to support local communities and find unique products.

 

The rise of the experience economy

 

Gift-giving is no longer just about physical items. Almost half of global consumers (49 per cent) prefer giving an experience rather than a product, and 50 per cent would like to receive one themselves. Experiences such as food and drink (35 per cent), travel (33 per cent), and live entertainment (30 per cent) top the list of preferred gifts. This trend signals a growing desire for meaningful, memory-making moments, a shift that brands and retailers must embrace to stay relevant.

 

Gift cards also remain popular, chosen by 35 per cent of consumers for their convenience and flexibility. For gaming enthusiasts, prepaid solutions like PaysafeCard are considered the easiest way to gift, with 64 per cent agreeing on their convenience.

 

Omnichannel shopping and digital engagement

 

Consumers are blending online and offline experiences more than ever. A third (34 per cent) plan to split purchases between physical stores and online platforms, while 19 per cent primarily use online marketplaces such as Amazon and Etsy. Social media shopping, though still niche overall (6 per cent), is gaining traction among Gen Z, with 11 per cent planning to shop via platforms such as Instagram or TikTok.

 

This hybrid approach underscores the importance of seamless integration across channels. Retailers that can deliver consistent experiences – whether in-store, online or via mobile – will be best positioned to capture consumer loyalty.

 

Payment preferences and security imperatives

 

Flexibility and trust dominate the payment conversation. Debit cards (46 per cent) and credit cards (37 per cent) remain the most popular methods globally, but digital wallets are rapidly gaining ground, used by 27 per cent of consumers and particularly favoured by millennials and Gen Z.

 

Security is non-negotiable: 51 per cent of consumers choose payment methods they trust to be safe, and 73 per cent feel reassured by visible security features at checkout. Alarmingly, nearly half (49 per cent) have abandoned a cart because their preferred payment option was unavailable, and 46 per cent have done so due to concerns about financial data security.

 

For merchants, these findings are clear: offering multiple, secure payment options is not just a convenience, it’s a conversion driver.

 

Travel and sports entertainment drive seasonal spending

 

Beyond shopping, the festive season is increasingly about mobility and leisure – 44 per cent of global consumers plan to travel during the holidays, with domestic trips (28 per cent) more common than international ones (16 per cent). Vacations (36 per cent) now slightly surpass family visits (31 per cent) as the primary reason for travel, reinforcing the role of leisure in holiday planning.

 

Sports betting and online gaming also see heightened engagement during this period. Lottery and scratch cards (27 per cent), sports betting (23 per cent) and casino games (21 per cent) dominate festive gaming activity, with digital wallets emerging as the preferred payout method: 83 per cent of bettors say it’s essential to receive winnings this way.

 

What this means for businesses

 

The 2025 holiday season is defined by complexity and opportunity. Consumers want value, security and experiences. They expect merchants to deliver on all fronts. From omnichannel strategies to trusted payment solutions, businesses that adapt to these evolving behaviours will not only thrive during the festive period but also build lasting customer relationships.

 

At Paysafe, we enable merchants to meet these expectations through secure, flexible and globally trusted payment solutions. By prioritising choice and safety, we help businesses turn seasonal challenges into growth opportunities.

 

Download the full report for deeper insights

---

by Rob Gatto, Chief Revenue Officer, Paysafe