The landscape of gift-giving is witnessing a significant shift with the rise of group gifting, particularly resonating with Gen Y and Z's desire for meaningful connections and shared experiences. An impressive 80-81% of these generations are now pooling resources with friends, family, or colleagues to celebrate special occasions. This collective approach amplifies the value of the gift and strengthens the bonds between the givers. While women lead this trend, a significant 69% of men are also participating, reshaping how we think about gifts and generosity in our modern era.
The Anatomy of a Gifting Group
A closer look at the dynamics of group gifting reveals distinct roles:
Idea Sharers (33%): These individuals are the creative backbone of the group, offering unique and personalised gift ideas.
Financial Contributors (33%): While not directly involved in the selection or presentation of the gift, these participants provide the necessary funds. Their contribution is crucial, enabling the group to consider more extravagant or personalised options that one person alone might not afford.
Gift Wrappers (14%): Often overlooked, the person who wraps the gift adds the final touch that enhances its presentation. A beautifully wrapped present can elevate the entire experience, making even the unboxing an event to remember.
Gift Purchasers (14%): This role involves more than just buying the gift; it's about ensuring that the chosen item meets the group's expectations and is acquired in a timely and efficient manner. For luxury items, this might also involve liaising with high-end retailers or custom creators.
Card Writers (14%): The personal touch of a well-written card can significantly amplify the emotional impact of the gift. This role is about articulating the collective sentiments of the group, conveying not just congratulations or celebration but also the depth of their relationship with the recipient.
These group roles are often defined by an individual’s Gift Giving Personality.
How big is a normal gifting group?
Based on the outlined percentages and assuming a single purchaser in each group, it appears that an average gift-giving group consists of approximately seven individuals. The roles within this group can typically be distributed as follows:
- Only give money - two people (33%)
- Shares ideas - two people (33%)
- Wraps the gift - one person (14%)
- Buys the gift - one person (14%)
- Writes the card - one person (14%)
How much should we spend?
Our findings reveal an average annual budget of $86 dedicated to gifts for friends, a figure that can stretch up to $201 for those without pet expenses. In the context of group gifting among a circle of seven, this translates to individual contributions of $10-$30, culminating in gifts valued between $70 and $210. For occasions that call for an extra touch of splendour, such as milestone birthdays, we recommend increasing the per-person budget to $30-$55, thereby elevating the gift's total worth to a range of $211-$385. This approach not only makes grand gestures more attainable but also enriches the celebratory experience for all involved.
You can find gifts in those price ranges via the links above or adjust our product filters to see what’s within your budget. Also, see ‘The Insider’s 6 Step Guide to the Best Men’s Gifts’ to help narrow down your choices.
Why is group gifting happening?
Embracing Shared Experiences
One of the key drivers behind the surge in group gifting to younger generations is their inherent value placed on experiences over material possessions. For this generation, the act of giving, particularly when it involves collaboration with others, is an experience in itself. It's a process that fosters connection, teamwork, and a shared sense of purpose. Whether it’s pooling resources with colleagues for a retirement gift, with friends for a birthday extravaganza, or with family for a memorable wedding present, group gifting amplifies the emotional value of the gift, making the gesture more significant and memorable for both the giver and the receiver.
Economic Practicality
The economic landscape has also played a pivotal role in popularising group gifting. With many young adults navigating student loan debt, high living costs, and the challenges of a competitive job market, the financial feasibility of group gifting cannot be overlooked. It enables individuals to contribute towards a more substantial, meaningful gift without the burden of bearing the entire cost alone.
The Impact of Technology
The rise of digital platforms and social media has significantly facilitated the group gifting process, making it easier than ever to organise, communicate, and contribute towards group gifts. Technology has streamlined the collection of funds, selection of gifts, and coordination of efforts, thereby enhancing the overall experience and enabling more ambitious gifting endeavours.
How we help Group Gifters buy easier
At He Who Seeks, we simplify the journey of finding and purchasing the ideal Group Gift. Our meticulously curated selection spans various categories, ensuring you discover the perfect present with ease.
Explore gifts by: Personality | Occasion | Relationship | Product Type
Moreover, experience the convenience of our ‘Split Payment’ feature at checkout. Simply enter the email addresses of all contributors, and they can individually pay their portion. This eliminates the cumbersome and often uncomfortable task of gathering funds, while also securing your chosen item before it sells out during the organising process.
References
- Financial Planning Association (FPA) of Australia.(2019). Research into Australia’s gift-giving | Money & Life. Money & Life. https://www.moneyandlife.com.au/professionals/focus/research-into-australias-gift-giving/
