With holiday 2025 shaping up to be one of tighter budgets and more selective gift‑giving, new research from StubHub reveals a clear shift in how Americans are approaching the season: people aren’t necessarily spending less meaningfully — they’re simply reallocating toward gifts that create memories. And in 2025, that means live events, concert tickets, and shared experiences.
Even as 36% of consumers say they plan to spend less on holiday gifts this year, 1 in 4 respondents report they’re more likely to give an experience‑based gift than they were last year. StubHub’s data shows that even in a tighter economy, the demand for ticket gifting and experience-based presents is holding strong — and growing.
Why StubHub Tickets Are the Best Holiday Gifts of 2025
1. People Want Shared Time and Lasting Memories
- 47% of respondents say they most enjoy receiving experiences or activities as gifts.
- 27% believe experiences create longer‑lasting memories, while 54% say both material gifts and experiences do that.
- 35% say experiences feel more “worth it” because they “create memories I’ll look back on.”
- 51% say the value is in shared time with loved ones.
This shift toward experience gifting shows that the best gifts in 2025 aren’t things you wrap — they’re moments you remember.
2. Ticket‑Gifting Is Already Mainstream
- 54% of respondents have already given someone tickets to a live event as a holiday gift.
- 24% say they’re more likely to give concert tickets, sports tickets, or event passes this year compared to last.
- Top reasons for giving StubHub tickets as gifts:
- 36% – “To create a memory”
- 24% – “To spend time together”
- 22% – “To give something more thoughtful”
- 36% – “To create a memory”
- 35% of ticket gifters attend the event with the recipient, turning a gift into a shared experience.
And when asked how they’d spend $500? 34% chose tickets to a live event — beating luxury goods (23%) and general gift cards (28%). That puts StubHub tickets ahead of traditional holiday gifts.
3. Economic Context: Tight Wallets, Big Memories
- 36% of people plan to spend less this holiday season, and 39% will spend about the same.
- Still, 24% say one-time experiences offer the most lasting value, even more than physical gifts.
- 35% say experiences “last longer” emotionally — compared to just 20% for physical gifts.
The bottom line? Even as budgets shrink, consumers are choosing experience-rich gifts that make their money go further — emotionally and socially.
Experience Gifting Made Easy
Whether you’re shopping for a music lover, sports fan, theatergoer, or all of the above, StubHub makes experience gifting simple and impactful. From concert tickets and rivalry games to Broadway shows and festivals, StubHub offers flexible options that fit any taste or schedule.
Not sure which event to choose? A StubHub Gift Card lets your recipient pick their perfect live experience — whenever and wherever they want it.
You don’t need to spend more — just spend wisely. 35% of ticket gifters attend the event with the recipient, turning a gift into a shared memory. But don’t wait: high-demand tickets move fast.
Every purchase is backed by StubHub’s FanProtect Guarantee, with features like digital delivery, “View from Seat” previews, and 24/7 customer support — so you can gift confidently and conveniently.
Final Word: StubHub Tickets Are the Best Holiday Gift
This holiday season, the data confirms what fans already know: the most memorable gifts don’t come in boxes — they create stories. Whether it’s floor seats to a tour stop in LA, a showdown game in NYC, or a night of Broadway in Chicago, StubHub delivers the freedom, trust, and variety to make experience gifting unforgettable.
You don’t have to spend more to give something meaningful.
You just have to spend smart.
And in 2025, that means giving the gift of a live experience — with StubHub.
Methodology
A total of 2,000 U.S. general population respondents participated in this survey via Pollfish. Pollfish sources respondents through Prodege’s proprietary communities and a network of apps and websites covering diverse interests. Respondents are rewarded for participation, helping ensure a broad and engaged sample.