Americans continue to feel the strain of higher living costs even as inflation has cooled from post-pandemic peaks.
Prices for essentials such as housing, food, insurance and utilities remain elevated across the United States.
Wage growth has broadly kept pace with inflation, preventing a sharp decline in purchasing power.
Despite this, many households report having less disposable income than they did before 2022.
A new holiday spending survey from Visa shows that consumer behaviour is shifting rather than retreating.
The survey found that 28% of Americans would like to receive cryptocurrency as a Christmas gift.
Interest is significantly higher among younger consumers, with 45% of Gen Z
spondents expressing enthusiasm for crypto gifts.
The findings suggest that digital assets are gaining cultural acceptance even during periods of financial pressure.
Consumers are becoming more selective in how and where they spend money.
Many households are shopping earlier and comparing prices more aggressively.
Technology is increasingly being used to stretch budgets rather than fuel excess consumption.
Visa’s data showed that 47% of US shoppers used artificial intelligence tools while shopping for holidays.
Most consumers said AI helped them find gift ideas or compare prices more efficiently.
The growing use of digital tools reflects a mindset focused on optimisation rather than luxury.
Crypto gifting appears to fit within this trend as a flexible and digital-first option.
Respondents indicated that interest in crypto is not driven by extravagance.
Instead, it reflects a preference for assets that feel adaptable and potentially long-term in value.
Younger shoppers are leading the shift towards digital financial behaviour.
Gen Z respondents reported higher usage of crypto payments and digital wallets than older age groups.
They also showed greater adoption of biometric authentication and cross-border shopping.
For younger consumers, crypto forms part of a broader digital financial identity.
The survey suggests crypto gifts are replacing traditional discretionary items rather than essential spending.
Consumers appear to be reallocating limited budgets rather than expanding them.
Economic confidence remains fragile despite easing inflation.
Americans continue to participate in the economy but with greater caution.
Spending patterns indicate resilience rather than withdrawal.
Crypto’s appeal during tighter financial conditions suggests normalisation rather than speculation.
Digital assets are increasingly viewed as mainstream financial tools.
The trend also highlights how technology and alternative assets fill gaps left by constrained consumption.
Analysts say this behaviour reflects adaptation to persistent cost pressures.
Inflation may be cooling, but confidence has not fully recovered.
In that environment, consumers are prioritising efficiency, optionality and future upside.
The data suggests Americans are still willing to take calculated financial risks.
Crypto’s growing role as a gift underscores its expanding place in everyday finance.
The findings point to a cautious but stable US economic backdrop heading into the new year.