Christmas 2025: 57% of French people will give experiential gifts – What the CRÉDOC study reveals
CRÉDOC Study • December 2025
Christmas 2025: French consumers want to give experiences
Gourmet meals, getaways, wellness... The gift that matters is the one you experience together
57%
of French people will give experiential gifts
A majority of French consumers now prefer experiences over material goods for the holiday season
TOP 3 experiential gifts
The most popular experiences among French consumers
1
33%
Restaurant dining
Fine dining & gastro-bistro
2
29%
Wellness treatments
Spa, massages, thalassotherapy
3
18%
Travel & getaways
Hotels, short breaks
Gift budgets
French consumers ready to invest in quality experiences
€236
Average budget
per person for gifts
€368
Affluent households
High earners
24%
will spend €400+
Premium segment
Who gives experiences?
Profiles most likely to give experiential gifts
80%
Executives &
professionals
professionals
79%
18-24 years old
77%
25-34 years old
71%
Paris region residents
Why give an experience?
French consumers' motivations for choosing experiential gifts
40%
Break away from traditional gift-giving
36%
Be sure to delight the recipient
22%
Share a unique moment together
18%
More convenient and quicker to buy
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Discover Console SecretBoxFrequently Asked Questions
What is an experiential gift?
An experiential gift is a present that offers an experience to enjoy rather than an object to own. It can be a restaurant meal, a hotel stay, a spa wellness treatment, a cultural visit, or a leisure activity. According to the CRÉDOC study from December 2025, 57% of French people plan to give this type of gift for Christmas.
What are the most popular experiential gifts at Christmas?
According to the 2025 CRÉDOC survey, the top 3 experiential gifts are: restaurant dining (33% of French people), wellness treatments such as spa or massages (29%), and travel or hotel stays (18%). Cultural experiences (concerts, exhibitions) are also popular among 10 to 20% of buyers.
How much do French people plan to spend on Christmas gifts?
On average, French people plan to spend €236 on their Christmas 2025 gifts. High-income households anticipate a budget of €368, while 24% of buyers plan to spend more than €400. Retirees are the most generous with an average budget of €292.
Why give an experience rather than an object?
The main motivations are: breaking away from traditional gift-giving routines (40%), being sure to delight the recipient (36%), sharing a unique moment together (22%), and convenience of purchase (18%). Experiential gifts also help avoid cluttering the recipient's home with objects.
How can I sell gift boxes directly without commission?
Console SecretBox enables hoteliers, restaurateurs, and wellness professionals to sell their gift boxes directly from their website, without paying commission to an intermediary. The solution includes a customized e-commerce shop, order management, and gift box shipping.
