Non-winter holidays anticipated spending reached $138B (+37% since 2019), illustrating that even under prolonged inflation, consumers largely refuse to forgo celebration, highlighting these occasions' emotional resilience and commercial heft. As…
US
Retail
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US Shopping for Non-Winter Holidays Consumer Report 2026
"Financial constraints continue, but consumers are not abandoning these occasions; they're simply redefining how they shop and celebrate."
Non-winter holidays anticipated spending reached $138B (+37% since 2019), illustrating that even under prolonged inflation, consumers largely refuse to forgo celebration, highlighting these occasions’ emotional resilience and commercial heft. As 2026 unfolds, consumer budgets continue to be constrained, with many limiting their spending on these occasions. Nevertheless, non-winter holidays remain outlets for connection, tradition and joy. Tapping into the emotional significance of these occasions will continue to allow brands to resonate with consumers, while also helping them justify the expense.
The biggest industry impact is the rising expectations for authentic DEIB; 57% of adults, and 67% of 18-44s, want brands to recognize more cultural holidays, placing inclusivity at the center of growth strategies. The move to more inclusive calendars can deepen both reputation and growth, identifying multiculturalism as one of the market opportunities.
Conversely, the greatest threat is that ongoing cost of living pressure could cement reliance on discounts, creating a potentially margin eroding cycle. To sustain growth, brands must pair value focused offers with emotionally uplifting and culturally relevant experiences, ensuring non-winter holidays remain both profitable and meaningful moments to connect with consumers.
This Report Looks at the Following Areas:
Impact of inflation on non-winter holiday budgets and value seeking behaviors
Rising demand for culturally inclusive celebrations
Growth outlook and fastest expanding occasions
Role of social, visual and AI discovery in shaping holiday inspiration
Product, pricing and experiential tactics that balance emotional payoff with value
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
What you need to know
Outlook for Shopping for Non-Winter Holidays – US
Opportunities
Cultivate year round celebration momentum
Win the “Celebrate but Save” shopper
Graph 1: attitudes toward non-winter holidays – any agree, by age and parental status, 2025
Engage multicultural audiences through inclusive celebrations
Graph 2: distribution of US genetations, by race, 2023
Non-winter holidays allow consumers to nurture relationships
Market landscape
Non-winter holiday anticipated spending on the rise, Halloween and Father’s Day lead the pack
Graph 3: anticipated total expenditures, in current dollars, 2015-25
Dads are getting a raise (in gift value)
From trick or treat to a household affair
Anticipated spending for Mother’s Day soars
THE CONSUMER
Non-winter holidays as the new “Everyday” celebration economy
Graph 4: non-winter holidays observed or celebrated, 2025
Graph 5: non-winter holidays shopped for, 2025
Togetherness, tradition and emotional value
Crumbl’s sweet strategy for Valentine’s Day
Food, candy and “Small Joy” purchases drive participation
Graph 6: non-winter holiday purchases, 2025
OLIPOP and Smarties reinvent Halloween treats
Demographics shape how people celebrate, not whether they do
Graph 7: non-winter holiday purchases, by age, 2025
Graph 8: non-winter holidays shopped for, by parental status and number of children in household*, 2025
The best way to spread non-winter holiday cheer is singing loud for all to hear
Value driven behaviors shape the path to purchase
Jet-Puffed helps consumers keep their Easter traditions
Value driven behaviors influence retailer choice during non-winter holidays
Graph 9: non-winter holidays shopping behaviors, by financial situation, 2025
Graph 10: retailers shopped, by financial situation, 2025
Retailers appealing to value driven behaviors
Discovery is becoming social, visual and AI-assisted
Graph 11: non-winter holidays shopping behaviors, by age, 2025
Valentine’s Day exclusive by Kylie Cosmetics
Cultural and inclusive holidays are underserved but desired
The untapped potential of cultural holidays
Graph 12: attitudes towards non-winter holidays – any agree, by race or ethnicity, 2025
Graph 13: non-winter holidays shopped for, by race or ethnicity, 2025
INNOVATION AND MARKETING
Little Sleepies delights families
Fishwife reaches consumers across generations through gifting
Daily Harvest focuses on wellness to celebrate moms
APPENDIX
Report scope
The consumer
Consumer research questions
Consumer research methodology – US
US generation groups
Abbreviations and terms
Abbreviations and Terms
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