We recently teamed up with OnePoll to ask 2000 Americans about how they plan to show their Appreciation to the special people in their lives this holiday season.
Seven in 10 respondents shared that they look through photos and videos to feel more connected to their loved ones.
The majority of respondents are kicking it old school — they give loved ones a phone call more often (66%) to stay in touch and share their appreciation.
Over half (56%) of those polled send a text to check in and 50% prefer to spend time together in person.
A quarter of respondents have lost touch with loved ones recently, citing it would mean the world to hear from an old childhood friend (24%) and even a family member (23%).
The survey found that 46% of respondents prefer to connect by sharing digital photo and video memories with loved ones – and 27% said this is what makes them feel most appreciated and loved themselves.
Additionally, 69% of respondents shared that they often look at photos and videos from past years ahead of the holidays to reflect on good times.
Video calls (47%) are another popular way to check in on loved ones – and just over a third (34%) said receiving video calls from their friends and family is what makes them feel most appreciated.
Thirty-nine percent of respondents show they care by sending loved ones gifts and the best reaction they look for in their recipients is surprise (27%).
Other sought-after reactions included "Awww!” (17%), laughter (16%) and even tears (12%).
“Video has emerged as one of the most meaningful ways for consumers to connect and show appreciation for each other.” - Matt Douglas, CEO, Punchbowl, Inc.
As Matt Douglas, CEO of the parent company behind Memento, continues: “The average American watches videos of their family on their phone or computer twice a week, and video gifts are the latest trend in gift-giving.”
Meaningful Gifts Received from Loved Ones
Respondents were asked to share the most memorable gifts they’ve received from loved ones. They mentioned:
- Custom-made household items, personalized jewelry, big-ticket gifts like vacations and cars, and items that belonged to family members who have passed.
- Many respondents shared that time with family is the best gift they’ve received in life.
- Seven in ten respondents said nothing can replace the gift of hearing someone say something heartfelt about you.
- Two in five respondents plan to kick things up a notch this year and give personalized gifts to show loved ones just how much they mean to them.
“Fifty-five percent of consumers prefer to receive digital gifts or experiences rather than physical presents,” Douglas continues. “That can be seen in the survey data, which showed that 51% of respondents plan to put together a photo or video gift to share at a gathering.”
BEST GIFT-GIVERS
The survey also found moms are the best gift-givers, but they’re also the hardest to shop for.
Dads and brothers are the next people in line that are hard to find gifts for, followed by significant others. Significant others, however, are the second-best gift-givers, followed by sisters, brothers and dads.
- Moms (18%)
- Significant others (12%)
- Sisters (10%)
- Brothers (8%
- Dads (7%)
- Grandmothers (6%)
- Daughters (6%)
- Friends (4%)
- Grandfathers (4%)
- Aunts (3%)
- Uncles (3%)
- Sons (3%)
- Nieces (2%)
- Family friends (1%)
- Nephews (1%)
- Roommates (1%)
How are you planning on showing your appreciation this Holiday Season? Of course, we recommend creating and sharing a holiday Group Video from Memento.
And don't forget to send a personalized digital greeting card to everyone on your list!
