Earlier, gifting meant buying a watch or perfume for somebody. But young shoppers are drifting away from utility and are focusing on experiences and rationalization. In fact, a Platinumlist survey states that 74.4% of UAE residents prefer giving and receiving surprises that create an experience. That’s because such presents create a lasting memory. These preferences are observed to be the strongest among the youth, followed by a good amount of millennial. Why is this happening, and which trends are quickly catching up? Let’s narrow down all your answers here.
People in the age group of 15 to 30 are inclined towards efforts more than gifts. Here is why:
Gen Z is the age group that is spending its days listening to custom playlists and made-to-order products. In an era of so much convenience, they feel a basic gift is impersonal, and anyone can buy such products for themselves. That’s why they respond more to handwritten notes, flower baskets, and curated packaging.
Even though they have a different perspective than Gen Z, millennial are also in awe of hand bouquets and elegant flower vases that remind them of timeless love. For them, even a basic bouquet wrapped in paper is a beautiful gesture for every occasion. When you pair it with a glass vase, the feeling multiplies! Busy professionals love a gift that feels warm on arrival.
Even though youngsters love sending beautiful gifts to each other on special occasions, cash on delivery still prevails for several reasons:
If we are talking about experience-infused gifts, the focus is generally on two pairings:
Young shoppers don’t get impressed by price tags. What they seek is the thought behind every gift. Whether it is a small bouquet with a heartfelt note or a fruit basket with chocolates, the focus is always on how much thought the person put into curating that surprise. In fact, even if you send a mid-range gift that feels warm and considerate, there is nothing more precious.
With the increasing living cost and awareness for conscious consumption, the preference of young shoppers is changing. They are looking at gifts that offer genuine value over something which is given just for the sake of formality.
Social media is significantly influencing how UAE youngsters choose gifts. Platforms like TikTok, Pinterest, and Instagram make it easy for them to come across trending personalized gifting ideas. They even watch what their favorite content creators and influence marketers are sending each other. At the same time, Gen Z consumers are also searching for gifts that are memorable enough to share and become a part of a celebration. From personalized keepsakes to hampers and experience-based gifting, social media trends regularly encourage young consumers. Today, they are focusing on what can be shared beautifully rather than what costs more.
Young shoppers like millennial and Gen Z love to send floral arrangements that feel personal. Even though traditional rose arrangements have been around for decades, they are exploring more creative options. They seek usual flower colors, modern aesthetic wrapping, simple handwritten notes, and small health-conscious gourmet bags. The focus is often in finding a bouquet that matches the recipient’s personality instead of choosing the biggest flower arrangement.
Some of the most popular options are:
UAE millennial and Gen Z are changing their gifting preferences. Today, the focus is more on customization and emotional value than luxury. As a florist, it means moving beyond the traditional gifting stock and offering options that cater to these demands. They can focus more on customization, creative presentation, and subtle options that can make the gifting experience more memorable and shareable for shoppers. UAE businesses can use social media to identify the changing patterns and connect with customers to learn about their preferences. It also gives them a way to connect with the shoppers and create an interpersonal relationship with them.