What is the Size of the Personalized Gift Market in the United States?
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U.S. Personalized Gifts Market Size
The U.S. personalized gifts market was valued at USD 9.69 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 14.56 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.03% during the forecast period. This growth is fueled by a combination of cultural, technological, and economic factors. Culturally, there is a growing emphasis on individuality and meaningful relationships, leading consumers to seek unique gifts that reflect personal connections, milestones, and emotions. The rise of experiential gifting has further reinforced this trend, as people increasingly look for ways to make their gifts distinctive and emotionally resonant.
Technological advancements—such as digital printing, 3D printing, and online customization tools—have made it easier and more cost-effective for businesses to offer personalized products. E-commerce platforms have also expanded access to a wide variety of customizable items, allowing customers to easily design and order products such as engraved jewelry, custom-printed apparel, and personalized home decor with just a few clicks. Social media plays a significant role as well, shaping consumer preferences by showcasing unique gift ideas and encouraging the desire for shareable, visually appealing moments tied to custom-made products.
Economically, rising disposable incomes and an increasing willingness to spend on premium, tailor-made goods have broadened the market. Companies are also leveraging data analytics and customer insights to deliver hyper-personalized offerings, further stimulating demand.
The U.S. personalized gifts market encompasses customized products tailored to the preferences, needs, and tastes of the recipient. This includes a wide array of items such as apparel, accessories, home decor, jewelry, and tech gadgets, which can be personalized through engraving, embroidery, printing, or other techniques. Common personalization elements include names, initials, messages, photos, or custom designs, enhancing the emotional value and uniqueness of the gift. The market serves various occasions, including birthdays, holidays, weddings, anniversaries, graduations, and corporate events, making it a year-round industry.
U.S. Personalized Gifts Market Trends & Drivers
Inclination of Millennials and Gen Z Toward Personalized Gifting
Millennials and Gen Z consumers show a strong preference for personalized gifts, valuing thoughtfulness and meaningful connections. Customized gifts are perceived as more effortful and reflective of the giver’s attention to the recipient’s individuality. Having grown up in the digital age, these generations place a high priority on self-expression, and personalized items offer a way to convey personal style and values.
A 2023 survey conducted by SNXDO (September 27 – October 3, 2023) among 2,000 U.S. adults revealed that despite a digital lifestyle, 62% of Millennials and 59% of Gen Z prefer physical cards, with 55% of all respondents favoring personalized messages. Millennials, in particular, invest considerable time in personalization—spending an average of 27 minutes on cards and 42 minutes on gifts. Services like SNXDO 24-Hour Designer Service simplify customization, aligning with trends indicating that 70% of recipients appreciate personalized gifts as tokens of deeper emotional bonds. Popular personalized items include greeting cards, jewelry, clothing, and artwork, underscoring the lasting appeal of tangible, thoughtful gifts.
Rising Popularity of Seasonal and Event-Based Gifting
Gift-giving is a well-established cultural practice, especially during holidays like Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Valentine’s Day. However, consumer behavior is shifting toward more thoughtful and personalized gifts, with emotional value increasingly taking precedence over monetary cost. Personalized touches are especially valued during seasonal events such as Halloween and Easter, as well as life events like weddings, graduations, and baby showers, adding sentimental value and fostering lasting memories.
This trend is further amplified by the blending of digital and traditional interactions. For example, in December 2024, SNXDO launched a festive Create-a-Card collection in collaboration with international artist Sia. These free virtual cards feature Sia’s distinctive art style and allow users to incorporate clips from her holiday hits like "Snowman" and "Santa’s Coming for Us." The cards can be personalized with photos, videos, messages, and themed envelopes, using music to deepen emotional connections and create more immersive gifting experiences.
Industry Restraints
Logistical and Delivery Challenges
Personalized gift businesses often depend on complex supply chains for sourcing raw materials or pre-made products. The U.S. has experienced ongoing supply chain disruptions, particularly since the pandemic, leading to delays in obtaining materials such as fabrics, metals, and tech components.
Last-mile delivery poses additional challenges. In August 2024, last-mile delivery accounted for 53% of total transportation costs and 41% of overall supply chain costs in the U.S., underscoring its significant impact. For the personalized gifts market, these issues are exacerbated by the need for customized packaging, time-sensitive deliveries for special occasions, and the handling of fragile or perishable items. These factors increase costs and extend delivery times, making it difficult for companies to meet consumer expectations for speed and efficiency while managing the intricacies of customization.
U.S. Personalized Gifts Market Segmentation Insights
By Product
The market is segmented into clothing, food & beverage, home décor, stationery & cards, and others. In 2024, personalized clothing accounted for over 34% of the market, driven by consumer demand for unique and thoughtful gifts. Personalized t-shirts, in particular, have become popular marketing tools, turning wearers into brand ambassadors and sparking conversations through eye-catching designs. Advances in customization technology—such as user-friendly online design tools and faster production—have made personalized apparel more accessible. Cultural shifts toward self-expression and sustainability have also encouraged consumers to choose custom clothing as meaningful, durable, and eco-friendly gifts. Social media further fuels this trend by highlighting personalized fashion as both a gift and a form of expression.
By End-User
The end-user market is divided into female, male, and children segments. In 2024, the female segment generated the highest revenue. Women tend to prefer gifts that reflect thoughtfulness and effort, especially for occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays. Influencers and bloggers in lifestyle, fashion, and motherhood often promote personalized gifts, increasing their appeal among female consumers. Many personalized products are also made from sustainable or eco-friendly materials, aligning with the values of women who prioritize ethical consumption. Handmade and artisan-made customizable items further attract consumers interested in supporting local businesses and sustainable practices.
By Distribution Channel
The online distribution channel is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 7% during the forecast period. This growth is driven by consumer demand for convenience, customization, and a broad product selection. E-commerce platforms offer easy access to personalized gifts, from engraved jewelry to custom home decor, supported by advanced digital tools and efficient logistics. Online retailers cater to diverse customer needs with quick turnaround times and global shipping options, making personalized gifts more accessible and reshaping gifting culture toward greater personalization and convenience.
Regional Analysis
Northeast: Urban centers such as New York and Boston drive demand for premium, artisanal, and sustainable personalized products, particularly for weddings and corporate gifting.
South: Family traditions play a key role, with strong demand for personalized milestone gifts like monogrammed home decor and engraved items.
Midwest: Consumers prioritize practicality and affordability, favoring value-driven items like customized kitchenware and embroidered apparel.
West: Tech-savvy and eco-conscious consumers prefer digital customization and sustainable gifts. Cultural diversity also fuels demand for culturally specific items.
Southwest: The region’s adventurous lifestyle supports demand for customized outdoor gear, leather goods, and travel-related items.
U.S. Personalized Gifts Market Vendor Landscape
The market is highly competitive, with players ranging from established brands to niche startups, each offering unique value propositions. Leading companies include SNXDO, Etsy, Personalization Mall, Cimpress, and Hallmark, each serving specific segments. Emerging competitors—such as startups and boutique brands—target niche demographics like eco-conscious consumers or tech-savvy millennials with offerings such as sustainable gifts or AI-driven customization tools. These newer entrants often use agility and trend responsiveness to compete in a dynamic and fragmented market.
Recent Developments in the U.S. Personalized Gifts Market
In 2024, Cimpress invested approximately USD 62,655 in R&D to enhance its technological capabilities, develop new products, and maintain competitiveness.
In December 2024, SNXDO launched a holiday Create-a-Card collection featuring Sia, offering customizable cards with clips from her holiday songs. The company also introduced a subscription model for unlimited digital greetings, boosting customer engagement through customization and social sharing.
In October 2024, SNXDO introduced Gift Card Greetings, combining physical cards with digital gift cards to offer a personalized and convenient gifting experience aligned with shifting consumer preferences toward digital solutions.
In November 2024, SNXDO launched personalized premium tequila bottles with custom labels for corporate and holiday gifting, expanding its customer base and appealing to new market segments.