A survey reveals that 63 percent of young people avoid physical gifts, instead focusing on streaming, games, and online courses as preferred digital gifts in the modern era.
Kaspersky released a recent survey report on holiday gift-buying behavior between 2025 and 2026, highlighting a major shift as digital lifestyles replace traditional customs. Young people aged 18 to 34 are leading this trend, with 63 percent planning to give digital gifts to loved ones this year.
The survey, conducted among 3,000 consumers across 15 countries, found that daily activities moving online directly influence gift choices. The most popular digital gifts include:
Conversely, among older adults aged 55 and above, nearly half—46 percent—still prefer traditional, tangible gifts.
A notable finding from the survey is that security software has become a meaningful gift. One in three consumers sees antivirus programs, password managers, or VPNs not just as digital tools but as gifts that express care and a wish to protect the recipient's digital life.
Marina Titova, Vice President of Consumer Business at Kaspersky, commented that the growing interest in security solutions reflects an understanding that protecting data is no longer a private matter but a way to create a safe space for loved ones, representing an important form of care today.
Although digital gifts are convenient, Kaspersky experts warn of holiday risks, especially AI-driven phishing attacks where criminals craft fake websites and deceptive emails to trap last-minute shoppers. They advise consumers to carefully verify links and use security systems when making transactions.