Rising prices putting a chill on gift giving in Japan

As the year winds down and many of us start thinking about Christmas or New Year gifts, many folks here are finding that rising prices are making generosity a little harder to budget for. A new survey by Alulu Mall (a Nagoya-based creative products marketplace) found that more than 40% of respondents said they're giving gifts less often this year.

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The findings seem to reflect a broader shift in spending habits, with nearly 30% of respondents saying they've reduced their gift budget, while many others are becoming more selective about who they buy for and on what occasions. Birthdays and year-end events remain key moments for giving, but there's a growing awareness of cost and a trend toward practical, everyday items over luxury or purely decorative goods.

Food topped the list of preferred presents, with 64% choosing edible gifts as a cost-effective way to show appreciation without breaking the bank. I personally love Japan's focus on consumables, and I'm always pretty thrilled when I'm given a gift in this category! Online shopping is also gaining ground as people hunt for deals and try to take advantage of loyalty programs and reward points.

Have you noticed a shift in your own gift shopping habits, from quantity and price tags to practicality and consumables?