NRF has been conducting its annual graduation spending survey since 2007 to see how Americans will celebrate high school and college graduates each spring.
Graduation 2020
Consumers to spend an average $112 on grad gifts
According to NRF's annual survey conducted by Prosper Insights and Analytics, 30% of respondents will buy a gift for a graduate in their life this year.
- Total spending is expected at $5.1 billion
- Cash is, once again, the top gift
Historical highlights
- 2018: Graduation spending to reach $5.2 billion
- 2017: Graduation spending to reach record-high $5.6B
- 2016: Americans to spend $5.4 billion on graduation gifts
- 2015: Graduates make room for electronics, cash after graduation
Results of NRF’s graduation spending survey are released each year in May.
More consumer trends
How brands are responding to consumer sentiment
Accelerated strategies include focusing on VR, fulfillment and wellness.
Read more
Average Easter Spending Expected to be Highest on Record
Consumers plan to spend an average of $179.70 this Easter, the highest figure on record
Read more
NRF Forecasts Retail Sales to Exceed $4.33T in 2021 as Vaccine Rollout Expands
NRF forecasts that retail sales will grow between 6.5 percent and 8.2 percent to more than $4.3 trillion in 2021
Read more
The pandemic’s impact on the Walmart shopper
Chief Customer Officer Janey Whiteside discusses the pandemic’s effects on consumer behavior.
Read more
More than 150 Million Plan to Shop on Super Saturday
Consumers have embraced an earlier start to the holiday season.
Read more
Through the retail lens: The adoption of mobile payments
Report shows cross-generational interest in new payment technologies.
Read more