Mastercard: Jewelry Among Favorite Gift Purchases This Holiday

US jewelry sales rose 1.6% year on year during the holiday spending period, making it one of the preferred gifting purchases for the season, according to Mastercard SpendingPulse.

Shoppers chose items in the category as they “strategically purchased sparkly gifts” and refreshed wardrobes, thanks to great deals, Mastercard said Tuesday. Another favorite gifting option during the seven weeks from November 1 to December 21 was apparel, up 8% year on year.

In total, outlay during the period grew 3.9% year on year. E-commerce sales climbed 7.4% from the comparative period of 2024, while in-store purchases increased 2.9%.

“Consumers demonstrated flexibility and confidence this season, shopping early, leveraging promotions and investing in meaningful experiences and wish-list items,” said Michelle Meyer, chief economist at Mastercard Economics Institute. “They also blended online and in-store shopping to find the best deals and maximize convenience.”

Image: A couple shopping for jewelry online. (Shutterstock)