Audrey Wu ’28
EE Staff Writer
‘Tis the season of gift-giving! As the holiday season creeps closer, the pressure for teens to create, purchase, and give meaningful presents spikes. From family members to friends to teachers, students feel a strong sense of obligation to purchase gifts that meet perceived social standards. This unrealistic expectation creates financial and emotional distress and tension, weighing heavily on students’ minds.
From big-budget hauls to grand shopping hauls, social media creates a facade of extravagant gift-giving habits. Through platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, teenagers are constantly exposed to these toxic gift-giving standards. Teenagers have a preexisting desire to “fit in” with their peers, and social comparison towards influencers and friends creates a sense of unnecessary obligation to match or exceed what they see others give. Furthermore, events such as Secret Santa and White Elephant also create pressure to match or “top” others’ gifts. The stress of being the person who provides the least valuable or desirable gift can influence teens to overspend or overgift.
The pressure to purchase excessive and expensive gifts also places a significant financial burden on teenagers and their families. According to the United States Department of Labor, 22.5% of high school students were employed in 2023. Oftentimes, teens resort to credit or debit cards as well as the “Buy Now, Pay Later” option to keep up with the high holiday costs. These unaffordable and unsustainable options can lead to longer-term financial stress and possible debt, which extends past the holiday season.
Beyond finances, gift-giving pressure can also impair mental health. Teenagers may experience anxiety, guilt, and shame if they feel their gifts will not meet the recipient’s or society’s expectations. These individuals yearn for peer validation, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy and inferiority.
While gift giving is intended to spread joy and delight, the holiday season can lead to significant stress and anxiety. Social comparison, financial ramifications, and fragile mental health all contribute to the emotions teenagers experience. Overall, it’s important for students to set boundaries for themselves and to remind themselves of the true reason for the season: celebrating our loved ones and spreading love to others.
Feature Photo Courtesy: Family on the Go