45% of Gen Z Want Crypto for Christmas—What to Know Before Gifting

2025-12-15

Christmas wish lists are changing. For many young adults, traditional gifts such as clothes, electronics, or gift cards are being replaced by something digital and far less familiar to older generations. Cryptocurrency gifts have entered the holiday conversation in a serious way.

A recent Visa Morning Consult survey reveals that nearly half of Gen Z would like to receive crypto as a Christmas gift, a figure that stands well above the national average.

This growing interest reflects more than a passing trend. It signals how Gen Z views money, technology, and long term opportunity. At the same time, it raises important questions for parents and relatives considering crypto gifts.

Understanding the motivation behind this demand and the risks involved is essential before wrapping Bitcoin or other digital assets for the holidays.

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Why Gen Z Wants Crypto for Holiday Gifts

how to gift cryptocurrency safely for Christmas.

According to the Visa Morning Consult survey, 45% of Gen Z respondents said they would welcome cryptocurrency as a Christmas gift.

By comparison, only 28% of Americans overall shared the same view. This gap highlights how deeply cryptocurrency has resonated with younger generations.

Several factors explain why Gen Z wants crypto for holiday gifts. Many young adults follow market trends closely and see recent price pullbacks as buying opportunities.

Bitcoin, for example, fell to around $92,000 after reaching higher levels earlier in the year. For Gen Z, this decline feels like a chance to enter the market at a discount.

Economic pressure also plays a role. A large portion of Gen Z reports living paycheck to paycheck, leaving little room for investing. Receiving cryptocurrency as a gift removes the need to spend their own limited income.

It allows them to participate in an asset class they find exciting without immediate financial sacrifice.

Finally, Gen Z has grown up with digital platforms and decentralized systems. Cryptocurrency feels intuitive rather than intimidating. For many, it represents independence from traditional finance and a way to engage with emerging technology.

Crypto Gifts and the Appeal of Bitcoin

Bitcoin remains the most recognizable cryptocurrency and is often the first asset people consider when thinking about crypto gifts. Its reputation as digital gold and its long term price history make it attractive to young investors.

However, gifting Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies is not the same as giving cash or stocks. Crypto prices can change rapidly, sometimes within hours.

This volatility is part of the appeal for some investors, but it also introduces significant risk, especially for young adults still learning how money management works.

Risks of Giving Bitcoin as a Gift to Young Adults

The risks of giving Bitcoin as a gift to young adults should not be underestimated. Cryptocurrency is a highly volatile asset. Its value can rise sharply, but it can also fall just as quickly. A holiday gift could lose a large portion of its value within months, or even days.

Another concern is responsibility. Unlike traditional bank accounts, cryptocurrency ownership places full responsibility on the user. Security, storage, and access are managed by the individual, not a bank.

Losing private keys or falling victim to scams can result in permanent loss. For young recipients, this learning curve can be steep.

There is also the issue of portfolio balance. For many Gen Z recipients, a crypto gift may represent their first and only investment. That means a single volatile asset could make up their entire portfolio, which is rarely considered a sound financial starting point.

How to Gift Cryptocurrency Safely for Christmas

For those who still wish to give crypto gifts, safety and education should come first. The process should begin with choosing a reputable platform or wallet that is easy to use and well supported. Clear guidance on how to access and store the cryptocurrency is essential.

It is also wise to keep the gift amount modest. A small allocation allows the recipient to learn without facing outsized risk. Including educational resources or setting aside time to explain basic concepts can make the gift more meaningful and less stressful.

Parents and relatives should also consider discussing long term goals rather than short term price movements. Framing cryptocurrency as a learning tool rather than a quick profit opportunity can help manage expectations.

Safer Alternatives Some Experts Prefer

Many financial experts suggest caution when it comes to crypto gifts, especially for young adults. While cryptocurrency can play a role in a diversified portfolio, it is often recommended to limit exposure to a small percentage of total investments.

Instead of giving only crypto, some experts prefer pairing it with more traditional assets. Custodial accounts holding index funds or individual stocks can provide steady growth and teach valuable lessons about compounding over time. These assets tend to be less volatile and more forgiving for beginners.

A balanced approach may be the most practical solution. A small crypto gift can satisfy Gen Z interest in digital assets, while traditional investments provide stability. This combination acknowledges modern trends without ignoring long established financial principles.

Gen Z Shopping With Cryptocurrency in 2025

Looking ahead, Gen Z shopping with cryptocurrency in 2025 is expected to grow. More merchants are exploring digital payments, and younger consumers are comfortable using crypto for online transactions.

This practical use case adds to the appeal of receiving crypto as a gift, as it feels both investable and spendable.

However, widespread adoption does not eliminate risk. Education remains the key factor in ensuring that enthusiasm translates into informed decision making.

Conclusion

The idea of giving cryptocurrency for Christmas reflects a broader shift in how Gen Z views money and opportunity.

The Visa survey shows genuine interest, driven by economic realities and comfort with digital systems. Yet enthusiasm alone does not remove the risks associated with crypto gifts.

Before gifting Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies, it is important to understand volatility, security responsibilities, and portfolio balance.

For many families, a thoughtful mix of crypto and traditional investments may offer the best path forward. In the end, the most valuable gift may not be the asset itself, but the knowledge that comes with it.

FAQ

Can you gift someone crypto?

Yes, you can easily gift crypto. One straightforward way is to send the purchased digital currency from your crypto exchange account (like Coinbase or Kraken) directly to the recipient's wallet address.

Can you make $100 a day with crypto?

It is possible, but it is not easy. Earning $100 a day (about $3,000 a month) is a major goal for many crypto enthusiasts and can potentially become a full-time pursuit, but it requires consistent trading success and involves risk.

What exactly are crypto gift cards?

A crypto gift card is a unique, prepaid card based on blockchain technology that holds a specific amount of cryptocurrency. It can be used either to gift crypto to someone or as a secure way to store digital assets for later use.

Is gifting crypto tax free?

Generally, no. You will usually have to pay Capital Gains Tax if you give crypto to someone as a gift, depending on the tax laws in your jurisdiction.