Consumer Corner
The Home Depot’s Holiday Gift Edit: Why Millennials and Gen Z Are Shopping Smarter This Season
Last Updated on November 1, 2025 by Daily News Staff
The holiday shopping season officially kicks off with a fresh approach from The Home Depot—one that speaks directly to how younger generations actually want to celebrate. According to new survey data from Morning Consult, more than three-quarters of Millennials are ditching novelty gifts in favor of something that actually matters: practical items for their homes.
Starting October 28, The Home Depot is rolling out its Holiday Gift Edit—curated Pinterest boards designed for the doers, the nesters, and the comfort-seekers in every generation. It’s a smart move that meets shoppers where they already are: scrolling for inspiration and building wish lists months before December arrives.
The Millennial and Gen Z Advantage
Here’s what sets younger shoppers apart this season: they plan ahead. Nearly twice as many Millennials and Gen Zers create holiday wish lists compared to Gen X and Boomers. They know what they want, they know what their friends need, and they’re not afraid to treat themselves while they’re at it—more than half admit they’ll snag something for their own space while shopping for others.
This isn’t impulse buying. It’s intentional shopping with a clear goal: making home life better, one practical gift at a time.
Three Personas, Endless Possibilities
The Home Depot’s Holiday Gift Edit breaks down into three distinct shopping personalities, each with its own curated Pinterest board:
The DIYer
For the hands-on fixers and weekend warriors, tools reign supreme. Think the RYOBI ONE+ 18V Cordless 6-Tool Combo Kit for tackling any project, the DEWALT Atomic 20V Max Cordless Brushless Oscillating Multi Tool for precision work, and the HUSKY 16-Piece Pivoting Screwdriver Set for everyday fixes. Add in Home Accents Holiday 100-Count Mini LED Lights to finish every project with festive flair, and a RYOBI Cordless Bluetooth Speaker Kit to keep the energy high from start to finish.
The New Homeowner
Turning a house into a home takes the right gear. New homeowners are checking off major upgrades like the GE Smart Ultrafast Electric Washer and Dryer Combo and the Amazon Echo Hub 8 in. Smart Home Control Panel for seamless smart security. Comfort comes courtesy of the StyleWell Goodwin 75.6 in. Square Arm Velvet Rectangle Sofa, while the Home Decorators Collection 7.5 ft. Flocked Slim Grand Duchess Fir makes that first holiday season in a new place truly memorable.
The Cozy Curator
For those who live for ambiance and comfort, every corner deserves attention. The Spruce & Spring Noah Cream Performance Fabric Swivel Accent Chair and the StyleWell 4 ft. Faux Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree set the foundation. Layer in glittery holiday magic with the Home Accents Holiday 5.5 ft. LED Twinkling Stacked Gift Boxes and the Home Decorators Collection 12 ft. Grand Duchess Twinkling Balsam Fir Garland. And because no cozy space is complete without endless holiday movies, the Amazon Fire TV Stick rounds out the essentials.
Why This Matters
“At The Home Depot, we know our customers value practical, meaningful items that enhance their everyday lives,” said Molly Battin, senior vice president and chief marketing officer. “This holiday season, we’re leaning into those customers in a digital-first way, offering wish list inspiration on Pinterest and providing savings on products that make home prep, decorating and gift-giving both enjoyable and effortless.”
Pinterest’s Kate Hamill echoes the sentiment: “The Home Depot’s Holiday Gift Edit perfectly captures what we know resonates with our users—curated collections that help people discover gifts that truly connect with the recipient.”
What’s New and What’s Back
The viral sensation Grand Duchess Twinkling Balsam Fir Artificial Christmas Tree returns this year with its iconic twinkling lights now featured across a full collection—including a chic flocked version, matching garland, mini trees, and a wreath. For those seeking a modern twist, the new Breckenridge Twinkling Adaptive Lighting Downswept Fraser Fir Christmas Tree features dual-color technology, downswept branches, memory wire setup, and 600 micro fairy LED lights for endless customization.
Many of these popular online holiday decor items, plus new arrivals, hit stores starting this week.
Shopping Made Simple
With free delivery on over two million online items and same-day or next-day delivery on select products, The Home Depot removes the waiting game from holiday prep. Browse the Holiday Gift Edit on The Home Depot’s Pinterest page or visit corporate.homedepot.com to start checking off those wish lists.
This season, practical wins. And for Millennials and Gen Z leading the charge, that’s exactly the point.
STM Daily News is a vibrant news blog dedicated to sharing the brighter side of human experiences. Emphasizing positive, uplifting stories, the site focuses on delivering inspiring, informative, and well-researched content. With a commitment to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism, STM Daily News aims to foster a community of readers passionate about positive change and engaged in meaningful conversations. Join the movement and explore stories that celebrate the positive impacts shaping our world.
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Last Updated on January 10, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Understanding Thread Counts
(Family Features) Many companies use thread count to make their sheets more appealing and luxurious, but a bigger number doesn’t always mean a good buy. Before you reach into your wallet, consider these truths about thread counts.
A thread count is a scientific term with strict federal standards on how the threads are counted. Simply put, it measures the number of threads woven together per square inch, counted lengthwise and widthwise. A 400-thread count sheet will have 200 threads lengthwise and 200 widthwise.
When a sheet has a count of 150, it is considered a muslin fabric, which isn’t all that soft to the touch. Any count of 180 or above is considered high quality, but anything beyond 400 is likely to only signify a higher price tag.
However, a sheet with a thread count of 200 can be softer to the touch than one with a 400 thread count. The quality of sheets depends not only on the thread count, but on the quality of fibers within those threads as well. Many stores and manufacturers tout Egyptian cotton as the best because of its long, strong fibers, which are more durable than most other cottons. Another high-quality cotton type is pima, also known for its extra-long fibers.
When shopping for new sheets, make sure you are looking at both the thread count and the quality. Look for a count between 200-400 and make sure the fabric quality is high to ensure you get the best bang for your buck, as well as a comfortable night’s sleep.
Find more tips for selecting linens and other home goods at eLivingtoday.com.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
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Family Features
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home improvement
Create a Cozy, Inviting Living Room This Winter
Inviting Living Room: Turning your living room ñ the hub of seasonal entertaining ñ into a winter retreat can be simple with a few thoughtful updates. From the color palette and textiles to lighting and subtle seasonal accents, these ideas can help you create a space that feels warm and inviting, even on the chilliest of days.
Create a Cozy, Inviting Living Room This Winter
(Family Features) Turning your living room – the hub of seasonal entertaining – into a winter retreat can be simple with a few thoughtful updates. From the color palette and textiles to lighting and subtle seasonal accents, these ideas can help you create a space that feels warm and inviting, even on the chilliest of days. Embrace a Winter Color Scheme Start with a warm, neutral color palette featuring creams, taupe, ivory, beige and soft grays then layer in deeper greens, muted blues or charcoal for contrast. Accent pieces such as pillows, throws and vases in matching rich tones or muted metallics can help the room feel like a cozy retreat from the cold outside without overwhelming your existing decor. Stick to your chosen color palette but vary texture and mix solids with subtle patterns like stripes or checks. Layer Cozy Textiles One of the easiest ways to dial up winter comfort is layering textiles. Drape knit or faux fur throw blankets over sofas and chairs, stack extra blankets in a basket or on a ladder shelf near the seating area and switch out lighter pillow covers for winter-friendly fabrics such as velvet, wool or sweater knit. On the floor, layer a smaller, softer rug over your existing area rug for extra warmth underfoot. Create a Seasonal Focal Point Your coffee table is the perfect focal point for winter decor. Start with a tray or shallow bowl then mix in a candle or two and other decorative elements such as books, wooden beads, pinecones or glass jars filled with fairy lights. Keeping the arrangement simple allows the table to remain functional for everyday use while still feeling seasonally intentional. Set the Mood with Lighting Shorter winter days mean less natural light floods your living space. Soften the glow with warm white bulbs in floor and table lamps then layer candles – real or flameless – on the mantel, coffee table or console for a cozy atmosphere. Add a Touch of Nature Bringing a touch of the outdoors in can give decor a fresh, grounded feel. Consider incorporating evergreen branches, pinecones, bare twigs, eucalyptus and dried stems for an understated nod to the landscape beyond your windows. Pair these natural elements with a grouping of houseplants in woven baskets, wood trays or stone pots to complete the organic, wintery look. Visit eLivingtoday.com for more seasonal decorating inspiration. Photo courtesy of ShutterstockDiscover more from Daily News
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Last Updated on January 4, 2026 by Daily News Staff
(Family Features) After the mortgage, utility costs, including electricity, likely make up one of the most significant portions of monthly budgets for the typical American household. In fact, according to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average residential electric bill in the United States is $143.
However, reducing your family’s energy costs is possible by following some smart, practical, cost-cutting tips from the heating and cooling experts at Mitsubishi Electric. Consider these ways to help dial down your energy bills.
Service HVAC Systems Regularly
To ensure the best performance and efficiency possible, find a licensed contractor to keep your heating and cooling system well-maintained and serviced throughout the year. There are some tasks many homeowners can handle on their own, like keeping outdoor units free of debris and changing air filters. Some filters are removable and washable, saving you money. However, bringing in a professional 1-2 times a year for maintenance and to ensure proper function of ductwork and electrical components is also essential.
Use Appliances During Non-Peak Hours
Rather than using stoves, ovens and clothing dryers in the afternoon hours, consider doing so early in the morning or late in the evening. Peak time for many electricity providers is noon-6 p.m., meaning using these appliances outside of this timeframe when conventional heating and cooling systems are likely running full throttle can help lower energy costs.
Upgrade Your System
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) incentivizes homeowners that opt for energy-efficient air-conditioning and heating options to replace fossil-fuel-fired furnaces. This includes upgrading your existing HVAC system to a qualified heat pump. For example, Mitsubishi Electric heat pumps provide more energy-efficient cooling and heating that equals cost and energy savings as well as a reduced carbon footprint for homeowners.
Installing a smart electrical panel alongside an all-electric heat pump enables homeowners to monitor and control energy consumption on-site or remotely using a smartphone for better overall efficiency and utility cost savings.
Harness the Sun’s Energy with Solar Panels
According to the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, the amount of sunlight that strikes the Earth’s surface in 90 minutes could power the world’s total energy usage for a full year. Investing in solar panels can help decrease energy bills and increase your home’s sustainability. Additionally, some utility providers and government entities, including the IRA, offer incentives to help reduce installation costs.
Avoid Heating or Cooling Unused Spaces
One mistake many homeowners make is forgetting to adjust their temperature settings when leaving the house. Whether you’re headed out for the weekend or just headed to work for the day, running your system in an empty house can result in unnecessarily high utility bills.
Multi-zone, all-electric heat pumps like those from Mitsubishi Electric allow homeowners to set the comfort level and adjust the temperature in each room, reducing the energy waste of cooling unoccupied rooms. With a smartphone app, you can even adjust the settings remotely.
Find more ways to increase energy savings while making your home more sustainable by visiting MitsubishiComfort.com.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
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Mitsubishi Electric
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