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.
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Automotive
Beyond the Sticker Price: Identifying the Most Affordable New Vehicles to Insure for 2026
For most households, buying a new vehicle is one of the largest financial decisions they’ll make. The purchase price is only the beginning, however. To help consumers make more informed purchasing decisions, consider these rankings of the most affordable new 2026 model year vehicles to insure.
Beyond the Sticker Price: Identifying the Most Affordable New Vehicles to Insure for 2026
(Feature Impact)For most households, buying a new vehicle is one of the largest financial decisions they’ll make. The purchase price is only the beginning, however. Fuel, maintenance, depreciation and insurance all contribute to the total cost of ownership, making affordability a consideration that extends well beyond the showroom.
To help consumers make more informed purchasing decisions, Mercury Insurance recently released its annual rankings of the most affordable new 2026 model year vehicles to insure, identifying the top-performing SUV, truck, sedan and electric or hybrid vehicles in four of today’s most popular categories.
“Consumers naturally compare purchase price, fuel economy, safety ratings and technology features before buying a vehicle,” said Chong Gao, director of research and development for Mercury Insurance. “Insurance is one of the few ownership costs drivers can estimate before making a purchase. Factoring it into the decision gives consumers a more complete picture of what that vehicle is likely to cost over the years they own it.”
While every driver’s premium is unique, this year’s rankings also revealed a broader trend: Practical, mainstream vehicles continue to offer some of the strongest long-term insurance value.
“Vehicles designed for everyday drivers often strike the best balance between safety, repairability and replacement costs,” Gao said. “That’s reflected in this year’s rankings, where familiar models from manufacturers like Hyundai, Chevrolet, Honda, Kia and Volkswagen rose to the top. It reinforces the idea that choosing a practical vehicle can pay dividends well beyond the purchase price.”
A Cost You Can Plan For
Unlike unexpected repairs or fluctuating fuel prices, insurance is a predictable ownership expense consumers can research before purchasing a vehicle.
Comparing insurance costs alongside purchase price, fuel economy, maintenance expenses and expected repair costs can help shoppers better understand the long-term financial commitment of vehicle ownership.
Factors Influencing Insurance Costs
Insurance costs are influenced by many factors, but repair complexity, parts availability, vehicle safety systems and historical claims experience all contribute to how a vehicle is insured. While advanced safety technology can help reduce accidents, vehicles that are easier and less expensive to repair can also help improve long-term affordability. Among the considerations insurers evaluate are:
- Repair and replacement costs
- Historical claims experience
- Vehicle safety features and crash performance
- Theft frequency
- Availability and cost of replacement parts
- Vehicle performance characteristics
The Most Affordable Vehicles to Insure
This year’s rankings show practical, mainstream vehicles continue to offer some of the strongest insurance value. The top spot in both the SUV and electric and hybrid categories was claimed by Hyundai while Chevrolet led the truck category and Volkswagen topped the sedan rankings. Rounding out Mercury’s rankings were several familiar nameplates recognized for balancing insurance affordability with everyday value.
SUVs:
- Hyundai Santa Fe
- Chevrolet Blazer
- Honda Pilot
- Kia Sportage
- Honda Passport
Trucks:
- Chevrolet Colorado LT
- Chevrolet Silverado C3500
- Ford Maverick and Ranger
- Hyundai Santa Cruz SE
- Toyota Tundra CrewMax
Sedans and Coupes:
- Volkswagen Golf R
- Acura Integra
- Honda Prelude
- Kia K4
- Mazda3
Electric and Hybrids:
- Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
- Chevrolet Blazer EV
- Kia Sportage Hybrid
- Ford Escape Hybrid
- Honda CR-V Hybrid
“The smartest vehicle purchase isn’t always the one with the lowest sticker price,” Gao said. “It’s the one that delivers the best overall value over time. Comparing insurance before buying gives consumers another tool to make a more informed decision.”
Visit MercuryInsurance.com to see the full rankings and request a quote to get a more complete understanding of long-term ownership costs.
Photo courtesy of Hyundai America (Hyundai Santa Fe)
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (couple using laptop)
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financial wellness
Covering Basic Expenses with Credit Cards Adds to the Growing Debt Cycle
The Debt Cycle: For many Americans, credit cards were once reserved for emergencies, major purchases or added security when shopping online. However, today, people are increasingly relying on credit cards and unsecured debt to cover basic everyday expenses like groceries.
Covering Basic Expenses with Credit Cards Adds to the Growing Debt Cycle
(Feature Impact) For many Americans, credit cards were once reserved for emergencies, major purchases or added security when shopping online. However, today, people are increasingly relying on credit cards and unsecured debt to cover basic everyday expenses like groceries.
According to a survey of 2,000 U.S. adults with at least $10,000 in unsecured debt conducted by Atomik Research on behalf of Accredited Debt Relief, a debt consolidation company specializing in unsecured debt relief, credit cards are no longer just a financial convenience but a tool for managing the rising cost of everyday necessities.
In fact, 66% of respondents reported having used a credit card to cover the cost of groceries within the last year. Other essentials aren’t far behind: 47% said they’ve used it for gas or transportation, 45% for utilities and 33% for rent or housing costs.
How Everyday Expenses Turn into Long-Term Debt
Debt builds over time when credit becomes part of monthly operations. For those struggling with cost-of-living pressures, using a credit card to cover groceries or utility bills may seem manageable in the moment. When the unexpected happens – a car repair, medical bill or unusually high energy bill – however, the balance adds up for the 46% of respondents who take on additional debt at least most of the time an emergency occurs and, without an executable plan for repaying it, could shorten the runway for taking care of such expenses in the future.
Because nearly 3 in 10 survey respondents rely on credit or borrowing just to get through a typical month, the data suggests what may have been a stopgap has become a routine part of managing personal finances. In fact, one-third of survey respondents said they depend on credit more than they did a year ago.
Lack of a Financial Cushion Makes Paying Down Debt Difficult
Breaking the debt cycle becomes especially difficult without emergency savings. Only 28% of respondents say they can cover expenses and save.
Additionally, 45% reported their income is enough to get by but not get ahead. Many said they’ve even put off taking a vacation or saving for the future due to their financial situations. When each paycheck is already committed to existing bills – 29% of respondents listed the cost of everyday expenses as the biggest barrier to reducing debt – making meaningful progress toward paying down debts becomes more difficult.
The Emotional Cost of Carrying Debt
Financial stress affects more than just the household budget. The survey found 25% of respondents are concerned about their financial future, with 12% worried they’re facing long-term financial instability. What’s more, nearly 7 in 10 said their current debt situation has negatively affected their mental well-being.
Without meaningful changes, whether through increased income, debt relief or financial support, these households may continue to rely on unsecured credit as a necessity rather than a strategic financial tool or occasional supplement. To learn more and find support to regain financial stability, visit AccreditedDebtRelief.com.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
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Automotive
EV Interest Climbs as Gas Price Uncertainty Pushes Families Toward Electric SUVs
With ongoing uncertainty surrounding global oil prices, more U.S. consumers are buying and showing more interest in electric vehicles (EVs). The shift comes as car shoppers weigh fuel costs, improving affordability and a growing number of family-friendly electric SUVs.
EV Interest Climbs as Gas Price Uncertainty Pushes Families Toward Electric SUVs
(Feature Impact)With ongoing uncertainty surrounding global oil prices, more U.S. consumers are buying and showing more interest in electric vehicles (EVs). The shift comes as car shoppers weigh fuel costs, improving affordability and a growing number of family-friendly electric SUVs.
Watch this video to learn more
According to Spectrum News, EV sales increased in the first quarter of this year. In the same time frame, interest in new EVs increased 16% and interest in used EVs increased by 30%. As families look for opportunities to ditch the gas pump without sacrificing power or space, new all-electric options create a compelling argument for families to turn to EVs.
For those looking to offset their weekly fuel up, the 2026 Kia EV9 can save drivers around $1,800-3,400 per year compared to gas-powered SUVs. Cars.com named the 2026 Kia EV9 the Best Electric Vehicle of 2026 for the second consecutive year.
“The Kia EV9 stood out because it delivers everything we want from a modern electric SUV – strong real-world range, fast charging, excellent space and comfort, and smart flexibility across the lineup,” said Mike Hanley, Sr. Road Test Editor, Cars.com.
For those who aren’t ready to switch to a fully electric vehicle, Kia has expanded its hybrid options. The 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid adds horsepower and updated design features, while the Kia Telluride model offers a hybrid version for the first time with a total driving range of up to 637 miles on the Ex FWD-trim.
To learn more about the Kia EV9 and Kia’s hybrid models, visit Kia at kia.com.
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