Gift cards led expected holiday gift purchases in InComm Payments’ 2021 Holiday Report, with 80% of respondents saying they planned to give one. Clothing ranked second at 67%, followed by toys, home products and personal-care items.

The survey collected responses from 2,552 US consumers about their plans for the 2021 season. On average, respondents expected to give seven physical gift cards and three digital cards. InComm reported that 72% of gift card purchases would be planned in advance and 70% of shoppers intended to pair a card with a greeting card or another gift.

The findings also pointed to an early start. Sixty-two percent expected to complete at least some holiday shopping before Halloween, while 85% anticipated making at least some purchases before Thanksgiving.

Among the categories recipients most wanted were online retailers, restaurants and dining, and big-box stores. Consumers also expected to visit physical shops: 93% anticipated shopping at between two and ten brick-and-mortar retailers during the season.

InComm framed the results around expectations of greater social activity following the disrupted 2020 holidays. The figures describe intentions reported ahead of the 2021 season, rather than completed purchases or current-year spending.