Obligation or Desire? ‘Gutfeld!’ Explores the Dreaded Holiday Gift Dilemma – And Why Americans Are Starting to Hate the Tradition

As the holiday season approaches, what is traditionally considered the most joyous time of the year has become, for many, a source of anxiety and stress. On a recent segment of Gutfeld!, aptly titled “Obligation or desire?: ‘Gutfeld!’ discusses the dreaded holiday gift dilemma,” host Greg Gutfeld and his panel delved into the complex emotions surrounding holiday gift-giving. Their discussion touched on everything from financial strain to emotional obligation, offering a frank and often humorous look at why millions of Americans are questioning the annual ritual.

The holiday gift dilemma is one that quietly permeates households across the United States each year. For some, it is a cherished tradition; for others, a burdensome obligation. The panelists on Gutfeld! explored this tension in detail, weighing the balance between genuine affection and societal pressure. “Are we giving gifts because we want to, or because we feel we must?” one panelist asked, sparking a lively debate that resonated with viewers nationwide.

The Rise of the “Guilt Gift”

According to recent surveys, a striking number of Americans are purchasing gifts not out of desire, but out of a sense of obligation. Over half of all holiday shoppers admit to buying at least one gift simply because they felt they had to, not because they truly wanted to. This phenomenon, often referred to as the “guilt gift,” has become a central concern for the show’s discussion.

Financial considerations compound the issue. Many shoppers report overspending or planning to overspend on gifts, often cutting back on essentials or dipping into savings to cover costs. The pressure to find the “perfect” present can lead to stress, resentment, and even strained relationships. One panelist remarked that the modern gift-giving ritual is increasingly about appearances and social expectation rather than thoughtfulness or love.

The concept of regifting, once considered taboo, has also entered the conversation. Approximately one-third of Americans now admit to giving a gift they themselves received or never used to someone else, reflecting a pragmatic — if somewhat cynical — approach to holiday shopping. On the show, this trend was debated humorously, but with a serious undertone: it raises the question of whether the holiday season has become more about convenience than connection.

Adults Don’t Need Gifts

The discussion took a particularly candid turn when the panel addressed adult gift-giving. In an era where most adults can purchase what they want and need for themselves, the idea of gifting can feel redundant or even absurd. “Most of the people I know are adults now,” one panelist said. “They buy the things they want. So all that’s left are things they don’t need or want.”

This sentiment was echoed throughout the segment: spending hundreds of dollars on an item that might be unwanted or unnecessary not only lacks meaning, but can also create financial strain. In a time of economic uncertainty, holiday gift-giving can become a source of anxiety rather than joy. Panelists suggested alternatives such as shared experiences, meaningful gestures, or simple acts of kindness as more thoughtful and lasting gifts.

The Emotional Toll of Gift-Giving

Beyond the financial burden, there is also an emotional cost. Surveys indicate that a significant percentage of gifts are disliked, returned, or regifted. Recipients frequently report feeling disappointed, underwhelmed, or even insulted by what they receive. The pressure to “get it right” can transform a joyous occasion into a stressful one, particularly when expectations clash with reality.

Panelists highlighted the cultural shift underway: the traditional holiday gift ritual is increasingly being questioned, especially among younger generations. Movements such as “buy less, give better” and “experiences over things” have gained traction, emphasizing thoughtfulness and connection over materialism. This shift aligns with a growing awareness of the inefficiency of traditional gift-giving, where the monetary value of a gift often exceeds the emotional value to the recipient.

Tradition vs. Practicality

Of course, not everyone is eager to abandon tradition. For families with children, gift-giving remains an essential part of the holiday experience. It fosters excitement, surprise, and shared joy, binding extended families together in celebration. Even for adults, gifts can be a meaningful expression of love, gratitude, and appreciation — provided they are chosen thoughtfully rather than purchased out of obligation.

The Gutfeld! panel acknowledged this complexity. While many Americans are reevaluating the pressures of gift-giving, the underlying desire to connect and express care remains strong. The challenge lies in finding a balance: honoring tradition without succumbing to financial or emotional strain. As one host noted, “You shouldn’t ‘have to’ give — the thought alone should be enough.”

Economic Perspectives on Holiday Giving

Economists have long argued that traditional holiday gift-giving can be inefficient. Nobel laureate Joel Waldfogel famously described the phenomenon as “deadweight loss,” noting that gifts often have less value to the recipient than their cost to the giver. Modern surveys support this notion: impulse purchases, last-minute gifts, and obligation-driven shopping frequently result in gifts that are unwanted, unused, or resold. This inefficiency contributes to the stress and frustration associated with the holiday season, highlighting the gap between intention and outcome.

A New Approach to Gifting

Given these challenges, many Americans are reconsidering how they approach holiday gifting. Some are embracing minimalist or experience-based alternatives, prioritizing quality over quantity. Activities such as cooking together, sharing a meal, or creating family traditions are increasingly valued as gifts in themselves. For some, especially adults, the most appreciated gift may be the absence of a gift — a reprieve from pressure, expectation, and expense.

The Gutfeld! segment highlighted these alternatives with both humor and sincerity. Hosts shared personal anecdotes of gifting experiences rather than objects, emphasizing the enduring value of time, attention, and shared memories over material possessions. These approaches, they suggested, restore meaning to the holiday season while reducing stress and financial strain.

The Future of Holiday Gift-Giving

The conversation on Gutfeld! reflects a broader cultural reevaluation of holiday traditions. As economic pressures mount and social expectations evolve, the practice of holiday gift-giving is being scrutinized like never before. Will Americans abandon the ritual entirely, or adapt it to suit modern sensibilities?

Some families may implement new rules this year: limiting gifts to children, adopting a secret Santa system, or focusing on shared experiences. Others may choose to maintain traditional practices, finding joy in the ritual despite its pressures. Ultimately, the key lies in intention: giving should stem from genuine desire and connection, rather than obligation or social conformity.

The Takeaway

At its core, the Gutfeld! discussion is about more than just gifts — it’s about reevaluating priorities and expectations during one of the most stressful times of the year. For those who dread the holiday shopping spree, the segment offered validation: the anxiety and guilt associated with gift-giving are widely shared experiences.

The broader lesson is clear: the spirit of the holiday season does not have to be measured by the number of gifts purchased or the money spent. True generosity can take many forms, from shared moments and meaningful gestures to simply relieving loved ones of unnecessary pressure.

Perhaps, as the Gutfeld! panel suggests, the most valuable gift this holiday season is not wrapped in paper or tied with a bow. It is relief — relief from debt, stress, and obligation — and the freedom to celebrate the holidays on your own terms. In a world where the line between obligation and desire is increasingly blurred, that may be the most precious gift of all.