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Gift vouchers remain the most popular Christmas present among Viennese residents in 2025. According to the Vienna Chamber of Commerce, around one third of the population – approximately 495,000 people – will give vouchers this year. The average value has risen to 150 euros, about 25 percent more than in 2024. Altogether, this amounts to a remarkable Christmas voucher volume of 74 million euros.
“Gift vouchers are a safe choice,” says Margarete Gumprecht, Chair of the Retail Division. “They strengthen local businesses while offering recipients maximum flexibility.”
Where the voucher money goes
Vouchers for clothing and textiles are the most in demand (42 percent), followed by cosmetics and perfume (27 percent). In the services sector, spa and wellness stays dominate with 64 percent, ahead of cultural events (53 percent) and restaurant visits (43 percent).
Many Viennese personalize their vouchers with small additional gifts, adding emotional value, Gumprecht notes.
Redeeming vouchers: later and later
Redemption habits are shifting as well. Only 12 percent of recipients use their voucher before the end of the year. Most wait longer:
- 35 percent redeem it in January or February,
- 14 percent by the end of March,
- and 38 percent take even more time.
“This flexibility is an added advantage,” Gumprecht explains. “Vouchers are redeemed deliberately and without time pressure – often accompanied by additional purchases, which benefits the economy twice over.”
- Hector Pascua with reports from vienna.at/picture: canva.com
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