Cryptocurrency as a Christmas gift? Generation Z is re-evaluating

Original Title: Crypto for Christmas? Gen Z-ers Are Cautiously Open to the Idea.
Original Author: Kailyn Rhone, the New York Times
Translation: Peggy, BlockBeats

Editor’s Note: In an era where Bitcoin and Ethereum have become cultural symbols, cryptocurrency is no longer just a speculative tool but is also packaged as a "gift for young people." However, under the pressure of economic realities and market pullbacks, Gen Z's attitude towards crypto assets is far more complex than one might imagine.

This article presents a divided and restrained mindset through the real experiences of several individuals in their twenties: they do not reject cryptocurrency and are even willing to "accept" it as a gift during the holidays, but when it comes to personal asset allocation, they tend to prefer stable, predictable investments related to long-term life goals. For them, cryptocurrency symbolizes a change of era while also reminding them of the coexistence of risks and uncertainties.

Here is the original text:

Wyatt Johnson still remembers the time during the cryptocurrency frenzy in 2021 when he kept refreshing the Coinbase app. He and his friends were convinced they were witnessing history, so Johnson decided to invest about $5,000.

But the outcome was not profit; rather, the cryptocurrency he held—Solana—lost nearly half its value within a few months.

22-year-old Wyatt Johnson suffered losses when the price of his cryptocurrency Solana halved. Nevertheless, he is still willing to receive cryptocurrency as a gift this Christmas. Image source: Jenn Ackerman / The New York Times

At 22, Johnson has not invested in cryptocurrency since, but he continues to follow the field and keep up with the latest developments. Although he wouldn't invest his own money right now due to the recent downturn in the crypto market, he wouldn't refuse if someone gifted him digital currency for Christmas.

"Currency is becoming democratized in unprecedented ways," said Johnson, who lives in Hustisford, Wisconsin. "Things are changing. I think it's important for our generation to keep up with these changes."

Depending on the perspective, a cryptocurrency gift can feel like a scratch-off lottery ticket or a gift card with unlimited potential. Even amid market volatility, some young Americans, especially Gen Z, seem willing to unwrap gifts like Bitcoin or Ethereum this holiday season.

This does not mean that cryptocurrency tops many people's wish lists. As retailers, payment companies, and crypto platforms package digital assets as "holiday-friendly" gifts, a larger question arises: Do Gen Z really want to receive cryptocurrency during the holidays amid uncertain economic prospects?

Preliminary signs indicate a divide within Gen Z. Those in their twenties, especially those with investment experience, often hold a cautiously open attitude—they can accept cryptocurrency, but most prefer gifts that support savings, rent subsidies, or more stable, traditional assets like stocks. Johnson stated that he would rather receive gifts related to real estate or funds to support his AI startup than cryptocurrency.

On the other hand, teenagers and younger Gen Z members who are just starting to invest appear more enthusiastic. Financial experts believe this is likely because they have not yet deeply experienced the market's dramatic ups and downs. According to a recent Visa report, about 45% of Gen Z said they would feel excited to receive cryptocurrency during the holidays.

"Gen Z is not as afraid of volatility as older generations; what they really fear is stagnation," said Will Reeves, CEO of Bitcoin financial services company Fold. He added that traditional wealth accumulation paths like homeownership seem out of reach for young people, while Bitcoin feels more accessible.

22-year-old Russell Kai began exploring investments after being introduced to the stock market by friends two years ago. He holds an open attitude towards cryptocurrency but prefers to hold stocks instead. Image source: Alana Paterson / The New York Times

Part of the appeal of crypto assets comes from cultural factors. Rick Maeda, a research assistant at algorithmic trading firm Presto Research, noted that Gen Z is the generation that witnessed the rise of Bitcoin and Ethereum on social media. Even after a series of pullbacks, some young investors still view the high volatility of cryptocurrencies as normal, even expected.

For many young people, receiving a small amount of cryptocurrency often marks the beginning of their journey into the investment world. Research from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and the CFA Institute shows that cryptocurrency is often the first type of asset held by young investors. The study found that nearly one-fifth of Gen Z investors only hold crypto assets and non-fungible tokens (NFTs), or both; in contrast, Generation X's investments are primarily concentrated in traditional products like mutual funds.

However, this open attitude is emerging at a rather complex time for the industry.

A year ago, Bitcoin's price briefly surpassed $100,000. Against the backdrop of this milestone and the election of a pro-crypto president, many enthusiasts predicted that this 16-year-old cryptocurrency would rise to $250,000 by the end of the year.

However, these predictions did not come true.

After climbing to about $126,000 in October, Bitcoin fell back to around $81,000 in late November, a drop of nearly 35%, nearly erasing all gains made this year. (Since then, Bitcoin has rebounded, reaching nearly $95,000 on December 9.) Other major cryptocurrencies also fell, with Ethereum's drop since August approaching 40%.

This volatility is not just a problem for cryptocurrencies themselves but reflects a broader economic environment, such as changes in interest rate expectations and the impact of tariff policies. Amid widespread employment difficulties for Gen Z, many are moving back in with their parents to save money or delaying significant life milestones; they prefer to choose stable investments—those assets that won't "flip" in the coming years, let alone experience dramatic changes in the coming months.

However, some Gen Z members view this year's downturn as an opportunity rather than a warning signal. Stephen Kates, a financial analyst at consumer financial services company Bankrate, noted that many young people are taking advantage of lower prices to invest in cryptocurrency. However, financial experts caution that cryptocurrencies and lesser-known digital tokens carry high risks and should only make up a small portion of a more diversified investment portfolio.

For Russell Kai, a 22-year-old finance major living in Vancouver, Canada, cryptocurrency always feels like the most chaotic corner of the financial world—too much volatility and too few safety rails. Two years ago, while still in college, he bought his first stock at a friend's suggestion, which marked the beginning of his investment journey. Since then, he has adhered to one principle: choose stable or government-issued assets rather than trendy, popular digital products.

Kai stated that if he received cryptocurrency as a gift this year, he wouldn't refuse it, but he would likely sell it quickly and reinvest the cash into the stocks he monitors daily.

24-year-old Clay Lute also expressed an open attitude towards receiving cryptocurrency gifts, but it is not something he would actively request. Lute, who lives in Queens, New York, and works in the fashion industry, believes that Bitcoin will recover from its current low and ultimately grow in value and practical use; however, he does not believe in a "bull market" where hundreds of cryptocurrencies coexist long-term.

"If I could curate my own holiday wish list, putting money into my Roth IRA would clearly be more beneficial for my long-term future than betting on cryptocurrency," Lute said.