The Rise of Self-Gifting in South America’s Holiday Season

Why Chileans Are Shopping for Themselves During the Festive Rush

Across South America, a quiet but powerful tradition is taking hold during the holiday season: self-gifting. What was once seen as an indulgence has now become normal, even expected. In Chile, especially, more people are taking advantage of holiday deals, year-end bonuses, and once-a-year offers to buy something meaningful for themselves.

This shift isn’t about being selfish—it's about rewarding personal effort, refreshing routines, and stepping into a new year feeling prepared and motivated.

Here’s a closer look at why self-gifting is trending in Chile and what people are buying for themselves during the festive season.

1. A Reward at the End of the Year

For many Chileans, December marks the close of a hardworking year. With summer approaching, school vacations starting, and workplaces winding down, gifting oneself becomes a moment of:

• Celebration

• Motivation

• Treating oneself after challenges

• Preparing for summer activities

This emotional need for small rewards is one of the strongest drivers of self-gifting across South America.

Holiday Tip:

Choose a "feel-good gift" that aligns with a personal goal—rest, fitness, learning, or self-care.

2. Holiday Deals Make Self-Gifting Affordable

From Black Friday to early December sales and last-minute holiday offers, this season is known for some of the best discounts of the year. Chilean shoppers often wait for these sale periods to finally buy:

• The gadget they’ve had on their wishlist

• Wellness items for summer

• Practical essentials for the new year

The combination of promotions, summer timing, and better product availability encourages more "for me" purchases.

Holiday Tip:

Plan your wishlist before sale days. It helps avoid impulse buying and keeps spending smart.

3. Fitness & Wellness Products Lead the Self-Gifting Trend

Since Chile celebrates Christmas during summer, December becomes a natural time for fitness routines and outdoor activities. This makes wellness-related self-gifting incredibly popular.

Popular items Chileans buy for themselves:

• Fitness trackers and smartwatches

• Running shoes and activewear

• Yoga mats, dumbbells, and resistance bands

• Portable blenders and nutritional accessories

• Massage guns and recovery tools

Many people use these items as motivation to enter January with new habits.

Holiday Tip:

Choose fitness products that genuinely fit your lifestyle—consistency matters more than trends.

4. Tech & Gadgets Continue to Dominate Self-Purchases

Chilean shoppers often use holiday deals to upgrade their personal tech. Gadgets feel like a "useful treat"—something enjoyable but also essential for everyday life.

Trending tech self-gifts:

• Wireless earbuds

• Tablets and e-readers

• Smart home devices

• Portable speakers for summer outings

• Laptops and accessories for work or study

Tech purchases feel less like splurges and more like investments, which makes them easier to justify.

Holiday Tip:

Compare specs, not just prices. The right upgrade should support your daily needs for years.

5. Beauty & Self-Care as a Form of Personal Ritual

Self-care shopping is particularly strong among young Chilean adults. Beauty isn’t just about appearance—it's tied to confidence, relaxation, and self-expression.

Common self-gifts in this category:

• Skincare kits

• Perfumes for the new year

• Hair styling tools

• Natural or clean beauty formulas

• Body care products for summer

The heat of the season also pushes people toward hydrating, lightweight, and sun-friendly options.

Holiday Tip:

Buy multipurpose beauty products—they save time, reduce clutter, and fit better into summer routines.

6. Travel & Outdoor Gear for Summer Adventures

Since Chile’s holiday season overlaps with summer break, self-spending often flows into travel and outdoor experiences.

Popular self-gifts include:

• Suitcases and travel bags

• Camping gear

• Portable hammocks

• Sunglasses and swimwear

• Travel organizers

• Beach accessories

Chileans often use December to prepare for January’s coastal trips, hikes, and long weekends.

Holiday Tip:

Choose durable outdoor items—Chile’s diverse geography (coasts, deserts, mountains) demands lasting quality.

7. Home & Lifestyle Upgrades

Self-gifting also extends into improving personal spaces. As families host gatherings and enjoy long summer evenings, Chileans invest in:

• Kitchen appliances

• Home décor

• Compact air coolers

• Smart lighting

• Organizers and storage solutions

Holiday downtime inspires many to refresh their homes.

Holiday Tip:

Pick items that make daily life easier—not just decorative purchases.

8. Why Self-Gifting Matters

The rising self-gifting culture reflects deeper lifestyle patterns across Chile:

• People value their own well-being.

• They want to enter the new year feeling renewed and equipped.

• Many prefer buying what they really want instead of receiving random gifts.

• The holiday season becomes a moment of self-reflection and personal investment.

It’s a healthy form of treating oneself with intention, not excess.

Final Thoughts

Self-gifting in Chile is more than a trend—it’s a meaningful shift in how people celebrate, motivate themselves, and approach the holiday season. Whether it's a fitness upgrade, a new gadget, or a simple self-care product, Chileans are embracing the idea that giving to oneself is just as valuable as giving to others.

This holiday season, the most popular gifts may just be the ones people choose for themselves—gifts that reflect who they are, what they want, and how they hope to begin the new year.

I’m Narutoo Arisato, an e-commerce content writer with a strong focus on the Chilean market. I write about online shopping trends, cross-border e-commerce, product discovery, and how global platforms fit into everyday buying decisions in Chile. My go