Post-00s Generation's Spring Festival Shopping Spree: Three Categories See Surge in Demand

Each generation has its own Spring Festival shopping list. Unlike traditional purchases focused on alcohol, high-calorie foods, and clothing, today's youth are 'redefining' their holiday buys with new consumption values—smart mobility, trendy self-indulgence, and low-GI health emerge as three core trends. This year, brands like Ninebot e-scooters, Pop Mart collectibles, and healthy low-GI snacks have entered the shopping carts of post-90s and post-00s consumers.

Industry data shows that during the Year of the Horse, while the traditional electric vehicle market declined overall, smart e-scooter sales saw notable growth, driven predominantly by younger buyers. 'Every generation has its must-haves—gifting myself a new e-scooter for the New Year is both practical and ritualistic,' shared a post-95s consumer from Guangzhou, noting that smart e-scooters are no longer just 'transportation tools' but daily 'companions' reflecting personality, taste, and social identity.

During the Spring Festival sales, Ninebot's N3 85c model led sales with its powerful motor, stable acceleration, strong climbing ability, smart unlocking, and anti-theft features. The M85c gained popularity for its long battery life, reduced charging frequency, and comfortable shock absorption, appealing to users prioritizing endurance and comfort. Other models like the N3 70c and Q70c also attracted young buyers.

Beyond smart e-scooters, trendy collectibles and cultural products with emotional and social appeal continued to gain traction. Pop Mart's Year of the Horse-themed blind boxes and IP figurines became vehicles for conveying blessings among youth.

Taobao data revealed a 240% year-on-year surge in searches for Horse Year-themed gifts, with Pop Mart's limited editions selling out instantly. Domestic cultural products also boomed, with magnetic spring couplets and Horse Year zodiac decorations seeing significant sales growth, largely purchased by consumers aged 18–30. Industry insiders attribute this to young consumers' desire for emotional resonance and self-expression.

Light food gift sets featuring low-GI snacks and organic nuts, balancing health and taste for both gifting and personal use, emerged as dark horses in the market.A Mintel survey indicated 58% of consumers prioritize health when selecting gifts, a trend particularly pronounced among younger groups. Real-time data from Dingdong Maicai showed sharp increases in searches for products labeled 'low-GI,' 'additive-free,' and 'organic.'

Health consciousness extends to gifts for elders, with smart health gadgets like fitness trackers, portable massagers, and intelligent blood pressure/glucose monitors becoming staples. For personal use, noise-canceling headphones are in high demand as youth seek uninterrupted personal space.

Overall, young consumers' 'trendy Spring Festival purchases' reflect clear preferences: high-frequency practicality is key, with surveys showing rejection of 'one-off, face-saving gifts' in favor of products that enhance daily life. Aesthetics, value-for-money, and emotional value are also critical. This 'rational pragmatism meets emotional pursuit' logic is reshaping the holiday market landscape.

Analysts note that as a driving force, youth are steering Spring Festival consumption toward smarter, more personalized choices. By the 2026 Year of the Horse, young consumers' holiday spending is expected to shift from 'keeping up appearances' to 'embracing value-driven propositions,' with more items blending utility and emotional appeal entering must-buy lists, enriching festive consumption scenes and fostering high-quality market growth.