Households headed by baby boomers are the biggest gift-givers: Adult children and parents get most of the gifts, but the recession has boosted sharing with siblings and friends.

                                           

All Households / Baby Boomers

Gifts of education                                       $221     $460

Gifts of food                                               $89      $160

Gifts of goods and services                         $1,029    $1,554

Gifts of major appliances                         $5             $8

Gifts of housing                                          $199     $274

Gifts of other housing                               $97       $148

Gifts of entertainment                                 $58          $87

Gifts of household textiles                       $8             $11

Gifts of misc. household equipment             $47      $58

All other gifts                                          $80       $107

Note:  “Baby boomers” are householders aged 45 to 64. Values given are average annual expenditures in 2010.

Source: Consumer Expenditure Survey, bls.gov/cex/csxstnd.htm