Holiday gifting is supposed to be about thoughtfulness, but for Gen Z, a bad gift can send a much deeper message. A new survey by EduBirdie reveals that 16% of Gen Z respondents say receiving a cheap or poorly chosen gift from a romantic partner would be enough to end the relationship altogether.

At the heart of the issue isn’t price, it’s effort. Sixty-five percent of participants said the worst kind of gift is one that doesn’t reflect their tastes or interests. For many, it feels less like a miss and more like proof the giver doesn’t really know or care about them. When gifts come from close circles partners, family, or friends expectations are even higher, and disappointment cuts deeper.

The survey also found that 29% of respondents named an item not on their wishlist as the worst gift they’ve ever received. While gratitude is still expected, Gen Z says these moments can feel frustrating, especially when their preferences were clearly communicated but ignored.

Subscriptions didn’t fare much better. Many respondents shared that subscription-based gifts often feel like an obligation rather than a treat, adding clutter to their lives and contributing to ongoing subscription fatigue. This sentiment is especially strong among Gen Z and millennials, who are already juggling multiple recurring services.

Bottom line: for Gen Z, holiday gifts aren’t about extravagance. They’re about being seen, heard, and understood. And when that doesn’t happen, it can say more than the gift itself.