Millennials Weigh in on "Friendsgiving," Shopping on Thanksgiving and Holiday Traditions in New Survey From Skout

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 12, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- In recent years, enjoying a traditional Thanksgiving meal at home with family has given way to trends like "Friendsgiving" and shopping in retail stores on Thanksgiving Day. Is this the new normal among young adults today? Skout, the leading global app that helps you meet new people and expand your social circle, was curious to hear what young adults really think about these trends. Earlier this month, Skout conducted a survey among more than 1,300 adults to gather their thoughts and actual plans for the holiday. The results aren't what most would expect…

Think 20-somethings are driving the "Friendsgiving" trend? Think again.

• Only 11% of adults age 18-29 plan to spend Thanksgiving with friends this year, according to Skout's survey, while 18% of adults age 30-39 plan to do so.

Nearly half the country will be doing Thanksgiving potluck style this year.

• 44% of adults surveyed plan to share kitchen responsibilities with their host and celebrate the meal potluck style.

Wondering who's most likely to pass off a store-bought dish as homemade?

• Skout's survey revealed that those who have faked a store-bought dish as homemade are mostly young and male (59% of men admit they've done this!).
• Your vegetarian friends and family might also be faking a dish as homemade. Nearly 50% of vegetarian respondents admitted they've faked a homemade dish.

Want to ensure everyone enjoys Thanksgiving? Prepare some conversation starters!

• When asked what is most likely to ruin Thanksgiving, "awkward conversations" topped the list by a long shot with 46% of those surveyed selecting this.
• 37% of adults surveyed said a poorly cooked meal is most likely to ruin Thanksgiving.
• 17% of those surveyed said the top way to ruin Thanksgiving is when the host doesn't put forth much effort into hosting a festive celebration.

The survey says…Thanksgiving is a day for quality time with friends and family – not for shopping.

• 77% of adults age 18-39 said that retail stores should not be open on Thanksgiving Day so that employees can enjoy time with their friends and family.

Football on Thanksgiving? The majority says yes, they'll tune in.

• Watching the big football games with friends and family on Thanksgiving is a tradition for many, and 53% of adults said they plan to tune in this year while 47% said they can think of better things to do.

Quality time trumps the actual meal.

• When asked what the best part of Thanksgiving Day is, 61% of adults surveyed said that spending time with friends and family tops the list.
• 26% of adults surveyed said Thanksgiving dinner is the best part of the day while 13% said leftovers are what they most look forward to.

The Skout survey was conducted online in November 2014. The survey fielded responses from more than 1,300 people who use Skout. 

About Skout
Skout is the largest global platform for meeting new people and expanding your social circle. The Skout community spans more than 180 countries and is available in 14 languages. Skout is dedicated to providing a platform through which people can easily and safely connect. The Andreessen Horowitz backed company was founded in 2007 and is headquartered in San Francisco. Visit www.skout.com to learn more.

SOURCE Skout