Hunting for the perfect gift can feel like a treasure hunt with no map. That’s why I was fascinated to come across Google’s Holiday 100 list — their annual snapshot of the hottest gifts for 2025, based purely on what people are searching for. With over a billion shopping-related Google searches every day, this list isn’t some guesswork; it’s a real-time pulse on what everyone wants to unwrap this season.
Why search trends make the best gift guides
According to research, most holiday shoppers find picking the right gift pretty tough. I get it — there’s always that feeling of uncertainty about what someone really wants or would appreciate. What stood out to me was how Google turned this challenge on its head by leveraging massive data from everyday searches. Instead of relying on guesswork, their Holiday 100 list shows exactly what people have been curious about over the past year. That means the guide isn’t just trendy, it’s backed by the collective interest of millions.
The categories span everything from apparel and accessories to tech gadgets, home essentials, toys, and wellness. What really struck me was the diversity and how some traditional favorites are meeting fresh, unexpected trends.
Top trending gifts this year and their surprising stories
Here are a few gift ideas from the list that made me pause:
- Movie projectors: Searches for this product spiked by an astonishing 945%, while home projectors also jumped 60%. It looks like creating a big screen movie night at home is trending big time this holiday.
- Backpack charms: These little accessories hit an all-time high, showing that personalization is still a huge hit, especially among younger gift recipients.
- Kids scooters continue to roll in popularity, with a 50% search jump — it’s fun meets fitness and easy outdoor play all in one.
- Crescent bags: You might not have heard the name before, but crescent-shaped bags are this year’s breakout star, with searches soaring like a rocket.
- Stackable ring sets: Jewelry lovers are all about layering, with search interest doubling — making these perfect for those who love style with flexibility.
On the wellness front, some trends caught my eye too:
- Red light therapy: This technology-based self-care tool reached a search high, highlighting how health tech keeps entering mainstream.
- Weighted vests: Their popularity surged, showing a growing focus on fitness accessories that bring gym-quality workouts home.
- Stretching straps: Also hitting breakout status, these simple tools are gaining attention for improving mobility and flexibility.
Movie projectors searches spiked 945% this year, proving home entertainment is booming as a gift idea.
Even the classic styling wand for hair has kept its momentum with consistently high searches during holiday seasons over the years, showing how some gifts never truly go out of style.
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What this means for your holiday shopping
I find it helpful that this isn’t a static list but one rooted in evolving search data. It’s like peeking into the collective wishlist of a whole country, making it easier to avoid dreaded gift-giving misses. Whether you’re shopping for the tech lover, the wellness enthusiast, or the fashion-conscious friend, the Holiday 100 puts fresh ideas front and center, backed by real consumer interest.
And since the list also includes curated collections — for the homebody, the kids, or the style icon — it’s a practical way to shortlist gifts without getting overwhelmed. Plus, the search-driven insights can inspire you to discover trends you might not have thought of, like how popular packing cubes have become for the traveler, or the comeback of the drop waist dress.
If you want to give something timely and thoughtful this year, checking out a list like this — one that taps into what millions are curious or excited about — just makes sense.
Key takeaways for your gift game
- Use data-driven trends like Google’s Holiday 100 to stay ahead of what’s popular and avoid common gift guesswork.
- Diversity matters: Gifts range from tech gadgets to wellness tools and stylish accessories, so there’s something for everyone’s vibe.
- Consider emerging wellness trends: Red light therapy, weighted vests, and stretching straps are gaining real traction and show thoughtful care for your gift recipient’s health.
In the end, the spirit of gifting isn’t just about the thing itself, but showing you really get what the other person enjoys or needs. Trend data like this gives us a clearer picture of what’s on people’s minds, making the holiday shopping journey less stressful and more fun.
So this season, whether you’re hunting for that standout gadget or a cozy accessory, take a leaf out of this data-backed approach. It might just be the shortcut to nailing your holiday shopping. Take a peek at Google Holiday 100 and see which gifts are climbing the charts.
