The 7 biggest Christmas gift trends for 2024

Popular presents change rapidly from one year to the next, and I thought you might like to know about some of the biggest Christmas gift trends for 2024.

If you’re desperate for a little festive gift inspiration, or you’d like some insider tips about what different types of people are putting on their wish lists, this is the perfect place to start.

The cost of living crisis is still having an effect on many households, and main driver of purchasing decisions is value and quality, rather than just the price. Having said that, optimism for the future has led many to increase their planned spend this year, as we’re about to see.

1. More gifts for children

The biggest trend for 2024 – by far – is more gifts for the kids. The planned total spend on children’s gifts has noticably increased since last year, mostly earmarked for purchases of various toys and games.

Some of the hottest gifts this season include:

• Disney Stitch Crack-Me-Up interactive plush (shown above), RRP £24.99 >> best offer £19.99 at JD Williams)
• Hexbug Wall Crawler Gecko, RRP £29.99
• Squishmallows Squish-a-longs set (14-pack), RRP £14.00
• Ultimate Barbie Stable playset, RRP £69.99
• Lego gift sets, from £18 (best range at LEGO UK)
• Bitzee interactive digital pets, RRP £40

Track down the best toy offers for Christmas 2024 at Hamleys, Smyths, The Entertainer, Argos, and Amazon UK.

2. Practical gifts for the under-35s

People in the 18 to 35 age group in particular are asking for practical gifts and essential items for Christmas this year. Disproportionately hit by cost of living issues and high rents, they want useful presents.

The wish list includes footwear, coats and other clothing, and homewares. They also want to upgrade their tech with new smart TVs, AirPods, headphones, hair dryers, air fryers and coffee machines.

The majority of shoppers are planning on buying their tech and electrical gifts during the Black Friday sales, to benefit from discounts and deals. Get ahead of the rush by checking prices of popular items at Currys, AO.com and John Lewis – their deals have already started.

3. Sustainability for all

The environment is increasingly on our minds, and up to 85% of consumers say that sustainability is an important factor in their purchasing decisions this year. There’s a growing sentiment towards avoiding overconsumption, and staying away from novelty items that will quickly end up in landfill.

Ethical brands such as Aveda, Ethical Superstore (handy one-stop-shop), Ethique, Green People, Lucy & Yak, Lush, Neal’s Yard Remedies (calendar shown above), and Patagonia are some of the best places to start your search for sustainable gifts. Buying from smaller retailers is popular too – Not on the High Street has lots of ideas.

4. Food & drink gifts

Food gifts are especially popular for parents, friends and neighbours. Hampers of all sizes are selling well as main gifts for foodies, party hosts and anyone who loves the finer things in life. Favourites include Hampers.com, Selfridges (above), Marks & Spencer and Fortnum & Mason. Smaller gifts of chocolates, sweets and biscuits are popular too.

Alcohol gifts are also on the 2024 wish list for male partners, friends, and many parents. Find them something special at DrinkSupermarket, The Bottle Club, Laithwaites, and supermarkets like Tesco’s drinks section (look out for the Clubcard offers). For a gift that keeps on giving, get them a subscription to Pour&Sip whisky from Master of Malt, or Craft Gin Club.

Biggest sellers this season include beautifully-designed gin bottles, whisky, ready-made cocktails (try Moth), fun and interesting sets of miniatures and boozy advent calendars. Try John Lewis, the huge Master of Malt range, and Laithwaites Wines for some of the best calendar options.

5. Personalised gifts

Small and thoughtful is the name of the game here, with personalised gifts to make someone feel special and show that you care. Personalised jewellery (try Merci Maman, Lisa Angel & Bloom Boutique), engraved keepsakes (Getting Personal or NOTHS), and customised photo gifts (Cewe gets best reviews) are all in demand.

This year personalised homeware is set to be big too. Have a peek at some great options at Prezzybox or the range at Menkind which includes everything from cushions to trinket boxes to neon lights. Oh, and don’t forget to allow enough time for these gifts to be made, as well as delivered.

6. Luxury gifts in 2024

Consumer confidence is up, and more people are feeling optimistic. They’re planning to spend extra on luxury gifts such as jewellery, watches, designer handbags and fragrance for 2024.

Jewellery shops seeing an uptick in sales include Beaverbrooks, Warren James and Ernest Jones (don’t miss their sale), plus many individual designers and department stores.

Perfume is even more popular than usual this year. For good deals on designer fragrance, have a look at the bestsellers at Boots, John Lewis, Debenhams, The Fragrance Shop, and AllBeauty.

Luxury skincare sets are also popular for close friends, mums and a bit of self-gifting. LookFantastic and Cult Beauty are full of beauty goodies right now, including some nice exclusives.

7. Experience gifts

These are still trending strongly as gifts for partners and collective presents for the whole family in 2024, to create happy memories with quality time together.

Trending gifts for couples include cookery lessons, romantic experiences such as hotel vouchers and spa trips, and unique adventures like the escape room ideas at BuyAGift. For inspiration, have a look at the 5-star rated experiences for couples at Virgin Experience Gifts.

Family gifts include tickets for music and theatre, membership of museums or zoos, and family activity days and weekends. ActivitySuperstore has all kinds of of interesting ideas for families, including up to 50% off earlybird offers.

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That’s it for my round-up of the hottest Christmas gift trends for 2024.

What’s on your wish list, or your shopping list this year?