Google has unveiled its annual Holiday 100 shopping list, a data-driven catalog of the year’s top trending gift ideas. Compiled from search data between May and September, the list reflects consumer interests across tech, toys, fashion, and wellness. This year’s picks range from cutting-edge gadgets to nostalgic classics, offering a snapshot of what shoppers are looking for during the holiday season.
Tech Dominates, but Nostalgia Persists
The Nintendo Switch 2 takes the lead as the standout tech gift. Released in June, it has already sold over 10 million units, defying economic uncertainties and price adjustments. The Google Pixel Watch 4 also made the list, praised for its design, Android compatibility, safety features, and fitness tracking. These inclusions highlight the continued demand for both gaming and wearable technology.
Unexpected Trends: Red Light Therapy & Home Theaters
Beyond mainstream tech, some surprising trends emerged. Searches for red-light face masks surged this year, driven by health and beauty influencers, prompting their inclusion in the guide. More dramatically, searches for home movie projectors spiked by 945%, signaling a renewed interest in home entertainment systems. This trend reflects a shift toward in-home experiences, possibly influenced by continued streaming service growth.
From Backpack Charms to Board Games
The list isn’t just about big-ticket items. Searches for backpack charms hit record highs, indicating their popularity as stocking stuffers for children. Unexpectedly, the classic board game checkers also made the cut. The inclusion of traditional gifts suggests that even amid technological advancements, there’s still a demand for timeless entertainment.
Google’s Holiday 100 provides a valuable look into consumer behavior. It reveals that while tech continues to dominate gift-giving, there’s also a surprising resurgence in nostalgic and wellness-focused purchases.
