Holiday Gifting Trends 2025: What’s Hot, What’s Meaningful, and What Your Recipients Really Want

As the holiday season approaches, it’s clear that gifting in 2025 is more intentional, personal, and elevated than ever before. Whether you're planning client appreciation gifts, employee holiday boxes, or thoughtful presents for friends and family, this year’s trends are rooted in creating memorable, meaningful experiences.

From sustainable packaging to elevated everyday luxuries, here are the top trends shaping holiday gifting in 2025—and how to incorporate them into your own gifting strategy.

1. Purpose-Driven Gifting: Meaning Over Mass Production

In 2025, it’s not just what you give—it’s why you give it.

Recipients are increasingly interested in gifts that have a story, support a cause, or align with their values. This means more people are seeking out products from small businesses, women-owned brands, local artisans, and companies that support charitable initiatives.

Trend Tip:
Choose gifts that highlight craftsmanship, social impact, or sustainability. Whether it’s a hand-poured candle made by a local maker or a snack box that supports hunger relief, gifts with a mission resonate more deeply.

2. Sustainability Is No Longer Optional

Eco-conscious gifting continues to gain traction in 2025. Consumers and companies alike are thinking about the environmental impact of both what’s inside the box and how it’s packaged.

Biodegradable materials, recyclable packaging, and reusable elements (like baskets, wooden boxes, or linen wraps) are now must-haves in high-end gifting.

What to Try:

• Use shredded recycled paper instead of plastic filler

• Swap out plastic gift wrap for kraft paper or fabric wraps

• Select products with low-waste packaging or refills (like teas in tins or soaps without boxes)

At Small Batch, we’ve made sustainable packaging a priority without sacrificing luxury or aesthetics. It’s all about thoughtful design.

3. Quiet Luxury and Elevated Basics

Forget flashy logos or overly trendy items. In 2025, gifting is leaning into “quiet luxury”—gifts that feel indulgent, refined, and timeless.

These are elevated versions of the everyday: artisan olive oil, luxe loungewear, hand-blown glassware, or soft linen napkins. They don’t scream “expensive,” but they feel sophisticated.

Great Examples:

• A leather key ring made by a heritage brand

• A minimalist coffee grinder paired with premium beans

• A neutral-toned throw blanket in an organic cotton or cashmere blend

These gifts are perfect for both personal and corporate recipients who value quality over quantity.

4. Experience-Based Gifting (Without Leaving the House)

While travel and experiences will always be in style, 2025 has seen a rise in at-home experiences that make a lasting impression. The best part? You can package these in a beautiful, shippable format that still feels special.

Think:

• DIY cocktail kits with premium mixers and garnishes

• Gourmet tasting boxes with pairing cards and serving suggestions

• Spa-at-home sets with mood-setting candles, herbal soaks, and plush robes and towels

• Movie-night kits with popcorn, sweets, and a QR code to stream a holiday classic

Why it Works:
You’re giving more than an object—you’re giving a moment. These kinds of gifts are perfect for remote teams, busy clients, or loved ones who prefer experiences over stuff.

5. Hyper-Personalization

One-size-fits-all is out in 2025. Recipients want to feel seen—and personalization is the fastest way to make a gift feel extra special.

We’re not just talking about adding someone’s name to a tag. It’s about customizing the entire experience to their preferences, interests, and lifestyle.

How to Personalize Thoughtfully:

• Choose gifts that reflect known likes or habits (e.g., a cocktail kit for someone who loves mixology, or a baking bundle for a hobby baker)

• Include a handwritten note that speaks to their specific accomplishments or milestones

• Customize packaging with brand colors or monograms for corporate gifting

At Small Batch, we often start with simple questions like: Do they prefer coffee or tea? Sweet or savory? Sleek and modern or warm and cozy? The answers drive the magic.

6. Wellness-Inspired Gifts for Stress-Free Living

As more people prioritize mental health and wellness, gifts that promote calm, rest, and self-care are more appreciated than ever.

In 2025, you’ll see holiday boxes packed with wellness-forward products like:

• Adaptogenic teas and drink powders

• Essential oil rollers and aromatherapy candles

• Gratitude journals and intention-setting cards

• Weighted sleep masks or lavender eye pillows

Whether you’re gifting to a busy CEO or a new mom, wellness gifts say, “Take a moment for you.”

7. Corporate Gifting Gets a Human Touch

For businesses, 2025 is the year of authenticity. The best client and employee gifts don’t feel like afterthoughts—they feel like meaningful thank-you’s.

More companies are:

• Curating custom branded gifts (subtle, elevated branding)

• Sending early (October/November) to beat the holiday rush

• Pairing gifts with personalized messages from leadership

• Offering tiered gift experiences for different levels of appreciation

If your corporate gifting program still involves generic swag or last-minute bulk orders, now’s the time to rethink your approach. A carefully curated gift box with premium, practical, and personalized items will go a long way in strengthening your relationships.

8. Playful Nostalgia and Cozy Comforts

While elevated gifting dominates the luxury market, playful elements are making a comeback too. 2025’s most joyful gifts combine sophistication with a dose of childlike wonder.

Popular pairings include:

• Luxe hot cocoa with gourmet marshmallows and ceramic mugs

• Retro games or puzzles tucked into a sleek holiday box

• Nostalgic treats paired with modern presentation (hello, peppermint bark in a velvet box!)

In uncertain times, comfort and familiarity are powerful emotional anchors. These gifts remind recipients of joyful moments and simple pleasures.

Final Thoughts: Gifting in 2025 Is All About Thoughtfulness

The biggest trend of all this holiday season? Intention.

People want gifts that feel considered. Whether you're gifting one-on-one or planning for hundreds of recipients, this is the year to focus on quality, personalization, sustainability, and storytelling.

At Small Batch Specialty Gifts, we’re here to help you create gifting moments that go beyond the box—thoughtful, beautiful, and unforgettable.

Ready to start your holiday gifting plan?
Now’s the time to get ahead. Whether you’re curating a few high-touch gifts or planning a large-scale holiday campaign, we’re here to guide you through every step. Contact us today to get started.