Holiday 2025’s Breakout Hits: The Brands and Gift Categories Set to Shine

This year marks the 5^th publication of our annual guide tracking trending product categories and hot brands to keep an eye on.

Our team has identified 60 brands with items for a variety of ages and budgets that you should know. So whether you’re looking to fill out your holiday gift list or just trying to keep track of the latest trends, check out the must-haves across lifestyle, accessories, shoes, food, beauty, home, travel, toys and fashion.

Gen Alpha and Gen Z: Hoodies continue to be a wardrobe staple for many teenagers with Comfrt, White Fox and Pink Palm Puff leading the way with affordable price points. On the higher end, check out Parke sweatshirts and Fear of God Essentials hoodies.

Image Credit (clockwise from top): Farfetch, Pink Palm Puff, White Fox, Comfrt, Parke

Mini photo printers like the Ivy 2 from Canon let you print images instantly from anywhere with your smartphone. Taylor Swift’s The Life of a Showgirl album is a popular choice for Swifties. And fashionistas know that matching sets, like this sweatsuit from Alo Yoga, and workout sets from Aritzia (our blog on Aritzia’s U.S. flagships) and Lululemon will land you on the best dressed list.

Image Credit (clockwise from left): Canon, Alo Yoga, Taylor Swift, Lululemon, Aritzia

Bags and bag charms: New on the scene is Free People’s Quilted Carryall Bag, available in over 20 colors. Coach remains popular again this year, this time with the Nolita 19. And Gen Z has rediscovered luxury label Longchamp which is back with the classic Le Pliage tote bag. Accessorize your bag with a Labubu collectible (our blog featuring the Labubu craze) or a Jellycat bag charm (our blog on Jellycat’s debut in Chicago).

Image Source (clockwise from left): Free People, Popmart, Longchamp, Jellycat

The sneaker trend continues to evolve: Update your sneaker collection with the new hybrid ballet sneaker like the Adidas Taekwondo Mei or the Puma Speedcat Ballet.  Adidas puts a twist on the Samba with a Mary Jane version dubbed the Samba Jane. Low profile sneakers like the Onitsuka Tiger, the Larroude Stella and the Vans Super Lowpro are also popular picks.

Image Source (clockwise from left): Vans, Onitsuka Tiger, Larroude, Puma, Adidas

For the foodies: Consider hormone-free meat from Midwestern family farms like Italian-heritage Certified Piedmontese Beef or Sakura Pork for your holiday meal. Fishwife’s tinned fish makes a great gift for food lovers. Luxardo Maraschino Cherries will amp up your cocktails and mocktails and viral Dubai chocolate (phyllo pastry, pistachio cream, tahini and chocolate) makes a great stocking stuffer. Dubai Premium Chocolate offers several varieties.

Image Source (clockwise from left): Dubai Premium Chocolate, Sakura Pork, Williams-Sonoma, Fishwife

Personal Care: Dyson’s Supersonic r hair dryer uses advanced technology for salon-quality blowouts at home. Budget-friendly alternatives include the Laifen Swift Special and the Dreame Glory.  e.l.f., Rhode and Jones Road Beauty all offer takes on cosmetics for a diverse range of skin tones and types in varying price points. Indulge in a little self-care with award-winning Plated Skin Science’s premium collection of topical skincare products.

Image Source (clockwise from left): e.l.f., Jones Road, Dyson, Laifen Tech, Plated, Rhode

Having houseguests?: Outfit your guest bedroom with cooling sheets from Rest and silk pillowcases from Slip or Blissy. For extra warmth, include a soft throw or blanket from Lola. And for the ultimate in relaxation, add a Nodpod Sleep Mask, a weighted blanket for your eyes.

Image Source (clockwise from left): Lola Blankets, Nodpod, Slip, Rest, Blissy

Planning a get-away? If you’re traveling this holiday season or beyond, keep all of your devices powered up with this keychain battery pack which will charge your watch, iPhone, AirPods and Android simultaneously. Pack all of your necessities in the Think Royln Villager Travel Tote and keep the kids occupied during travel delays with a Nintendo Switch 2.

Image Source (clockwise from left): Evereve, Amazon, Nintendo

Baubles and bling: Bauble Bar’s Knotty Varsity Number Bracelet and Roxanne Assoulin’s heart charm necklaces both offer customizable options. Curate a set of bead bracelets from enewton or a set of stackable rings from Mejuri. Initial pendant necklaces like this one from David Yurman are also in demand.

Image Source (clockwise from left): enewton, David Yurman, Bauble Bar, Roxanne Assoulin, Mejuri

Kiddos and kiddults: For the future engineers, try a Crunchlabs Stem Kit. KPop Demon Hunters Fashion Dolls are sure to be a must-have item. For the creatives who like to brainstorm and build masterpieces, consider a 3D printing pen. Hobbyists will enjoy a radio controlled mini Jeep from Horizon Hobby.

Image Source (clockwise from left): Crunchlabs, Mattel, Horizon Hobby, Amazon

Tools, jewels and cool grooming items: Leatherman offers multipurpose products at various price points like the 7-tool Skeletool or splurge on the 20-tool Arc. For those who prefer to wear their hardware, the David Yurman box chain bracelet makes a nice gift. And for the guy prioritizing well-being, go for personal care products like beard oil or bath soap from Dr. Squatch.

Image Source (clockwise from left): David Yurman, Dr. Squatch, Leatherman

For the style icons: The classic Ralph Lauren Polo Bear has re-emerged on everything from t-shirts to fleece to luxurious silk and cashmere sweaters. Japanese denim with its distinctive texture and fabric is trending: Momotaro Jeans and Samurai Jeans offer their takes in the category. A matching pajama set from Eberjey will keep you warm and cozy huddled around the fire.

Image Source: Ralph Lauren, Eberjey, Momotaro Jeans

For those that are always on-the-go: For fitness enthusiasts, boost your training and challenge yourself with a weighted vest. While you’re working out, stay hydrated with an Owala water bottle and monitor your heart rate with the new AirPods Pro 3.

Image Source: Owala, Apple

For more inspiration, check out the brands and trends we highlighted last year here. Interested in creating your own pipeline of must-have innovation? Let’s talk. Contact us for a complementary consultation. To stay up to date on our retail insights, follow us on LinkedIn.

Note: McMillanDoolittle is not collecting any commissions from the links provided above.