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Add The New York Post on Google Christmas shopping may still be months away, but retail experts say some of the season’s most desirable gifts are already emerging — and waiting could mean missing out.
From elevated everyday essentials and beauty favorites to luggage, bedding, specialty foods and screen-free experiences, this year’s strongest gifts are less about chasing the latest viral product and more about finding something useful, personal and built to last.
“The gifts that will hit this year are the ones that clearly show the giver actually paid attention, and didn’t just ask AI for generic recommendations!” says Chris Schmicker, Vice President of Marketing at AfterShip. “I’m betting we’ll see more personalized gifts, like monogrammed accessories, as part of the preppy style revival; more vintage gifts, from upcycled fashions to antique home decor; and gifts that help people spend quality time offline.”
For a closer look at what shoppers should put on their lists — and what they should buy before it sells out— I spoke with six retail and consumer experts on the hottest gifts and how shopping is looking different this year.
Across retail, consumer research and creator commerce, experts are seeing a common theme: shoppers want gifts that feel intentional. Beauty, wellness, travel and home products continue to attract attention, while nostalgic, offline activities are making a comeback. At the same time, consumers are increasingly using reviews, social platforms, editorial gift guides and AI to research purchases before committing.
That makes timing just as important as the gift itself. Limited-edition beauty products, popular apparel sizes, small-batch handmade goods and celebrity-backed fashion campaigns can sell through quickly. Experts recommend buying early when a specific color, size or personalization matters — and checking return policies and delivery dates before putting a present under the tree.
The good news is that thoughtful gifting doesn’t necessarily require a luxury budget. Across price points, experts recommend looking for quality materials, attractive presentation and products that upgrade something the recipient already uses. “A $30 gift that references an inside joke or a recent conversation will always feel more premium than a $150 gift plucked from a generic top-10 list,” Schmicker told The Post.
Schmicker says experience-enabling gifts are poised to remain popular. AfterShip data showed suitcases were up 172% year over year last holiday season, while luggage accessories rose 104%.
“We looked at order volume trends across millions of tracked shipments from North American retailers who use AfterShip, to see which categories are growing or shrinking from one holiday season to the next,” Schmicker noted.
The Away Carry-On Flex is a sleek, durable suitcase designed for easy organization and versatile travel. Its expandable design gives you extra packing space when you need it, while the smooth wheels and thoughtfully designed interior make traveling more convenient.
“The gifts that will hit this year are the ones that clearly show the giver actually paid attention,” Schmicker says, pointing to personalized accessories, vintage finds and products that encourage people to spend time offline.
Lauren Kleinman, Founder and CEO of Dreamday, also expects “elevated utility” to define the season. “People want to give something that feels special to open but also has a clear purpose long after the holidays,” she says.
At LTK, beauty is another major category to watch. Ally Anderson, Senior Director of Brand Marketing Strategy at LTK, says makeup, fragrance and skincare sales on the platform rose more than 40% year over year last holiday season, information which was pulled from an internal study and its previous 2025 Holiday Shopper Study. Bedding and linens are also gaining momentum, with sales up more than 20%.
The Valentino Mini Born in Roma Donna 4-Piece Discovery Gift Set lets you explore four miniature fragrances from the iconic Born in Roma collection. It’s an elegant gift for anyone who enjoys discovering sophisticated, floral and feminine scents.
For smaller gifts, experts recommend consumables, beauty and stocking stuffers. Schmicker suggests specialty food under $25 and beauty or self-care products under $50. Kleinman highlights Compartés chocolate, Glamnetic press-on nails and ILIA beauty products.
Between $50 and $100, jewelry, wellness products and elevated everyday essentials stand out. For budgets up to $250, experts point to luggage, premium bedding, home goods and products that can become part of someone’s daily routine.
A favorite we reviewed, the Cozy Earth Bamboo Luxury Bed Sheet Set is made from premium bamboo viscose for a soft, smooth feel that’s especially comfortable for sleeping. The breathable fabric and luxurious finish make it an easy way to elevate everyday bedding.
“The more you’re spending, the more important it becomes to think about cost per use rather than simply the initial wow factor,” Kleinman says.
Small-batch and personalized gifts should be among the first purchases on a holiday shopping list. “Hand-crafted gifts — like ceramics, embroidered apparel, pet portraits — are so special, but they have longer lead times and production is limited,” Schmicker says.
A custom embroidered crewneck from Etsy offers a personalized take on a classic everyday sweatshirt. With custom embroidery, it can be tailored with a name, word, phrase or design to create a thoughtful and unique gift.
Taylor Cunningham, VP of U.S. Marketing at Trustpilot, similarly recommends buying early when a gift is tied to a major fashion campaign or specific size and color. Recent campaigns from Old Navy and Calvin Klein, she notes, are driving attention toward denim styles that could become harder to find later.
For shoppers looking for gifts that can safely be purchased well ahead of Christmas, experts favor classics: books, cookware, timeless wardrobe pieces and favorite consumables.
A favorite option is the Our Place Always Pan 2.0, which is a versatile piece of cookware designed to handle multiple cooking tasks in one pan. Its multifunctional design makes it useful for everything from sautéing and frying to steaming and serving.
And before clicking “buy,” Cunningham recommends checking recent reviews and a retailer’s policies. Delivery timing and returns can make or break a gift. As Schmicker puts it, “When you buy is almost as important as what.”
According to Ali Furman, PwC US Consumer Markets Industry Leader, nostalgia and screen-free entertainment are poised to have a major moment this holiday season. PwC’s research from its Holiday Outlook 2026 report found that 64% of consumers are prioritizing screen-free gifts, a figure that rises to 78% among Gen Z.
“The digital native generation is leading the analog revival with board games, puzzles and art & crafts expected to top the list this year,” Furman says.
The Galison Garden Path 500-Piece Jigsaw Puzzle features a beautifully illustrated garden scene filled with charming details and vibrant colors. It’s a relaxing, screen-free activity that makes a great gift for puzzle lovers or anyone who enjoys a peaceful afternoon at home.
That shift doesn’t mean consumers are abandoning technology altogether. Instead, Furman sees an interesting contradiction in the way people are shopping: they are increasingly turning to AI to help them find gifts that encourage them to unplug.
“[Among shoppers,] 29% plan to use AI somewhere in their holiday shopping this year, up from 22% last year,” Furman says. “The journey is digital. What’s under the tree isn’t.”
Shared experiences are another opportunity. Furman says 63% of Gen Z consumers surveyed say a shared meal matters more to them than a physical present, suggesting that gifts centered around cooking, crafts or spending time together could resonate particularly well.
While several experts point toward nostalgia and offline experiences, Chris Beer, Consumer & Tech Analyst at GWI, sees one major exception to the broader caution around gadgets: gaming.
One of the biggest potential holiday catalysts, he says, is the November release of Grand Theft Auto VI. More than half of Grand Theft Auto players are interested in buying a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series S/X, according to GWI research.
The PlayStation 5 brings next-generation gaming to life with stunning graphics, fast loading times and immersive gameplay. With a wide selection of games and entertainment options, it’s an exciting gift for gamers of all ages. Grab it before Grand Theft Auto VI releases.
“Grand Theft Auto VI should put the latest generation of consoles firmly on holiday wish lists,” Beer says. “With so many GTA players already considering an upgrade, demand could accelerate quickly once the game lands.”
Beer says the broader technology category is more complicated. Interest in gadgets has fallen 13% year over year, making it the personal-interest category that has declined the most over the past year in GWI’s research.
“This doesn’t mean consumers will stop buying tech where it’s practical,” Beer says. “But novelty gadgets, or ones that put AI features at the center of their marketing, may be a harder sell this year.”
For shoppers, that means a useful technology upgrade may still make sense, but buying a gadget simply because it is currently viral could carry more risk.
Taken together, this year’s holiday predictions point to a gift market that is becoming less about chasing the “it” product and more about understanding the person you’re shopping for. Whether it’s a monogrammed accessory, a favorite beauty product, a new set of sheets, a board game or a piece of luggage built for years of travel, the strongest gifts share one thing: they feel chosen, not simply purchased.
As Kleinman puts it, “Specificity” matters more than price. Schmicker agrees: “At every price point, the rule is really the same: pay for the craft and the story, not just the logo.”
And while AI is becoming an increasingly important part of how consumers discover and compare gifts, the experts suggest that technology is ultimately serving a very human goal: helping shoppers find something that feels personal. As Furman puts it, “The journey is digital. What’s under the tree isn’t.”
For shoppers, the takeaway is simple: start early, pay attention and look beyond the viral product of the moment. The gift most likely to stand out this holiday season may not be the most expensive or the trendiest one, but the one that makes the recipient think, You really know me.
A thoughtful pick for the matcha lover, this powder makes it easy to enjoy a cafe-style drink at home.
With its radiant finish and feel-good beauty appeal, this set is a fun gift for anyone who loves to glow.
Practical yet stylish, this durable travel kit is a useful gift they can take everywhere.
Whether they’re commuting, working out, or relaxing, these wireless earbuds are a gift they’ll reach for every day.
A playful checkered design turns an everyday kitchen essential into a gift that’s both functional and display-worthy.
Give them a little everyday recovery with a massage gun designed to help ease tension and soothe tired muscles.
Its relaxed, vintage-inspired look makes this denim shirt an effortlessly cool addition to their wardrobe.
For someone who lives in comfortable activewear, these sleek leggings offer an easy blend of style and everyday wearability.
A luxurious fragrance is always memorable, and this YSL scent makes an especially elegant gift for someone who appreciates beautiful perfumes.
For over 200 years, the New York Post has been America’s go-to source for bold news, engaging stories, in-depth reporting, and now, insightful shopping guidance. We’re not just thorough reporters – we sift through mountains of information, test and compare products, and consult experts on any topics we aren’t already schooled specialists in to deliver useful, realistic product recommendations based on our extensive and hands-on analysis. Here at The Post, we’re known for being brutally honest – we clearly label partnership content, and whether we receive anything from affiliate links, so you always know where we stand. We routinely update content to reflect current research and expert advice, provide context (and wit) and ensure our links work. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.
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