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Do you think digitalization affects gifting trends?
The world’s progress at light velocity has somehow influenced lifestyles. What our intention was behind gifting before is now different. Purposeful, thoughtful gifting is slowly becoming a culture. People think about the recipient before giving anything. Within families and friends, gifting is about sharing personal space and taking a more intimate approach. The sole intention is the giftee’s need and appreciation. Gift-giving here comes from love. So, rather than what’s trending on social media, the giver thinks about what the recipient would love to have. But yes, these thoughts do get influenced by what’s trending in the world.
In corporate gifting or wherever professionalism is necessary, the first question that comes to mind is, What’s trending now?
Some behavioral trends show that everyone is more reciprocal than before. They immediately express appreciation through gifting. They use gifting as a bridge of connection, nurturing relationships.
Eco-Friendly Gifts
The harsh truth is: “While human activities have harmed the Earth, we’re also taking responsibility to heal it.” (My own wording sounds weird to me! Well, you get the idea.)
Basically, we are trying to be kinder to the Earth.
The motto ? “Go green, breathe clean.”
Everywhere, people are now hooked on sustainable life choices—avoiding plastic wraps and using fewer harsh elements in daily life. To some extent, this practice has also entered the gifting scenario. People focus on giving sustainable, eco-friendly gifts and using fabrics or paper instead of plastic wrap.
Some gift ideas are:
- Jewelry made from recycled metals.
- Green gifting like plants, terrarium kits, or subscriptions to such activities.
- Products made from recycled fabrics like quilts, blankets, and dresses.
(A detailed eco-friendly gift guide is here. You can check it out.)
Some Amazon picks:
- Reusable beeswax food wrap, $18.99
- Greenzla reusable makeup remover pads, $8.49
- Hanes eco-smart pullover sweatshirt, $7.45- $41.60
- Bee’s Wrap reusable vegan (Alternative to beeswax food wraps), $16.99 (
$19.99)
Inclusivity and Diversity
After a long history, the world has finally started respecting inclusivity and diversity. Racism, cultures, and gender neutrality—almost everything—had to go through blood and tears to reach this point. In corporate gifting, this is consciously practiced and respected.
Some ideas are:
- Unisex gift hampers, dresses, etc.
- Rainbow-colored books, socks, or prints as symbols of the LGBTQ+ community.
- Anti-racist baby gift hampers.
Diversity is beautiful. Why differentiate and make the world ugly?
Supporting Small and Local Businesses
The hidden rule is: When looking for a tangible gift, first look at your locality.
Brand, luxury, reputation, and quality are all acceptable, but small and local businesses showcase great creativity and quality. If you support them, they’ll thrive.
For example, while looking for candles to gift a friend, I’d first check online reviews and then visit a reputed shop. While passing through my area, a small, beautifully decorated, bright shop might catch my attention. I may find more beautiful scented candles there than I saw online. This is so common.
Gifting from small businesses boosts them. You, the giftee, and the business—all are happy.
Some Amazon picks:
- Healing crystals candle (Aromatherapy, lavender, vanilla soy wax), $29.99 ($
37.99) - Hulu hand-casting kit for couples, $44.99 ($
49.99) - RawChemistry pheromone-infused perfume, $38.17 ($
44.99) - RAK magnetic pickup tool gifts, $19.32 ($
22.73)
Tech and Gadgets
Not only gifting trends but digital products and digitalization are trends in every sphere of life. It’s spreading almost like a disorder. Remove technology from Earth, and we’d struggle to live.
Digital and virtual products have been around for a long time. In 2025 and beyond, this is the constant trend we’ll see. Life has become easier, right? When faced with a problem, we think, What product would make this work easier? And often, we find one.
From communication tools to house-cleaning robot vacuums—what a fascinating journey!
Some ideas are:
- Robot vacuums for household help.
- High-quality speakers.
Some Amazon picks:
- Nextmug temperature-controlled mug, $99.94 ($
129.95) - Nulaxy dual folding cell phone stand ( Foldable, desktop phone holder), $9.99
- Gskyer telescope (Travel telescope with carry bag, phone adapter, and wireless remote), $86.97 ($
129.99)
Wellness and Health Focus
Mental health has gained mainstream attention recently. Post-pandemic, one thing that has surely changed is mindset and awareness about wellness. I would say, that’s a positive lesson COVID-19 taught us.
With the rapid deterioration in mental wellness, people are focusing on solving related problems: sleep issues, ADHD, stress, anxiety, obesity, and so on.
While these problems are on the rise, gadgets, therapy, and treatments are being developed proportionately.
Could anyone have imagined receiving a meditation subscription from a colleague before? But it’s happening now. Subscriptions to Headspace, Calm, yoga classes, gym memberships, spas, or meditation sessions have been integrated into corporate gifting.
I don’t know about others, but this trend? I love that people are acknowledging wellness and health issues and stepping forward for others.
Subscriptions and Memberships
From entertainment subscriptions like Netflix and Prime to meal subscriptions, the journey is fascinating. How deeply these businesses have drilled into our lives is unimaginable.
Want to listen to music? Spotify or YouTube subscriptions. Want to enjoy audiobooks? Audible or Barnes & Noble subscriptions.
Comfort, easy availability, and time-saving services are now dominating the gifting industry. This trend for 2025 and beyond will only grow exponentially.
Experience Gifts
Memories have no alternatives. We remember others through memories, live with them, and die with them. Gifts that create an impression, not clutter, are experiential.
In a corporate setting, suppose you receive a cookware set versus a ticket for hiking (something you like). Which one will make a longer impression on you? Exactly.
Some ideas are:
- Hiking, skiing, tours, bungee jumping, etc.
- Spa treatments, yoga classes, and healthcare sessions.
- Cooking sessions for couples.
Digital and Virtual Gifts
Digital and virtual gifts are great alternatives to traditional gifts. Anything digital is eco-friendly too. It’s actually easier and more sustainable to wish someone or show appreciation via email.
Subscriptions and online memberships fall into this category. Additionally, e-gift cards, gift vouchers, and online game cards also qualify.
Digital and virtual gifts have immensely simplified gifting practices, making them eco-friendly. If thoughtfully chosen, their value is often greater than physical gifts.
Personalized Gifts
Customization used to be difficult. Only a few places offered options, or you had to do it yourself. Now, every business mindfully includes personalization options for a better customer experience.
People don’t just gift a journal; they add the giftee’s initials. They don’t simply buy a ring; they engrave it to make it unique.
AI-Driven Gift Suggestions
I can relate to this. If AI drives our lifestyle, why not turn to it for gift suggestions?
Sometimes, I even chat with AI (not crazy, just for fun). As AI provides curated answers from sourced information, we get updates and trends easily.
Self-Care Kits
Awareness about self-love has brought a skincare revolution. Kinder-to-skin products, face massagers, serums, hand creams, and more now dominate the market.
Self-care isn’t just skincare; it includes everything kinder to yourself.
Some ideas are:
- Spa gift sets.
- Coffee and mug sets.
- Skincare gift boxes.
- Journaling kits.
Some Amazon picks:
- 9-piece set of vanilla coconut spa set, $30.59 ($
35.99) - ANAI RUI facial mask set (Turmeric clay, green tea clay, dead sea minerals mask), $22.99
- Mr. Pen-Bible journaling kit, $33.99 ($
37.99)
Retro and Nostalgic Gifts
Vintage vibes and retro-style products are back in fashion. Essentially, we’ve updated ourselves, and styles representing the past are now “vintage.”
It’s funny and beautiful at the same time. My grandpa’s broken radio, my mum’s Nokia phone, and my old diaries—all are nostalgic treasures.
Some ideas are:
- Vinyl records.
- Leather journals.
- Fountain pens.
- Bluetooth speakers that look like mini radios.
- Retro-style baguette purses.
- Instant photo printers.
- Vintage-style glass sets.
Some Amazon picks:
- Dosmix retro Bluetooth speaker, $16.14 ($
16.99) - Dimmable flower candle warmer lamp, $29.73 ($
34.98) - Victrola vintage 3-speed Bluetooth portable record player, $49.98 ($
59.99)
Overall
The gifting trends of 2025 reflect a shift in values: thoughtfulness, sustainability, and deeper connections now guide what we give and how we give it. Whether it’s a handcrafted candle from a local business, a wellness subscription, or an unforgettable experience, the act of gifting has become more personal and purposeful.
In a world that’s evolving so rapidly, one thing remains constant: the joy of giving and the bonds it strengthens. So, as you consider your next gift, think beyond trends—focus on what truly matters to the person receiving it. After all, the best gifts aren’t just about the item itself—they’re about the love, care, and thought behind it.
What will your next gift say about you?
