Holiday Trends for 2025: Smart, Strategic Gifting That Makes an Impact

The holidays mean something a little different to everyone. Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, or something entirely your own (Festivus, anybody?), “PFL’s Holiday Cheer Lookbook” has all the inspiration you’ll need to make your gifting season sparkle.

For enterprise organizations, this is the perfect opportunity to thank VIPs, recognize employees, or welcome new customers. For small-to-medium businesses, it’s a chance to drive store traffic, boost holiday sales, or reward customer loyalty. No matter the holiday or the business, our “Lookbook” is designed to spark ideas for creative, thoughtful gifts that leave a lasting impression.

As we head into the 2025 holiday season, the world of gifting is evolving. Spending is becoming more strategic, expectations are rising, and brands are looking for ways to make meaningful connections while staying purposeful and practical. To help you make your way, here we present the “Top Five Trends” shaping holiday gifting this year!

1. Smart Gifting on a Budget

Wrap Up More with Less

Increasingly, organizations are looking for gifts that deliver the goods—not just in the cost, but in the value they bring. High-utility items that are both practical and aligned with your brand message are proving to be the stars of the season. When recipients can enjoy and use a gift long after the holidays, your brand stays with them day after day.

Product Recommendation: Help recipients kick off the New Year by capturing their resolutions in a multi-use journal that supports organization and reflection, while keeping your brand visible every day.

2. Trust-Based Marketing

Drink to ‘Appreciation’

Consumers are surrounded by constant messaging, and trust has become one of the most valuable assets a brand can aspire to. Holiday gifting offers a simple yet powerful way to reinforce trust by showing genuine appreciation. The right gift conveys reliability and thoughtfulness and strengthens the relationships that matter most.

Product Recommendation: A premium insulated drinkware piece that symbolizes dependability and is built to last, keeping your brand top of mind with every use. Pair it with a sack of coffee that supports a great cause to take this gift to the next level.

3. Personalization at Scale

Make It Merry and Mine

One-size-fits-all gifts are fading fast. Recipients want something that feels relevant and personal, and with today’s Variable Data Printing capabilities, brands can deliver on that expectation at scale. Envision every card featuring the recipient’s name, a tailored message, or a QR code leading to a unique landing page. Brands can even use this opportunity to highlight the year’s results or milestones, weaving in key achievements that make the message feel timely and authentic. This type of personalization builds stronger connections and ensures your gift stands out in a bustling holiday season.

Product Recommendation: A personalized greeting card with a custom QR code that links to a unique holiday message or special offer, making every recipient feel seen. Pair it with a small gift that keeps your brand top of mind for years to come.

4. Purpose-Driven Products

Give Beyond the Gift

Today’s buyers want to know that the brands they support care about more than just the bottom line. Purpose-driven products that are sustainable, ethically made, and/or tied to a mission tell a story that goes beyond the gift itself. By choosing items that reduce waste, support fair labor, or highlight underrepresented makers, you show that your brand values impact as much as impressions. That message resonates long after the wrapping comes off.

Product Recommendation: Choose something your recipient will use daily to keep your brand visible all year long. An eco-friendly lunch bag made from recycled materials reinforces both sustainability and everyday usefulness. Pair it with shareable goodies and let the whole team celebrate around your brand.

5. Functional Favorites

Deck the Halls Every Day

Trendy gifts might get a brief smile, but functional gifts win the day. The products that make the most impact are the ones recipients reach for again and again, weaving them into daily routines. Tech tools that simplify tasks, wellness items that promote balance, and everyday accessories like reusable bags, branded water bottles, and journals are all leading the way. These functional favorites create repeated impressions and ensure your brand remains visible long after the holidays are over—making them a smart and lasting choice for any campaign.

Product Recommendation: A wireless charging pad combines convenience with modern utility, keeping your brand visible on every desk, counter, or nightstand. Pair it with a personalized card that features a playful holiday headline, such as “Tech the Halls,” and graphics that tie into your evergreen campaigns to create a gift that is both functional and fun.

Wrapping It Up

Now that you know the trends to watch for this holiday season, it’s time to put them into action. Our “Holiday Lookbook” brings together a curated selection of print products and promotional items designed to showcase your brand’s values and commitment. With an emphasis on diversity, community, and sustainability, we highlight eco-friendly materials, brands that support important causes, and products from women- and minority-owned businesses. We also feature a range of domestic gifts that support U.S. manufacturers, giving you the opportunity to celebrate the season while investing in local craftsmanship and strengthening the economy.

By embracing these holiday trends, you can create campaigns that are budget-friendly, trust-building, and truly meaningful for your audience. Whether your goal is to thank VIPs, inspire employees, or win over new customers, the right gift can strengthen relationships and leave a lasting impression.

All of the products featured in this blog post, along with everything in the “Lookbook,” are available through PFL. We’re excited to be your partner this holiday season and beyond. Get the Lookbook here to find fresh inspiration that be make sure your 2025 holiday gifting is simple, thoughtful, and impactful. Cheers!