Trends don't tell you what to buy. They tell you what will be in the shops and what people are into right now. The numbers below come from Faire, the wholesale marketplace where independent shops buy their stock. Unless noted, they show year-over-year growth in searches.
1. Chunky beaded necklaces
"Chunky beaded necklace" +1,159%; beaded necklaces overall +461%. Colourful, playful, affordable.
Great for: a friend, sister or colleague who loves colour.
2. Lab-grown diamonds and moissanite
Moissanite earrings +178%, "lab grown diamond" +144%, tennis bracelets +100%. The look of fine jewellery at a fraction of the price.
Great for: a partner, Mum, an anniversary.
3. The at-home spa
Scalp massagers +222%, body scrub +100%, bath bombs +92%, body butter +68%.
Great for: anyone who "doesn't need anything". Everyone needs an evening off.
4. Handmade press-on nails
Handmade press-ons +666%; press-on nails overall +210%. A small gift that feels like a salon visit.
Great for: teens, friends, sisters.
5. Squishies
The toy fad of the year. Christmas versions jumped 3,992% quarter over quarter.
Great for: kids, and stressed-out grown-ups at a desk.
6. Whimsical, fairycore and cottagecore
"Whimsical" +105%, "fairycore" +96%, "cottagecore" +64%, mushroom journals +60%.
Great for: dreamers, fantasy readers, crafters and woodland lovers.
7. Claw clips
+69%. Cheap, practical and now a design piece.
Great for: stocking stuffers and Secret Santa budgets.
8. Experiences
The National Retail Federation says 27% of shoppers plan to give an experience this year, up from 19% five years ago. Visa found travel and live events top people's own wish lists, even though few of us buy them for others.
Great for: couples, and people who have everything.
Make a trend personal
A trend is only a starting point. The gifts people love come from knowing the person. In WishMe, add what they're into ("yoga, tea, fantasy books") and get specific AI gift ideas in your budget and currency, with places to find them.