🎁 GIFT GUIDE: What People Want for the Holidays
Something a little different from us as we approach the holiday season. Happy gifting!
Hey Scanners!
There are a lot of things scanning has helped our team with: feeling (extra) confident in our marketing strategies, directing clients through algorithm changes, watching our feeds for the first signs of emerging trends – and finding gifts people actually want.
So, we’re doing something different for this SCAN 👀 CLUB! Instead of sharing new signals we’ve found happening in the world of digital marketing, we’ve shortlisted gift ideas based on the 5 main trends we’ve seen from digital audiences in 2024. These signals and trends don’t just apply to our work as marketers; they point to the way consumers are digesting content and what they actually want today, right now.
Forget digging through endless gift guides for “your dad” “your bestie” etc. This guide is designed based on behaviors we’re seeing across demographics – meaning there’s something for everyone in your life. (Note: none of these gift ideas are sponsored – but they could be next year 😉)
Happy gifting!
🎁 TREND 01
They want a whole new world
Who they are: This giftee loves a brand pop-up. They couldn’t wait for Eminem’s concert in Fortnite. They are ready to engage with the world (and brands) in new and interesting ways.
Subscription to Nintendo Music: make their favorite games the background of their IRL day. [GIFT OPTION]
Noise Canceling Headphones: help them tune out the noise and get immersed in their favorite audio world. [GIFT OPTION]
Custom Retroviewer: share precious memories in a unique, nostalgia-fueled way. [GIFT OPTION]
Mini Brands: these little worlds are hugely popular with different age groups. [GIFT OPTION]
Lego Sets: when in doubt with this reality, build your own world. [GIFT OPTION]
Novelty Candles: baguette candle! [GIFT OPTION]
La Croix Ornament: add a touch of sparking to the tree with the ultimate ornament for La Croix lovers. [GIFT OPTION]
Pasta Making Kit: transport yourself to another time. [GIFT OPTION]
More about the a whole new world trend.
🎁 TREND 02
They want less stress, more rest
Who they are: For the burnt-out work bestie, the professional spiraller, and the generally overstimulated, gifts that bring comfort and familiarity are their bread and butter. Pick something to help them master their morning routine, cozy night in, or weekend café trip.
Fuzzy Slippers: help relaxation start the moment they step in the door. [GIFT OPTION]
Beautiful Shower Head: add an element of ritual to an otherwise bland morning routine. [GIFT OPTION]
Red Light Mask: this viral mask encourages downtime and clear skin. [GIFT OPTION]
Film-Like Cameras: all the beauty of film photography without the learning curve. [GIFT OPTION]
Magazine Subscription: reading material that’s aesthetic enough for a spot on the grid. [GIFT OPTION]
Oura Ring: a device that encourages rest, sleep and recovery. [GIFT OPTION]
Weighted Eye Mask: a no-fuss way to promote deeper sleep. [GIFT OPTION]
More about the less stress, more rest trend.
🎁 TREND 03
They want close friends only
Who they are: Busy online spaces and an algorithm-based economy just don’t do it for this giftee – they’re the one starting the group chat, joining a run club, organizing the work happy hour and inviting people to their IRL meetup. Enter: gifts that encourage connection.
Adult BFF Necklaces: rep your closed community IRL. [GIFT OPTION]
Beautiful Chopping Block: be the envy of everyone at cookbook club. [GIFT OPTION]
Conversation Cards: easy entertainment for the host with the most. [GIFT OPTION]
Tickets to bingo: grab your nearest and dearest and enjoy the hottest game of the season. [WHY BINGO?]
Board Games: a little post-dinner fun (marriage counselling not included). [GIFT OPTION]
Novelty Bottle Opener: a guaranteed conversation starter at the next dinner party. [GIFT OPTION]
Wireless Bluetooth Karaoke Microphone: get the party started wherever you go. [GIFT OPTION]
Popcorn Machine: elevate your next movie night. [GIFT OPTION]
More about the close friends only trend.
🎁 TREND 04
They want to feel something
Who they are: For the giftee whose dopamine receptors are fried from doom-scrolling. These gifts will help them feel like they’re part of something exciting! They love having something to look forward to and a (controlled) dose of adrenaline.
Experiment In the Kitchen: try making something new, Matheson style. [GIFT OPTION]
Tickets to a Local Women’s Sports Team: what’s available in your city? Women’s sports are getting major love from fans this year. [IN OUR CITY]
Improv Tickets: nothing predictable; everything lighthearted and fun. [FOR CALGARY FOLKS]
Personalized Jerseys: for the new, old, or die-hard fan. [GIFT OPTION]
The Coolest Pickleball Paddles: show off on the court (maybe just not your skills, yet). [GIFT OPTION]
A Memoir: get lost in someone else’s story. [GIFT OPTION]
Arcade Game: a wholesome, controlled dose of adrenaline and dopamine. [GIFT OPTION]
More about the feel something trend.
🎁 TREND 05
They want (guaranteed) value
Who they are: For the creator who wants to deinfluence you; this person wants their values to align with what they buy. Whether that’s literal value (quality above all), or reflects their care for people, or the environment – they deserve something nice.
Fancy Olive Oil: it’s delicious and will look stunning on their counter. [GIFT OPTION]
Make a Thrift Package: shop for gently used items and make a completely customized gift. [INSPO]
Pheromone Perfume: perfume that’s guaranteed to create intrigue. [GIFT OPTION]
Masterclass Subscription: learn from the best, from wherever. [GIFT OPTION]
Upcycled Bags: all the quality of Coach, with a sustainable element. [GIFT OPTION]
Pistachio Butter: everyone will be talking about this in 2025. [GIFT OPTION]
An Artist Collective Gift Card: build your gallery wall while supporting artists and photographers. [GIFT OPTION]
More about the (guaranteed) value trend.
Super smart way to leverage your forecasting!! Love that y'all consistently draw lines back to those pillars; this is a really fun application of that thought process.