The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the annual quest for the perfect gifts that will light up faces and bring families together. This year, both tech giants and toy makers are vying for a spot under the Christmas tree, and the race is heating up with data-driven insights and a creative twist on classic play. According to Google’s recent release of its “Holiday 100” overview on November 3, 2025, the landscape of trending gifts is shifting, reflecting not just what’s popular, but what’s gaining momentum as we head into the final shopping stretch of the year.
Google’s Holiday 100 isn’t just a list of top sellers—it’s a carefully curated selection of products that have seen a surge in U.S. search interest from May through September 2025. As Google explains, the list is based on trends data, highlighting items that hit all-time highs, experienced dramatically higher search interest compared to previous years, or showed noteworthy regional spikes across the country. This means the products featured aren’t necessarily the most purchased, but they’re certainly catching shoppers’ attention in ways that could shape this season’s gifting trends.
The list is divided into seven categories, each offering a snapshot of what’s hot right now. And in a move that blends convenience with commerce, each item links directly to Google Shopping, making it easier than ever for consumers to snap up these trending gifts with just a few taps. While the inclusion of several Google-branded products—like the Pixel Buds and Pixel Watches—raises a few eyebrows about promotional bias, the company maintains that the list is driven by genuine search interest, even if some merchant partnerships do find their way into the editorial collections.
But what’s really driving these trends? The answer, it seems, is a mix of technological innovation, nostalgia, and a renewed focus on creative, meaningful play—especially for children. According to a November 3, 2025, feature by Today's Parent, this year’s most popular toys are all about fostering creativity, storytelling, and screen-free engagement. The publication highlights how toys that encourage imagination and self-expression are stealing the spotlight, proving that even in a digital age, the fundamentals of play remain as important as ever.
Take, for example, the Tokidos PlayCubes—a screen-free edutainment system designed for kids aged 3 to 8. This innovative toy combines fun and learning, offering over 20 games in two languages to help children build skills in math, language, arts, emotional intelligence, and mindfulness. It’s a nod to the growing demand for educational toys that keep kids engaged without relying on screens—something many parents are actively seeking as they navigate the challenges of modern parenting.
Another standout is the kids’ karaoke machine, which lets children sing, dance, and even record their favorite songs. With Bluetooth connectivity and playful voice effects, it’s more than just a toy—it’s a stage for budding performers to express themselves and share a little joy. The Yoto Player (3rd Generation) follows a similar philosophy, offering a screen-free audio experience for kids aged 3 to 12+. By simply popping in a Yoto card, children can access a world of stories, music, and learning, all in a safe, kid-friendly format that encourages independence and imagination.
Cultural celebration and inclusivity are also front and center. The Lil Joeydolls, for instance, are soft dolls that celebrate Asian heritage through beautifully embroidered outfits. Proudly designed in Canada, these dolls help children learn about culture and belonging in a joyful, age-appropriate way—offering a powerful message of connection and pride.
And for those who love a little mystery, the Cryptid strategy game invites players to step into the shoes of legendary creatures, navigating a whimsical world where myth and reality blur. The game’s playful take on folklore and its easy-to-learn mechanics make it a hit for family game nights, proving that board games are far from obsolete in the age of digital entertainment.
Fans of interactive plushies have plenty to look forward to as well. Inspired by Disney’s live-action reimagining of Lilo & Stitch, the new Stitch plushie comes to life with over 100 sound and motion combinations, offering a range of extraterrestrial emotions from playful sweetness to full-on alien tantrums. The FurReal Coco the Tumbling Panda is another crowd-pleaser, boasting more than 60 sound-and-motion features, from giggles and wiggles to snacking and rolling over—guaranteed to elicit smiles from kids and adults alike.
Innovation isn’t limited to plushies, though. The ZipString Aracna, billed as the world’s first reloading, retractable string launcher, is an award-winning sensation with glow-in-the-dark features and USB-C rechargeability. It’s the kind of toy that sparks wonder and curiosity—a reminder that sometimes the simplest concepts, when executed with a touch of magic, can capture the imagination in big ways.
Sensory play also gets an upgrade with Gui Gui, a collectible slime kit that lets kids create and customize 13 different scented slimes in various textures. With charms, boosters, sparkles, and surprise figurines, it’s a hands-on experience that encourages creativity and exploration. Interactive, light-up storybooks that glow as kids read add yet another layer of enchantment to bedtime routines, blending traditional storytelling with modern flair.
For those looking for something a bit more active, the Sprite foldable 2-wheeled scooter stands out as a top pick for kids aged 6 to teens. With motion-powered LED wheels and a lightweight, durable design, it’s no wonder Micro scooters have been voted the best scooters by Wirecutter for six years running. Shoppers can also take advantage of the biggest sale of the year, which kicks off on November 14, 2025, offering free shipping on orders over $99 and a two-year warranty on Micro scooters—a deal that’s sure to appeal to parents looking for value and peace of mind.
What does all this mean for holiday shoppers? According to Google, the Holiday 100 isn’t just a list—it’s a directional guide to what’s capturing people’s interest as the year draws to a close. While the data focuses on rising trends rather than overall search volume, it offers valuable insights for both consumers and marketers looking to stay ahead of the curve. And as Today's Parent points out, the real winners this year are toys and gifts that inspire creativity, connection, and a sense of wonder—reminding us all that the best gifts are those that spark joy and bring people together.
With a blend of innovation, nostalgia, and heartfelt storytelling, 2025’s trending gifts are set to make this holiday season one to remember for families across the country.
