What’s coming next in the world of gifts? In 2025 the gifting industry will continue its trajectory towards more personalisation, instant gratification, and digitisation. The influence of social media and maturation of online-only operations has created a competitive environment where brands must work hard to stand out from the pack.
Fundamentally consumers are looking for gifts that are fun, customisable, and able to be delivered quickly. It’s this desire to share happiness that drives many of the gifting trends of 2025 and has come to define the culture of gifting which prioritises experiences over ‘stuff’.
Trend 1: 2025 will be the year of happiness
In the new year expect to see ‘just because’ gifting take off as consumers focus on spreading joy and connection with others outside of traditional gifting occasions like birthdays and Christmas. Giving gifts for no particular reason is a trend that thrives alongside an ethos of mindfulness, mental health awareness, and nurturing relationships with friends and family.
Science proves there are indeed tangible benefits to giving gifts. Brain scans show that giving and receiving gifts light up the areas of the brain associated with reward and pleasure which releases the feel-good chemical dopamine. Hence the ‘warm glow’ effect which makes us all feel happier and healthier and drives us to give just for fun.
Trend 2: The rise of personalised gifts
Customisation is set to become the gold standard of gifting. Gift givers are seeking novelty and uniqueness from monogrammed accessories to DIY treats. Being able to add their own thoughtful touch is a way for customers to showcase their personality and add meaning to gift giving.
Thanks to technology, it’s become so much easier for customers to show how much they care. AI, automation, and digitisation has made personalisation so much more accessible and increased the range of options that can be tailored to their individual tastes.
Trend 3: Experiential corporate gifting dominates
Once upon a time corporate gifts were limited to branded merchandise and impersonal souvenirs. Companies are now moving beyond the cliches of mugs and pens to embrace gifts which are sustainable, thoughtful, and facilitate making memories. In 2025 corporate customers are investing in crowd pleasers that nurture wellbeing and boost32 social connections. Gourmet experiences, team-building retreats, and spa days are all popular options for gifts with widespread appeal.
Trend 4: Consumers reject one-size-fits-all gifting
Generic gifting is firmly a thing of the past as customers demand gifts that reflect individuality and thoughtfulness. A curated touch caters for specific interests and maximises the opportunity to strengthen connections between giver and receiver.
Interestingly studies show gift givers and recipients report feelings of greater closeness when exchanging a gift which reflects the giver. In any event giving something original whether it’s a gourmet subscription box or a bespoke item of clothing shows how much you care.
Trend 5: Spend on individual food gifts average $90
Dr Dough data reveals Australians are giving lavishly and expect quality, speedy delivery, and great service for gourmet and artisanal gifts. High-quality, shareable items like customised dessert boxes, charcuterie boards, and other gourmet delights dominate the food gift sector with the premium price point reflecting a desire to invest in food experiences which will impress. Packaging and presentation must also be high-end to entice customers to keep coming back.
Trend 6: Pressure for instant gratification in 2025
The stakes are high to deliver speed and convenience in 2025. Brands competing to offer live tracking, online ordering, 24/7 service and same-day delivery are now investing in platforms which will allow them to instantly cater to the local area in a matter of hours. This shift to hyper-local delivery requires a high level grasp of logistics to ensure gifts arrive quickly and intact as customers become more comfortable and reliant on last-minute gifting.
Trend 7: Gifting brands pivot to accommodate trends and events
Brands endeavouring to stay relevant have become well-versed in the art of trend-spotting. Fuelled by social media where feedback from customers is delivered in real time, gifting brands are launching collections inspired by viral trends, pop culture memes, and major global events. Beyond seasonal occasions, gifts themed around popular TV shows, pop culture nostalgia, social movements tend to capture consumer attention and drive sales.
Trend 8: Food gifts tilt the happiness scale
Consumers are increasingly making use of gourmet treats as the perfect pick-me-up gift for all gifting occasions. Food gifts are uniquely nourishing and meaningful in moments of grief as much as moments of celebration. Sharing food is believed to bring people closer, fostering feelings of happiness, comfort, and nostalgia. Science proves there is indeed a link between taste and memory, which speaks to the power of gourmet indulgences to establish lasting memories of joy.
Give memories, not clutter
All in all, 2025 will be defined as a year of giving intentionally without adding to recipients’ mental load. Across the board the gifting industry is defined by trends which favour giving gifts that are experiential, personalised, and emotionally resonant.
When it comes to service consumers overwhelmingly demand convenience, value, and fast delivery. Brands that are able to meet these expectations while maintaining high product quality will be well positioned to profit in the coming year.
Kristy Bannister is founder of Dr Dough Donuts.