Pinterest’s Holiday Shopping Data Reveals What Gifts People Actually Want This Year

The Budget Boyfriend Gift Boom

One of the standout trends? Searches for “budget friendly gifts for boyfriend” jumped 2,600%. That’s not a typo. Either boyfriends everywhere are getting more gifts this year, or people are finally admitting they want to find good presents without spending a fortune.

The “Thoughtful gifts under $50” category backs this up. Funky mugs are up 330% in searches, spiral candles climbed 180%, and Korean chopsticks rose 80%. Small, unique items are winning over generic, expensive stuff.

Dad Gifts Get Specific

Pinterest’s “Gifts for the dad who doesn’t want anything” guide tackles the classic holiday problem. The data shows what actually works: coastal cowboy hats (up 90%), first aid kit boxes (up 190%), men’s toiletry bag essentials (up 165%), and passport holders (up 40%).

Coffee lovers haven’t been forgotten either. Searches for “coffee carrier gift” shot up 300%, spawning an entire gift category for the chronically caffeinated.

Celebrity Curation Meets Shopping Data

Pinterest partnered with Pamela Anderson and Conan Gray to add a human touch to the data. Anderson curated a “Holiday on the Farm” board, while Gray focused on “Gifts for the DIY creative.”

Gray’s board targets crafters with supplies for printing, writing, sewing, embroidery, and photography. Anderson’s leans into mindful beauty and thoughtful giving. Both boards are shoppable, linking directly to products.

The Interactive Shopping Experience

Beyond static gift guides, Pinterest built an interactive quiz that matches shoppers with gift ideas based on their answers.

It’s the platform’s attempt to make discovery feel personal while still being powered by aggregate user data.

The Festive Edit also includes exclusive deals and promotions from merchants like Kip and Co and Mermade Hair. Budget-conscious shoppers get dedicated deal boards with timely offers.

What This Means for E-commerce

For online retailers, these trends offer a clear playbook. The data shows shoppers want specific, affordable items over vague luxury products. A £15 funky mug that fits someone’s personality beats a £100 generic gift set.

The rise in ultra-specific searches (Korean chopsticks, spiral candles, coastal cowboy hats) suggests people are moving past Amazon’s “customers also bought” recommendations. They want unique finds, and they’re willing to hunt for them.

The massive spike in budget-focused searches also signals that economic concerns are shaping holiday spending. Merchants who can offer distinctive products at accessible price points have a clear advantage.

Pinterest’s approach – combining hard data with curated expertise – might be the future of holiday shopping guides. It removes guesswork for shoppers while giving merchants clear signals about what to stock and promote.