Ever wondered what gifts people are truly thrilled to receive, rather than those that prompt a polite but insincere 'you shouldn't have'? The secret is out. By analysing what readers have actually been buying from recent festive gift guides, a definitive list of the season's most-wanted presents has emerged for 2025.
The trends are clear: you are opting for items that foster togetherness, from raucous card games to pub-style pourers, but also weaving in thoughtful self-care treats for post-party recovery. The message is you want your loved ones to rest as hard as they play. Here are the top 20 gifts that proved utterly irresistible this year.
Party Starters and Social Gifts
Leading the charge for festive fun is the Flip 7 card game, priced at £9.99. Its winning formula of being easy to wrap, post, learn and replay has cemented it as family party gold. For those bringing the pub home, the Guinness Nitrosurge device (£25-£30) has been a smash hit, using ultrasonic technology to achieve the perfect slow pour with special cans.
Beer and football fans merged passions with personalised football team beer mats (£11.99), featuring legendary players reimagined as brewery brands. Meanwhile, the party atmosphere is amplified by Uno Show 'Em No Mercy (£5.99), a ruthless new version with hardcore rules, and sophisticated large silicone ice cube trays (£6.49) for spirit-forward cocktails.
Practical Pleasures and Personal Treats
Gifting took a practical and personalised turn with several standout items. The Gritin clip-on book light (£9.59) was a favourite Secret Santa idea, offering peaceful coexistence for readers and their sleepy partners. For the culinary enthusiast, a handmade Spanish pottery garlic rasp (£15) saves fingertips and adds artisanal style to any kitchen.
In a clever twist, the Michelin Bibendum tyre pressure gauge (£9.99) proved a surprisingly popular stocking filler, perfect for the designated driver or the post-Christmas journey home. And for a universally relatable read, you chose The Crisp Sommelier by Neil Ridley (£11.69-£11.95), a witty guide to pairing drinks with crisps.
Self-Care and Cosy Comfort
As the festivities wind down, your gift choices show a keen eye for recovery and relaxation. Rechargeable Ocoopa hand warmers (£19.99) flew off the virtual shelves, promising unfrozen fingers. The Aveda Scalp Solutions massager (£18.90-£27) was a top self-care pick, designed to soothe and exfoliate.
For ultimate cosy comfort, many were swayed by teen recommendations and opted for Uniqlo sweat wide-leg joggers (£34.90). Beauty gifts were both practical and luxurious, with the Hershesons self-grip rollers (£12) for party prep and the Edinburgh Skincare Luxury No 1 hand cream bar (£12.99-£13.99) in its lovely storage tin.
Edible Delights and Decorative Touches
Edible gifts, as always, featured strongly. Personalisation won the day with customised Cadbury chocolate tins (from £2.75), while the Sauce Shop hot sauce gift set (£20) catered to those seeking a fiery kick for their leftovers. In a novel twist, Guinness 232 coffee beans (£9.50-£12.99), roasted at the same temperature as Guinness barley, became a surprise hit for stout-loving coffee aficionados.
For a serene afterparty vibe, the Kosta Boda snowball glass votive (from £21) casts beautiful light shapes and made it into your top 20. Finally, proving that innovation is always welcome, the Morphy Richards Mico microwave toastie maker (£25.99) and the stylish, practical Stubble & Co Rolltop backpack (£120) rounded out the list of this year's most-desired presents.
This curated selection, born from months of testing and real reader purchases, highlights a festive season focused on shared experiences, thoughtful utility, and well-earned cosiness.
