VIRALIFY: December shoppers delivered the grand finale
The year ended with thoughtful gifts, epic parties, and snow day prep
VIRALIFY is our monthly read on what’s moving across independent brands—categories, products, and shopper intent that’s spiking right now. Uncover what the hottest trends mean for consumers and businesses.
December shoppers hosted the ultimate finale. Thoughtful gift sets replaced last-minute panic buys, New Year’s Eve parties got the full production treatment, and winter gear flew off shelves as snow day reality hit. December wasn’t just about winding down—it was about going all out.
Gift sets with staying power
December gifters went all-in on activity-based presents.
Viral categories
Paddle ball sets (+251%): The ultimate throwback gift that creates instant family tournaments and backyard competitions. CRBN Pickleball offers equipment that turns any gathering into a game day.
Science and exploration sets (+120%): Hands-on learning kits are sparking curiosity as parents choose gifts that make kids feel like real scientists. Storypod creates a set that delivers genuine discovery moments.
Candle making kits (+121%), paint-by-number kits (+54%), and beading and jewelry making kits (+73%): DIY craft sets dominated wish lists as gifters chose creativity and connection. Super Smalls sells easy-to-use kits perfect for customized jewelry.
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The bigger picture
December’s gift philosophy centered on doing, not just having. Sets and kits became the perfect present because they promise time spent together. The gift that keeps on giving? Actually giving them something to do.
Party like it’s 2026
New Year’s Eve got the full production treatment as December shoppers prepared to send off 2025 in style.
Viral categories
Noise makers (+95%) and party hats (+85%): Classic celebration essentials made a major comeback as hosts embraced old-school party vibes. Meri Meri offers party supplies that bring the energy.
Cocktail glasses (+48%) and champagne glasses (+40%): Entertaining glassware became non-negotiable as home bartenders elevated their NYE toasts. Fable creates elegant pieces that make every sip feel ceremonial.
Disco balls (+33%) and crepe paper streamers (+29%): Retro decorations dominated party planning. Feste’s disco balls and paper streamers transform any room into a dance floor.
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The bigger picture
NYE 2025 was about bringing back the magic of milestone moments. People wanted their year-end parties to feel genuinely special—complete with quality decorations, real glassware, and enough sparkle to match the occasion.
Winter reality check
December brought the snow, and shoppers scrambled to get equipped for both survival and fun.
Viral categories
Snow shovels (+130%) and ice scrapers (+100%): The practical essentials that nobody wants to buy but everyone desperately needs. Shop Joe creates snow shovels that make clearing driveways less miserable.
Snow tubes (+222%) and sleds (+59%): Winter fun gear dominated carts as shoppers prepared to turn snow days into play days. Funboy designs inflatable snow tubes and sleds built for epic hill sessions.
Snow shoes (+108%), snowboard boots (+54%), and winter hats (+29%): Cold-weather gear flew off shelves as people geared up to enjoy the outdoors. Hunter Boots offers winter essentials that keep you warm without the bulk.
The bigger picture
December’s snow surge captured winter’s dual personality perfectly: the dreaded morning shovel routine paired with the thrill of perfect powder days. Winter prep became about embracing both sides—buying the gear that gets you through the season and the equipment that makes you love it.
Coming up next
January reality is about to hit. Here are our predictions for the new year surge:
New year, new self: Self-care essentials, journaling supplies, and wellness tools will dominate as people invest in their inner glow-up.
Fitness revival: Home workout gear, yoga mats, and activewear will surge as gym memberships spike and people commit to moving their bodies.
Organization obsession: Storage solutions, planners, and home organization systems will climb as people spark joy into 2026.
*All data is based on sales by hundreds of thousands of Shopify merchants in the US from December 2025 compared to November 2025. Percentages are month over month (MoM) changes in sales.