A shared joy of patiently waiting for the most wonderful time of the year to roll around is shared throughout the world. Kids of all ages nestle in their beds, snug, and bursting with anticipation to wake up and see the toys patiently sitting beneath the tree. With each country set in its traditions, it is rare to observe changes in customs during the holiday season. What drastically changes each year are the gifts. What may have been popular in 2014 is vastly different than what is popular today. Ultimately, countries divided by differing traditions are united by the children and their love for gifts.
This upcoming year of 2025 has brought about changes in all age groups, with observable changes in toys. Toys are not necessarily asked for as much as technology is. This is a common occurrence in the United States as well as countries in Europe like France and Germany. There are also noticeable differences in the amount spent on different items in said countries. Being an ocean apart though surprisingly does not affect children and their wants. This is, in part, due to advanced globalization and younger generations being able to share their likes with everyone around the world.
In the United States, a few preteen boys were interviewed about their wants for this Christmas season. All were asked what their top gift to receive would be and why. Jaxon Hogan stated, “ I want an Xbox, Fortnite V-bucks, and an iPhone. What I want the most is a new Xbox to play with my friends. My old one runs slowly and it takes forever to start up.” Similarly, a friend of Hogan’s, Matt Rowe stated, “I want a new Xbox, Red shoes, and a Tennis racket.” His most wanted gift was a Tennis Racket because, “Tennis is a light game to learn and it will get you better at pickleball.” Both boys’ desires display the rise in popularity of technology and sports.
Of the top 10 most wanted gifts by children this year, five are technology-based. The top gift is a VR headset, a neon name set, a space projector, an AI Story Bear, and a Playstation 5. In other countries, statistics show similar opinions. For ages 9-12 the top gifts are more targeted to the younger half. The gifts are as follows: A train board game, A charm bracelet, an Air Jordan backpack, a sewing machine, and an instant Polaroid camera. In Germany, gifts are a bit more traditional as children opt for gifts like candies, money, or traditional German games.
Spending from country to country is very different with Germany, surprisingly, being the most expensive. Most parents are willing to spend 200 Euros or more on a child while in France and the United States, it is less. In the U.S., the majority spend around $100 per child, and in France, it is between $185-$200 on children. It is possible to suggest that prices will begin to increase as the years go on despite inflation. Children want more access to technology and when demand decreases, it is possible to suggest parents will be willing to give in. The future is uncertain though as only time will tell what the newest worldwide toy will take children by storm.
