The Top Christmas Home and Kitchen Trends of 2024: According to Our Data

Christmas traditions and shopping habits are always changing, and this year is no different. To find out what’s trending for Christmas 2024, we surveyed 3,000 people across the UK to uncover everything from the traditions they’re keeping alive to whether they’re splurging on gifts for their pets.

We’ve also rounded up the best Christmas products for this year, with expert insights from Rebecca Dudley, Seasonal Buyer at Lakeland, to give you plenty of festive inspiration.

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Rebecca says:  By understanding the latest trends and what resonates with people during the festive season, we can confidently design and offer items that we know will bring joy to our customers’ Christmas celebrations.” 

“We search everywhere for inspiration. Trade shows, retailer trends, trend forecasting analysis, consumer research, looking at our own Christmas celebrations, colleague suggestions, and more.”

“When creating a collection of products – whether for gifts, personal purchases, or what goes into our crackers – we want to ensure that there’s something for everyone. Although we do look at what’s trending, we want customers to revisit our products year after year and to feel a sense of pride and happiness as they go on display again and again.”

Rebecca adds: “We also like to test out our products before they go in our store. Take our Christmas Crackers as an example, it’s so much fun creating new games and designs that are genuinely fun for those sitting around the festive table. We perfect our designs by taking our prototypes home and getting our family and friends to enjoy them and give us their honest feedback – it’s so much better than testing in an office environment! Doing this in-house means our team are so much closer to the products and understand how it will make our customers happy.”

Our findings

Here’s a round-up of our key Christmas trends findings:

  • 3 in 4 (74%) don’t know what Stir Up Sunday is
  • Only almost 1 in 3 (32%) of us are baking our Christmas from scratch
  • Almost half (48%) of 25-34-year-olds are making their own Christmas pudding, compared to just 20% of 55-64-year-olds
  • 1 in 3 people (33%) said they won’t be buying Christmas crackers this year, with over half (53%) saying it’s because they’re wasteful
  • 86% of 18-24-year-olds said they’re buying Christmas crackers in 2024, compared to over half (56%) of 55-64-year-olds who aren’t
  • 85% of pet owners are buying their pet a Christmas gift this year, with 56% planning to buy food gifts

Is Stir Up Sunday a dying tradition?

‘Stir Up Sunday’, the last Sunday before Advent, falls on November 24th 2024. Traditionally, it’s when families make their Christmas pudding – giving it enough time to mature before the big day itself. 

The tradition, like so many Christmas practices, took hold during the Victorian era. Its name has less to do with the mixing of flour and raisins and, in fact, a pun on the daily prayer said on this day: ‘Stir up, I beseech thee, O Lord, the wills of thy faithful people.’

By the mid-20th century, the tradition had fully taken hold, with (mostly fake) myths surrounding the recipe, such as the pudding containing 12 ingredients to represent the apostles and the eldest family member stirring first, followed by others in descending order.

But who still follows the old ways today? Many of Britain’s best-loved cookery writers, like Nigella Lawson and Jamie Oliver, champion Stir Up Sunday. However, most people have never heard of Stir Up Sunday! A mere 14% know what the tradition is, with a further 12% having heard the phrase ‘Stir Up Sunday’ but not knowing anything about it. That leaves almost 3 in 4 (74%) neither knowing what Stir Up Sunday is and never having heard about it. 

Curiously, those over the age of 65 are even less knowledgeable than younger consumers, with 79% of pensioners having never heard of it. This compares with 62% of 18 to 34-year-olds. 

Are we making our own Christmas cake or pudding this year?

Though not many know what Stir Up Sunday is, there are still plenty of home cooks who go to the effort and time of making either their own Christmas cake or their own pudding – even if it’s not baked before the start of Advent! Almost 1 in 3 people (32%) said they plan to bake their own Christmas cake or pudding in 2024.

Interestingly, it is – again – younger consumers who appear to be keener on keeping traditions alive more than their parents. When asked if they plan to make their Christmas pudding from scratch in 2024, nearly half of those aged 25-34 (48%) said yes, compared with 20% of 55-64-year-olds. 

Also, more than half of vegans plan to make their own Christmas pudding, suggesting that the plant-based options available in supermarkets aren’t quite hitting the mark.

For more festive baking inspiration, read our guide on the best Christmas cake ideas.

Are Christmas crackers a thing of the past?

Crackers have been part of Christmas for at least 170 years and were once marvellously known as “bangs of expectation”. But these frivolities, containing groan-inducing jokes, a hat and a gift, are now increasingly dividing opinions. 

1 in 3 people (33%) said they won’t be buying Christmas crackers this year, with over half (53%) viewing them as wasteful. Some blame the cost (23%) or the environmental impact (19%) – a symbol of all that is most wasteful and disposable about the festive season! Others simply find them childish (11%) or don’t buy them because of the unfunny jokes (10%). 

Yet, many still see Christmas crackers as a bit of harmless fun, or know that there are now many eco-friendly options available. Think recyclable materials and games to play and keep, rather than a minuscule screwdriver.

Interestingly, opinions are split by age – 86% of 18-24 year olds said they’re buying them in 2024, compared to over half (56%) of 55-64 year olds who won’t. In short, while younger people are fans of crackers, older generations seem less enthusiastic.

Are we buying our pets a Christmas present?

To our furry friends, December 25th is just another day. They have no idea about the religious festival, the fact it’s a bank holiday, or why you have dragged a tree inside the house. But it appears that Britain really is a nation that spoils its pets – even more so at Christmas!

An astonishing 85% of owners buy their pets a gift to celebrate the big day. Younger generations are particularly sentimental, with over 9 in 10 of those aged 18-34 treating their pets to presents.

However, pensioners seem to think the idea of giving their Labrador an advent calendar or their Burmilla a Christmas stocking is a step too far, with 4 in 10 pet owners over 65 opting out of buying festive treats for their pets.

So, what gifts are pet owners looking for?

It seems that most pet owners are keen to indulge their animals this Christmas, with over half (56%) saying they plan to buy food gifts. Play gifts aren’t far behind, with just over half of pet owners (51%) opting for something fun to keep their pets entertained.

Some are going all out, with more than a quarter (26%) picking up a stocking for their furry friends and 19% choosing festive clothes or collars. 

Advent calendars aren’t just for humans anymore, either! 16% are treating their pets to these daily surprises.

The best Christmas home and kitchen products of 2024

Rebecca says: “Trends are always evolving, but it’s great to see ‘traditional’ red and green Christmas colours back this year in 2024, and you’ll see this in a lot of our products.”

From charming serving platters to fun festive games, here’s a roundup of the must-have Christmas items for your home this season.

Best for serving nibbles: Christmas Tree Serving Platter with Star Bowls

£12.99

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“This Christmas tree serving platter is a must-have for hosting and entertaining,“ says Rebecca Dudley, Seasonal Buyer at Lakeland. “The removable star bowls are perfect for serving a variety of nibbles, from sweets to nuts, and make sharing with guests super easy. Paired with the acacia wood base, it adds a touch of elegance to your spread and brings that extra festive charm to the table.”

Best for a festive breakfast: Snowflake Waffle Maker

£14.99

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“This Snowflake Waffle Maker is perfect for adding some festive fun to your Christmas mornings,” says Leanne Murphy, Bakeware Buyer at Lakeland. “It makes the cutest snowflake-shaped waffles, and it’s so easy to use – plus, it doesn’t take up loads of space in the kitchen. The kids will absolutely love getting involved and enjoying their own festive waffles come December 25th!”

Read our guide for more easy Christmas baking recipes for kids.

Best for adding festive charm to your home: Winter Berry Wreath

£39.99

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“This Winter Berry Wreath is such a lovely way to bring that classic Christmas feel into your home,” says Rebecca. “It’s got everything – mistletoe, ivy, pine cones, and those bright red berries that just scream Christmas. Whether you hang it on your door to welcome guests or use it as a centrepiece with candles, it’s a really easy way to add some festive warmth to any space.”

Learn more with our guide on how to dress the Christmas table.

Best for counting down the days until Christmas: Festive Joy Musical Christmas Tree Advent Calendar

£79.99

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Rebecca says: “This advent calendar is such a fun way to countdown to Christmas. It comes with 24 adorable charms and a star, so each day you get to add a new one to the tree, and by Christmas Day you’ve created a beautiful decoration.”

“The little advent doors are perfect for filling with your own treats – whether that’s chocolates or small gifts, making it personal to your family. Plus, it’s eco-friendly – you can enjoy it for many Christmases without the waste of single-use calendars.”

Best for festive fun: Talking Tables Mini Christmas Escape Room – Sprout Edition

£11.99

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“This sprout-themed escape room game is such a fun way to get everyone involved,” says Rebecca. “You’ve got 45 minutes to complete 10 silly tasks and ‘escape’ the sprouts – it’s a brilliant game for the whole family. It’s perfect as a stocking filler or a secret Santa gift, and I can see it becoming a fun Christmas tradition that everyone looks forward to!”

Get in the festive spirit with Lakeland

At Lakeland, we know Christmas is all about creating special moments and traditions with your loved ones, and our Christmas range is designed to make every part of the festive season a little more magical.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect Christmas gift, tableware, or a fun party game to bring everyone together, we’ve got you covered. 

Looking for more inspiration? Take a look at our blog for all the tips and advice you need. Or check out our 2024 Kitchen Trends blog to discover the top cooking and food trends.

By | 25 November 2024