Winter is a season of contrasts for young adults aged 18–25. It’s a time for holiday celebrations, cozy indoor activities, and self-reflection, but it’s also a season for setting ambitious goals for the year ahead. School schedules shift, workplaces experience holiday slowdowns, and the colder months encourage more time spent planning and connecting online.
Their search behavior reflects these shifts — from holiday planning and seasonal shopping to health resets and career ambitions for the new year. Below, we’ll explore the top winter search trends for this age group and why they matter.
Top Winter Search Themes for 18–25 Year Olds
1. Holiday Shopping and Gift Ideas
As soon as November ends, searches for seasonal shopping surge. Common winter queries include:
- “budget gift ideas for friends”
- “best Secret Santa gifts under $20”
- “DIY Christmas presents”
- “holiday shopping deals”
- “last-minute gift ideas”
Why it peaks in winter:
- The holiday season drives purchasing decisions.
- Gift exchanges are common in friend groups and workplaces.
- Online shopping increases due to cold weather and convenience.
Details & Examples:
- College students may seek inexpensive but thoughtful gift ideas.
- Young professionals often look for workplace-appropriate Secret Santa gifts.
- Searches for sustainable or handmade gifts also rise.
Tip for engagement: Retailers can offer curated gift guides and promote fast shipping deadlines.
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2. New Year’s Resolutions and Goal Setting
As the year ends, young adults look to make fresh starts. Searches include:
- “goal setting worksheet”
- “vision board ideas”
- “how to stick to new year’s resolutions”
- “best planners for 2025”
- “habit tracker apps”
Why it peaks in winter:
- January’s fresh start inspires reflection and planning.
- Many adopt fitness, career, or creative goals.
- Social media trends drive interest in challenges and self-improvement.
Details & Examples:
- Students may set academic goals for the upcoming semester.
- Recent grads might plan for job changes or skill development.
- Habit tracking apps, planners, and bullet journaling guides trend heavily.
Tip for engagement: Brands offering organizational tools or wellness programs can market heavily in late December and January.
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3. Winter Travel and Getaways
While summer is peak travel time, many young adults plan winter escapes. Searches often include:
- “best winter travel destinations”
- “cheap ski trips for beginners”
- “warm places to visit in January”
- “how to find last-minute flight deals”
- “winter road trip ideas”
Why it peaks in winter:
- Holiday breaks from school or work make travel possible.
- Some seek cold-weather activities like skiing; others look for sunshine.
- Lower post-holiday airfare prompts spontaneous trips.
Details & Examples:
- Students may plan budget group trips before spring semester begins.
- Couples and friend groups often research weekend getaways.
- Many travelers prioritize experiences over souvenirs, driving searches for “things to do” lists.
Tip for engagement: Travel brands can promote seasonal deals and create guides for budget-friendly winter activities.
4. Seasonal Food and Drink Trends
Cold weather inspires comfort food cravings and festive treats. Popular searches include:
- “easy winter dinner recipes”
- “holiday cookie ideas”
- “hot chocolate bar setup”
- “meal prep for cold weather”
- “cozy crockpot recipes”
Why it peaks in winter:
- The holidays inspire baking and cooking for gatherings.
- Comfort meals and warm beverages suit the colder months.
- Students and young professionals often search for budget-friendly bulk meals.
Details & Examples:
- Group-friendly dishes like chili, soups, and casseroles trend high.
- Pinterest and TikTok drive interest in creative seasonal drinks and snacks.
- Healthy winter recipes also rise as New Year’s fitness goals kick in.
Tip for engagement: Food brands and bloggers can offer themed recipe bundles and easy prep tips.
5. Indoor Activities and Entertainment
Cold weather drives more indoor leisure time. Searches include:
- “best winter movies to watch”
- “indoor date ideas”
- “fun things to do inside with friends”
- “board games for game night”
- “beginner crafts to try”
Why it peaks in winter:
- Snow and freezing temperatures limit outdoor options.
- The holiday break gives students more downtime.
- Streaming services release major winter blockbusters.
Details & Examples:
- Hobby searches like painting, knitting, or puzzles increase.
- Board game recommendations trend during holiday gatherings.
- Group entertainment ideas for dorms and apartments rise in popularity.
Tip for engagement: Entertainment platforms and hobby brands should highlight seasonal activities and bundles.
6. Winter Wellness and Fitness
Health-focused searches see another boost in winter. Common queries include:
- “how to work out indoors”
- “winter running tips”
- “immune-boosting foods”
- “how to avoid seasonal depression”
- “home workout challenge”
Why it peaks in winter:
- Colder weather and shorter days impact mental and physical health.
- New Year’s resolutions often include fitness goals.
- Winter illnesses drive interest in immune support.
Details & Examples:
- Students may look for dorm-friendly workouts.
- Young professionals often seek efficient routines they can do at home.
- Mental wellness content becomes highly relevant, especially tips for staying active and social.
Tip for engagement: Fitness brands can launch winter-specific programs and promote home workout equipment.
How to Reach 18–25 Year Olds in the Winter
To connect with this audience during the winter months:
- Launch gift guides before December and promote heavily during Cyber Week.
- Offer goal-setting and productivity tools right before New Year’s.
- Highlight affordable winter travel and last-minute trip ideas.
- Provide seasonal recipe content that’s both budget-friendly and social-media-friendly.
- Promote indoor hobbies and fitness challenges for the colder months.
Timing is crucial — holiday shopping campaigns should start by mid-November, and New Year’s content should roll out in late December.
How Wakewall Can Help
From tracking holiday shopping deadlines to organizing New Year’s goals and discovering local winter events, Wakewall keeps plans and priorities in one place. Its scheduling, event discovery, and note-taking features help young adults make the most of the season while staying organized for the year ahead.
Conclusion: Rest, Celebration, and Renewal
For young adults aged 18–25, winter is both a season of comfort and ambition. Their searches reflect a desire to enjoy holiday traditions, connect with friends and family, and prepare for personal and professional growth in the year ahead. Whether it’s finding the perfect gift, booking a spontaneous trip, or mapping out goals, winter is a time for both reflection and action.
