Christmas gift ideas for Christmas shopping

With the festive season fast approaching, we’ve looked at Google search data to see what types of Christmas shopping present ideas are proving popular, as well as finding out how many people leave their Christmas shopping until the last minute each year. 

This is what we discovered about your Christmas shopping habits.

We’re a nation that loves to gift experience days…

The data revealed that searches for ‘gift experience’ are growing in popularity, up 22% year on year. A massive 2.19 million Brits have typed this into Google in the month of December alone since 2018.

‘Experience days’ is also a more common search term, up a staggering 83% in the last year.

Just over 2.5 million people have asked Google for its ‘experience day’ suggestions in the month of December since 2018, with results revealing everything from spa days with afternoon tea to driving experience days and even hot air balloon rides!

Christmas experience day gift inspiration

Afternoon tea for two experience day

Indulge in a delightful traditional afternoon tea for two, where you can savour a selection of finely brewed teas accompanied by an assortment of dainty finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, and an array of exquisite pastries. 

Set in charming venues across 42 locations in the UK, this experience offers a perfect blend of elegance and relaxation, allowing you to unwind and enjoy quality time with a companion in a beautifully curated setting. Treat yourself to this timeless British tradition and create lasting memories together.

Camping break experience

Escape to the stunning Lake District with a one-night eco-camping experience at The Quiet Site. 

Nestled in serene surroundings, this unique getaway offers cosy accommodations in eco-friendly pods, blending comfort with sustainability. Enjoy the tranquillity of nature, explore scenic trails, and unwind by the campfire as you soak in the breathtaking views. 

Perfect for adventurers and nature lovers alike, this eco-camping experience provides a memorable opportunity to reconnect with the great outdoors while minimising your environmental impact. Embrace the beauty of the Lake District and create lasting memories in this idyllic setting.

Track day experience

Experience the thrill of the Ultimate Track Driving Choice with Drift Limits SP1, where you can get behind the wheel of high-performance vehicles on a stunning race track. 

Choose from a selection of iconic cars, and enjoy expert instruction as you learn the art of drifting and precision driving. This exhilarating experience combines adrenaline and skill, allowing you to push the limits of speed and control in a safe and controlled environment. 

Perfect for car enthusiasts and adventure seekers, this driving experience promises unforgettable moments and a true taste of motorsport excitement.

Spa day

Indulge in a rejuvenating Classic Spa Day for two at Bannatyne Health Clubs, where relaxation and luxury await. 

Enjoy full access to the spa facilities, including a serene pool, soothing saunas, and state-of-the-art fitness areas. Pamper yourselves with a delightful treatment of your choice, tailored to unwind your body and mind. 

This perfect escape allows you to unwind together, rejuvenate your senses, and experience top-notch wellness in a tranquil setting. Treat yourselves to a day of bliss and create cherished memories as you indulge in pure relaxation.

Our top destinations for experience days

If you haven’t yet seen our route explorer videos, then they’re worth a watch – you can experience our entire Sunderland to London journey from the comfort of sofa and take in all the beautiful views along the way. Now that’s armchair travel!

Our blog also offers a range of travel inspiration for you to experience this Christmas.

For anyone who hasn’t yet got all their Christmas presents sorted, then train tickets to visit a new city for a day out or weekend away could be a lovely experience day surprise for your friends and family, and you can now book Grand Central rail tickets up to four months in advance, so it could even be a deferred treat for when the warmer weather returns;. It’s always nice to have something to look forward to!

The UK capital of last-minute Christmas shoppers is...

We also discovered that Leicester is the UK capital of last-minute online Christmas shoppers, with thousands of residents turning to Google to help them find gifts in a hurry.

Across the nation, Brits appear to be leaving their gift-getting later and later each year, with Google searches for ‘last minute Christmas gifts’ already up 24% year on year, and up a massive 177% since 2018.

The UK capitals of last-minute Christmas shoppers (online) are:

1. Leicester
2. Plymouth
3. Dundee
4. Milton Keynes
5. Swansea
6. Aberdeen
7. Hull
8. York
9. Norwich
10. Bournemouth

While Exeter didn’t make the top ten list, it is the place where searches for present ideas in a hurry have gone up the most in the last two years – up 59%! This was closely followed by Norwich, where searches are up 58%.

Last-minute Christmas shopping list inspiration

Finding yourself last-minute Christmas shopping? Here are some great last-minute Christmas gift ideas that are sure to delight:

1.  Gift Cards: Always a hit! Choose a favourite store, restaurant, or online platform. You could also gift some train tickets to a destination you know they love.
2. Experience day vouchers: Consider gifting experiences like cooking classes, spa days, or adventure outings.
3. Subscription Boxes: A fun surprise delivered monthly, whether it's snacks, books, or beauty products.
4. Homemade Treats: Bake cookies or prepare a jar of hot chocolate mix for a personal touch.
5. Personalised Items: Custom mugs, photo books, or engraved jewellery can make thoughtful gifts.
6. Cosy essentials: Fuzzy blankets, socks, or candles create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
7. Tech Gadgets: Bluetooth speakers, portable chargers, or smart home devices are practical and fun.
8. Books: A best-seller or a beautifully illustrated coffee table book can be a great gift for any reader.
9. Plants: A potted plant or a succulent adds life to any space and is easy to care for.
10. Board Games or Puzzles: Perfect for family fun during the holidays.

More information about our Christmas shopping research…

Data was from Google Adwords - Keyword Planner on 15th December 2021

We looked at UK national figures and then city specific.

Our list of selected cities was taken from Google – the ‘biggest cities in the UK’ results.

We gathered data on searches of ‘last minute Christmas gifts’, ‘last minute gifts’, ‘gift experience’ and ‘experience days’.

The top ten list of last-minute Christmas shoppers was based on the combined search volume of ‘last minute Christmas gifts’ per city during December for the last two years, divided by the total reach (Google’s estimated population figure per city).

Travel to your favourite Christmas shopping destinations with Grand Central

Whether you’re looking for the perfect last-minute gift for family or friends; have run out of wrapping paper; or are travelling for a festive Christmas break, Grand Central trains will get you there.

Check out our Christmas train times blog for further information.