Whether you’re shopping for loved ones or you want to make sure you have the hottest items in stock this holiday season, tech products are at the top of the list. In fact, the 2024 Consumer Technology Holiday Purchase Patterns report from CTA reveals that tech gifting is at an all-time high, with approximately 233 million U.S. adults (89%) planning to purchase presents in key categories such as digital content services, wireless headphones, smartphones, tablets, smart home products, and TVs. 

The report also found that the gift-giving season is longer, with 41% of (over-achieving) U.S. adults beginning their holiday shopping before November. Which means, this is the time to learn which types of tech consumers are hoping to unwrap this year. It‘s also the perfect moment to treat yourself to something special –– a trip to CES, the event that sets the agenda for the future of tech. In Las Vegas, you can explore what many of next year’s go-to gifts are likely to be and gain insights into how these trends will translate into future consumer behavior. 

Innovations in smartphones, wireless earbuds, and aftermarket products like car cameras are topping more holiday wish lists, as consumers seek out products that enhance their mobile experiences and makes their daily activities seamless.

You’ll see what’s next for these must-have innovations all over venues at CES. Expect to see (and hear) from companies including Samsung, Bose, Budz B.V., as well as companies like Exeger, who’s fully customized solar cells are now powering audio devices in the Central and North Halls; and don’t forget to stop off at West Hall for the latest in those aftermarket innovations, where companies like Nextbase are stationed.

Not so surprisingly, “smart” gadgets (especially those with on-device AI features) are making a splash this holiday season. Wearables like smart watches and rings, home products and tracker tags are among the most popular items in this category, due to their ability to improve quality of life by making information accessible and enhancing efficiencies.

These small-but-mighty tech wonders are evolving rapidly, and CES provides an inside look at where they’re headed with sessions like 2030: The Impact of XR Headsets, AR and Smart Glasses on Spatial Computing (part of an entire track dedicated to AR/XR/VR innovations). You can also see new wearables and home products at the Venetian, and if you’re interested in AI applications for these and other types of products, you won’t want to miss the Advancement of AI Tour on the show floor or the AI-focused education happening in the West Hall and ARIA.

Subscriptions –– the gifts that keep on giving –– are seeing an uptick in popularity, with shoppers expecting to spend 25% of their tech gift budgets on these kinds of services. This trend reflects the growing importance of digital content in our lives, from audio and video streaming platforms to gaming and fitness apps. 

CES will shine a light on how subscription services are becoming smarter and offering more customized experiences, largely due to advancements in AI. Two education tracks (Deloitte: The Content Revolution –– Harnessing Tech for Growth and Personalization, and Digital Hollywood: Hollywood & Innovation –– From AI & XR to Streaming) will provide in-depth insights into the innovations and trends transforming content, from creation to consumption. On the show floor, the Future of Entertainment & Content Innovations Tour will give attendees a framework for how specific solutions are shaping the future of content streaming, shifting business models, and more.

While software and digital services are growing, hardware remains a significant part of the tech landscape. This year, laptops, tablets, and smartphones claimed the top spots on consumers’ lists of tech gifts they’d like to receive. Portable power banks and phone cases are also expected to be hot items, reflecting the ongoing need for practical and stylish accessories. 

These advancements highlight how hardware continues to evolve, meeting the demands of modern consumers and setting the stage for the next generation of tech –– which you can see up close, in the Central Hall of CES 2025 where big names like Ace Computers and LG will be on display (literally with displays) as well as in South Hall where you’ll find component parts and all those accessories that allow your personality to shine through on the outside of your devices.

CES 2025 will bring over 2,100 companies –– including 450 new exhibitors –– from across the entire tech ecosystem together for product launches, sharing future concepts, and conversations that lead to exciting innovations. Whether you’re enhancing your understanding of disruptive technologies during the Emerging Technology & Innovations Tour or talking with a startup founder at Eureka Park®, you’ll leave with a clear view of where tech is headed, as well as an idea of what the hottest gifts will be next holiday season.