Industry Trends

The 2025 Simpli.fi Holidays Trends Guide: What Marketers Can Expect And What Surprises Are in Store

Writer: Luis Reyes
Date: July 17, 2025

Let’s start with the obvious: yes, it might feel a little early to talk about holiday shopping. We’re still in the thick of summer, and gift exchanges might be the last thing on your mind (unless you’re the type who never misses holidays in July sale). But here’s the twist—according to a recent Adobe for Business report, many consumers are planning to start their holiday shopping as early as September.

For marketers, that means now is the time to get serious. The holiday shoppers are coming—so the real question is, is your brand strategy ready?

In this year’s 2025 Simpli.fi Holiday Trends Guide, we break down the must-haves for building a winning 2025 holiday campaign. From early-bird buyers to last-minute gifters, one thing is clear: whether they’re shopping for stockings or cars, holiday audiences are gearing up and your strategy should be too.

HOW EARLY IS TOO EARLY FOR HOLIDAY SHOPPERS?

If last year taught us anything, it’s that consumers aren’t just checking their lists twice—they’re checking them early. Holiday planning is no longer a November sport. Today’s shoppers are hunting for deals, bookmarking gift ideas, and making purchases weeks—sometimes months—before traditional peak season hits.

That shift means marketers need to rethink what “holiday readiness” really looks like.

To stay ahead, it’s not just about being present—it’s about being prepared. The most effective campaigns start long before the first snowfall. That includes:

Launching campaigns ahead of the curve
Identifying which audiences drive meaningful results
Using last year’s data to double down on what worked—and cut what didn’t

This guide unpacks all of that and more. From timing to targeting to trends worth watching, our 2025 Holiday Trends Report gives marketers the insights they need to win this holiday season. Ready to unwrap what’s next?

NEW PLAYERS ARE DRIVING UP HOLIDAY MARKETING SPEND

Flexible payment platforms from buy now, pay later platforms (BNPL) are quietly reshaping holiday shopping behavior—and marketers are starting to take notice. These “buy now, pay later” services are no longer just checkout perks; they’re changing the way people plan their purchases, particularly for higher-ticket or last-minute gifts.

For example, a shopper eyeing a $200 smartwatch during a holiday flash sale might have passed it up a year ago. Today, with leading buy-now-pay-later platforms offering four easy payments, they’re more likely to act—and act fast.

The result? A subtle but significant shift in how brands should approach timing, targeting, and offer strategy—especially in verticals like electronics, apparel, beauty, and home goods.

Want to see how these changes are impacting campaign performance across categories? The full guide breaks it down.

WHAT SCREENS WILL RULE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON?

The battle of the screens is over—and the winner is all of them. Consumers are no longer loyal to a single device. Instead, they bounce between connected TVs, mobile phones, tablets, and laptops throughout the day. But one screen is emerging as a clear driver of holiday action: the TV. With the rise of Connected TV, the biggest screen in the house is becoming the biggest opportunity in your media plan.

Why it matters:

CTV viewership is rising with 70%+ of views on ad-supported channels via streaming TV
Shoppers take action with interactive formats like QR codes and shoppable ads
Campaigns convert when messages connect across devices

So this season, it’s not about choosing a screen—it’s about choosing strategies that connect them all, with CTV leading the way from couch to conversion.

HOW WILL BRAND SAFETY PLAY A ROLE IN HOLIDAY MARKETING?

Brand safety isn’t just a concern during election cycles or breaking news—during the holidays, it’s essential. One poorly placed ad can damage hard-earned trust, especially when more consumers are paying attention to where your brand shows up.

With more dollars flowing through programmatic channels, marketers need control and transparency—not just scale.

Protect your brand, your message, and your holiday investment.

ARE YOUR HOLIDAY CAMPAIGNS BUILT TO MOVE ACROSS SCREENS?

As shoppers bounce between streaming on the big screen and scrolling on their phones, one thing is clear: no single channel wins alone. Consumers might see a product on their streaming TV, compare prices on mobile, and complete the purchase later on desktop. The question isn’t whether mobile supports streaming, it’s whether your campaign supports how real people shop.

That’s where a true omnichannel strategy comes in. The brands winning this holiday season will be the ones that meet audiences in moments that matter—regardless of screen, platform, or location. It’s no longer about just showing up everywhere; it’s about showing up cohesively.

Are your creative assets aligned across CTV, mobile, display, and social? Can you track a shopper’s journey from streaming ad to storefront? In 2025, omnichannel doesn’t just create reach—it creates results that feel relevant, timely, and personal.

The full guide unpacks how national and local marketers are connecting the dots this season—and why cross-screen fluency is key to unlocking conversions.

UNWRAP THE HOLIDAY OPPORTUNITY

Holiday success doesn’t happen by accident; it happens by design. With shoppers starting earlier, expectations rising, and screens multiplying, marketers who show up prepared will stand out.

Whether you’re building awareness, driving foot traffic, or closing digital carts, now’s the time to finalize your Holiday playbook.

Want the full data, strategy checklist, and trend breakdown?
Download the 2025 Simpli.fi Holiday Trends Guide and make this season your most impactful yet.

Luis Reyes

Sr. Manager of Content Marketing | Simpli.fi

Luis Reyes is a dynamic leader in content marketing, recognized for strategically elevating brand presence and driving impactful results. As the Senior Manager of Content Marketing at Simpli.fi, he leverages extensive expertise gained from previous roles, including Senior Client Success Manager for national advertising agencies and enterprise clients, Marketing Content Creator at a leading healthcare services provider, focusing on brand mergers and project management, and Sales Account Manager at a prominent digital marketing firm, where he secured and managed national and regional digital marketing campaigns along with creative work. His diverse experience and forward-focused approach solidify his status as an authority in today’s competitive marketing landscape.