At eCommerce Nurse, we’re always keeping our eyes on the top Amazon search terms, basically, what’s in demand on the platform and what customers really want. For 2021, you can learn from the latest keyword trends we’ve spotted using our tools and strategy research.
Amazon.com search terms are truly a reflection of the Christmas spirit as we close out the year. Here are our insights to optimise your content for seasonal patterns, growth, and potential niches. Check out the December 2021 edition keyword roundup.
Top 10 shakedown
This month, the top 10 search terms were like we’ve never seen them before. All but one term was dedicated to Christmas with ‘gifts for women,’ ‘gifts for men,’ ‘Christmas movies,’ ‘gift cards,’ ‘stocking stuffers,’ ‘ugly Christmas sweater for women,’ ‘gifts for mom,’ ‘mens gifts’, and ‘Christmas pajamas for family’ all pushing the usual tech terms out of the top 10. Customers really focused on gift shopping as the shipping cut-off approached around the country.
We also noticed a few last-minute ‘Christmas decorations’ search terms as people grappled to get the ‘Christmas tree’ up. Or, perhaps they were looking for sale items to store away until next year?
Ugly sweater season
Screenshot of example results from Amazon.com.
One interesting trend we noticed this month (and growing from last month) was the amount of sweater-related terms in the top 200 search terms. It seems women and men alike got cosy in 'Christmas sweaters' through Christmas dinners to parties, Zoom calls, and beyond. On the Amazon, ‘womens sweaters,’ ‘sweaters for women,’ ‘ugly Christmas sweater,’ ‘Christmas sweaters for women,’ ‘hoodies for men,’ and ‘mens hoodies,’ all filled out the top terms for December. A branded sweater even made it in there with ‘Carhartt hoodie.’ We hope you got the dog a matching one!
Tech terms
Tech terms had a bit of a switch up with a heavy focus on gaming, likely for lots of happy gift recipients around the country on Christmas morning. Top terms included ‘Nintendo switch,’ ‘gaming chair,’ ‘ps4 controller,’ and ‘ps5.’ Perennial favourites were also present, with lots of people shopping for an ‘iPad,’ ‘Apple Watch,’ and the more generic ‘laptop.’ However the term ‘iPhone’ surprisingly dropped to number 52, as it was pushed down due to more game-centric tech items. Amazon-owned devices also experienced a boom, with ‘Alexa devices’ and ‘Echo Dot’ sitting comfortably in the top list of terms. Some customers searched for more creative tech gifts, as we noticed ‘hoverboard’ and 'drone' are both still apparently a thing.
Most popular toys for Christmas 2021
Looking on Amazon, it's easy to predict what’s under the majority of trees this year. It's no surprise that 'Squishmallow' and 'pop it' are still poppin'. Lots of kids were clearly on the good list with many searches focusing on branded toys. These included: ‘Lego,’ ‘Pokemon,’ ‘Barbie,’ ‘Harry Potter gifts,’ ‘Hot Wheels,’ ‘Funko pop,’ ‘Nerf guns,’ ‘Barbie dolls,’ and ‘Naruto.’ Frequently in the top terms and holding their place were ‘LOL Surprise dolls,’ ‘Minecraft,’ and ‘Paw Patrol toys.’ We hope the excitement from these gifts lasts well into the new year.
Screenshot of example results from Amazon.com.
Toys aren't just for kids! Pandemic pets are getting a lot of attention and love, too. It's the highest we’ve spotted some dog-related terms since the height of the pandemic, including 'dog toys’, ‘cat toys,’ ‘dog bed,’ and ‘dog treats.’ Amazon proves to be a great place for these niche items which are easy to search.
All wrapped up
Screenshot of example results from Amazon.com.
Not only can Amazon wrap your gifts for you, but they also have everything you need to supply your own wrapping needs. Customers shopped for ‘wrapping paper’ and ‘Christmas wrapping paper' as the big day approached. After customers splurged on main gifts, they also shopped for ‘Christmas stockings' to round out the festivities, as well.
Zone out
The stress of Christmas and the pandemic is a lot to deal with. Some clever customers are topping up their happy cups (and Amazon baskets) with hygge-ready items for the end of the year. Top terms in home, kitchen, and personal care included ‘weighted blanket,’ ‘massage gun,’ ‘heated blanket, ‘coffee mug,’ and ‘coffee maker.’ Last but not least, ‘candles’ to add some light to the end of the tunnel.
Stay tuned for more fun keyword round-ups from our team. And if you need account assistance or an Amazon consultant (whether you are selling women’s sweaters or weighted blankets) please contact us for questions.
[Amazon.com data used 12th - 18th December, 2021]
