I Went Into Barnes & Noble for One Book, and Left With a Full Christmas Plan: What’s New and Trending in 2025
I walked into Barnes & Noble in early November, planning to just grab a coffee and maybe pick up a new cookbook. But what I saw this year wasn’t just a store—it was a full-blown holiday hub.
Barnes & Noble has finally become a “destination store” in 2025. Past years have hinted at this, but now the focus is on three powerful forces: giant pop franchises, “cozy” wellness, and interactive gifts (games and STEM).
The first thing I noticed upon entering was a huge “Early Black Friday” ad. The gift-hunting season is officially open with discounts of up to 40%.
Main Arena: “Fans, this is for you!”
The first thing you notice is the huge, altar-like stands dedicated to the main franchises.
Harry Potter: It’s not just a shelf, it’s an entire department. I saw everything from plush Hedwig and Sorting Hat owls to collectible wand sets and “Chocolate Frog” replicas.
But the real hit this year seems to be the board game “Trivial Pursuit: World of Harry Potter Ultimate Edition.” Given its size and quality, the price tag of around $49.99 is not surprising, but it’s a gift that’s sure to be the center of attention at any party.
A separate stand displays all seven books in the series in various editions, including illustrated editions – perfect for collectors.
Pokémon: Right across the street is Pikachu’s Empire. Along with the plush toys and cards, I noticed a real nod to the 90s – the Lite-Brite Pokémon Pikachu. It’s a light-up picture-making kit, and I can see adult millennials buying it for themselves.
Also trending is the Pokémon Guess game in the shape of a Pokeball and incredibly soft blankets.
LEGO (for kids and adults): LEGO has finally stopped being “just for kids.” Yes, there are holiday LEGO “Christmas Trees” sets, but the main focus is on the LEGO Icons sets for adults.
I stood for five minutes, looking at the Retro Telephone – the price is $99.99, but what detail!
The botanical collection (tulips, daffodils) and the LEGO “Mona Lisa” puzzle are no longer toys, they are art objects.
Niche Fans (Ghibli, Bluey): B&N also catered to niche fans.
The Studio Ghibli booth was full of adorable Totoro and Faceless trinkets, while the Australian cartoon series “Bluey” took up an entire booth with interactive games like the VTech Book of Games and Scavenger Hunt Game.
Plush toys: But what to give if your child isn’t a Harry Potter fan? Barnes & Noble has the answer: plush! I stumbled upon a vibrant “Trending Now” booth that was chock-full of incredibly soft toys. It’s the age of the “squishy”: round, pillow-like, cuddly creatures that you just want to hug. I spotted everything from a popular Sanrio character (who looks a lot like Cinnamoroll) to a cute autumn pumpkin in a knitted sweater and a pink caterpillar. They’re the perfect, relatively inexpensive gifts that scream “coziness,” and they complement the store’s other “Hygge” offerings perfectly.
The “Hygge” Era: Gifts for Coziness and Mind
But what if your mother-in-law isn’t a Harry Potter fan? Barnes & Noble has the answer: Hygge. It’s my favorite trend of 2025.
Wellness and Self-Care: Forget boring shower kits. This year, “Reading Socks” are in fashion – thick, soft, perfect. Or Paper Source’s “BATH TEA” sets with lavender and rose scents.
Also promising to be a hit are “Shower Pebbles” (aromatic “stones” for the shower) and cute Christmas mugs in the shape of gnomes (“Gnome Brew”).
For the mind (and New Year): It’s not just about the body. The shelves are filled with “Manifesting Journals” and “Gratitude Journals.”
These are perfect gifts to kick off 2026 that say, “I care about your inner peace.”
Magazines and Cooking: I noticed that B&N offers a huge selection of periodicals. It’s not just ‘glossy’, but specialized magazines: “Christmas Baking”, “Slow Cooker”, “Inflammation Recipes” and magazines for children.
Next door is a foodie’s paradise. On the main table are the new book “Good Things” by Samin Nosrat (author of “Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat”), a book by chef Matty Matheson, and a premium edition of “American Whiskey Master Class.”
Gifts That Do More: Games, STEM & Fun
My favorite category is gifts that make you do something, not just watch.
Corporate Games: The “Host the Ultimate Game Night” booth was packed. Classics like CATAN sit alongside new releases.
I was thrilled to see Cranium—it’s back!
This sculpting, painting, and display game is perfect for the holidays.
STEM Kits: This is a gift that parents will appreciate. The biggest hit is the National Geographic Crystal Growing Lab. There are also more fun options like the “Lollipop Lab” (science + candy!) and the “Tiny Science” series (tiny baking, tiny art).
Calendars and Puzzles: “Year-in-a-Box” is a classic. Daily “Dad Jokes”, Star Wars facts or cute Pusheen pictures – the choice is huge.
How to Save: My Barnes & Noble Shopping Plan
Okay, the selection is impressive, but how do you buy it all without breaking the bank? I’ve seen discounts of up to 40% on Early Black Friday, but there are ways to save even more.
In-store deals: Always look for the red price tags. I spotted a “Buy One, Get One 50% Off” sale on the popular My Busy Books sets (with Trolls, PAW Patrol, Moana). That’s a 25% savings on two gifts.
One of the most strategically designed booths was under the slogan “Read More, Save More.” In my opinion, this perfectly reflects the trend of 2025: Barnes & Noble is actively promoting “gifts that work” – those that combine reading, creativity and popular characters. The top shelf is a paradise for those looking for an “all-in-one”: here are the “4-in-1 Activity Set” with Moana and Gabby’s Dollhouse, and the “Imagine Ink” creative kits with Stitch and Hello Kitty. For future rock stars, there are even unusual “Complete Drums” and “Complete Guitar” sets. The lower shelves are filled with bright themed activity books – from “Kawaii Cuties Coloring” to books about dinosaurs, magic shows and space. It’s a smart move: such a gift provides hours of entertainment, combining learning with favorite characters.
B&N Premium Membership: If you buy a lot, the Premium membership (usually $39.99/year) gives you 10% off everything, even toys and mugs. This discount stacks with other deals.
Use Coupons (Top Tip): My top strategy is to never make a big purchase without checking the coupons. B&N often runs codes for 20% off a single item or 15% off your entire purchase. I always check Barnes & Noble coupons before I head to the checkout. Applying a coupon like this on a pricey set like the LEGO Icons Retro Phone (around $99.99) or the Harry Potter Trivial Pursuit (around $49.99) is an instant $10-20 savings.
My vision for holiday shopping in 2025: less stress, more thoughtful gifts. Barnes & Noble offers the perfect mix of pop culture, comfort, and creativity.
I walked away with a “Bath Tea” set for Mom, an “American Whiskey” for Dad, and maybe that LEGO phone for myself. And yes, I’ve already checked the coupon.
Happy (and smart) gift hunting!
