What’s in Santa’s bag? Gifts for Camino students this Christmas

By Charlotte Lieb

December 17, 2024

Every year, as the holiday season rolls in,  some new and trendy thing is added to teenage wishlists across the world. What’s the “it” thing this year? These are my top predictions for what's in Santa's bag for this Christmas.

This past year has definitely been one of so called micro-trends that go from cool to cringe in the blink of an eye. Last year, for example, the Stanley Cup was on many lists. It was kind of cute, big, came in a plethora of colors and was all over your For You page on TikTok.

Next thing you know, social media turned and the Stanley Cup was out. This year, a new water bottle stepped out of the shadows to take the Stanley’s place, and the Owala is the comment-causing water bottle by our desks. 

Coming in both matte and shiny coats and boasting several celebrity collabs, the Owala is this season's water bottle. The rise of this minimalistic and blocky bottle can be attributed to the clean girl aesthetic. We are already seeing them around school, but I can assure you – it will take a spot under many under trees this year. 

Let’s move on to shoes now. We have a few potential contenders for this year's choice. Starting with an obvious candidate, let's discuss Uggs’ Tasmans. These are platform, chunky and slipper-like. They scream chai lattes and cashmere sweaters. 

These slippers can also be called a microtrend. Although basic, they still have a cult following that I could get behind. Now, I have to mention that the tasmans have evil twin on the rise, the Birkenstock Boston Clogs.

Any one would take a glance at these clogs and think “ugly granny shoes”. It definitely takes a special kind of pinterest-girl delusion to even want to sport shoe. Well, call me pinterested. They are suede and come in many, many different colors and textures.

Finally, I have got to mention how Adidas rose from the ashes four years ago and have been gaining massive popularity. It all started in 2021, when famous models such as Bella Hadid were photographed strutting the streets of Soho in black Adidas Sambas. 

Myself and others were instantly obsessed and bought their first pair. Fast forward to 2023 The sambas are popping up everywhere online and on your favorite celebrities' feet. Tiktok’s Stockholm popularized the Adidas Spezial shoe, similar to the Samba but more glamorous. 

Heading into 2025, I don't see a fall for Adidas in sight but more so one for Nike. Nike's sales have not only been at an all time low, but I am seeing the same exact things from them while Adidas is listening to their audience and adapting. I predict Santa will be leaving the Nikes behind in his workshop this Christmas.

Now, a word for the wise. Though these water bottles and sneakers seem cute at the moment, you may be gaslit by the vast toxic wasteland that is social media into hating them the next. 

It's always better to invest in something you truly like that will last and is not an ever fleeting micro trend, so I’d like to finish with a couple things that are definitely worth yours and Santa's time.

First, t's never too early or too late to find a signature fragrance. Discovering a new perfume or cologne you love  can be a total game changer, and it lasts. 

Next I recommend taking the time to figure out what kind of room you want and dedicating time to customizing it and making the space yours. Whether it be getting posters, paintings or new light fixtures, making something unique to you is never a waste of money.

All in all, micro trends are nothing you should be dedicating too much time to. Find the things that truly make you happy, not what may or may not please the cruel online world. Whatever Santa leaves under the tree this year , I am excited to see it at school after the break.