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While summer weather has been persisting well into fall in the past few years, Labor Day weekend has always been the unofficial end of summer. Whether it’s backyard barbecues, poolside games, or beach days, the vibes are as sunny as the smiles. 2025 marks a shift in how people are celebrating not only Labor Day, but other holidays as well. People are now focusing on smarter, healthier, and more sustainable options for every aspect of the day. Between elevated condiments, connected devices, and eco-conscious products, the must-haves of 2025 are all about comfort and ingenuity.
A Healthier BBQ For Today’s Families
Barbecue has ruled Labor Day for decades, and that hasn’t changed. But what has changed is the contents of the condiments. Today’s consumers are more aware of every ingredient on the table in an effort to stay healthy without sacrificing the flavors that define the day.
Taste Flavor Co. knows what’s up. The brand’s Cherry Smoked BBQ sauce offers big taste, but you’d never guess it contains just 10 calories per serving. Their new Fiery Mango Habanero flavor also spices up your life without added sugar or filler. The sauces are gluten-free, keto-friendly, and free of seed oil, making them an appealing option whether you’re a casual griller or fitness savant.
It’s Pickleball Season
Families are always looking for new ways to stay active together, and pickleball is an increasingly popular option in the U.S. Not only can all ages play the game, but the rules are simple, the equipment is affordable, and it’s easy to adapt to multiple locations. Pretty Pickleball Company is glamming up the game with fairytale-inspired paddles designed with women in mind. They combine performance and playful designs with Torre T700 carbon fiber and diamond finish, providing paddles just as beautiful as they are functional.
Founder Karen Tefft said, “I wanted paddles that not only looked beautiful but also played at a high level, especially for women who are often overlooked in sports design.”
Stay Connected With a Smart House
Having a digitally connected house stopped being optional years ago. As important as that is in the day-to-day, whether you’re working from home or staying connected with family, it’s just as necessary when you have your hosting hat on. Between climate control, lighting, and home security, connected living makes parties both comfortable and convenient.
Aqara has made a name for itself for its accessibility, with Matter-compatible products that function across Apple, Google, and Alexa platforms. Meanwhile, the W100 Climate Sensor can help provide indoor comfort, while the G5 Pro Camera and Hub M100 offer security and automation.
Sustainable Foods That Amplify Taste
The amount of food waste that happens daily is a sobering reminder that everyone can do more to produce less. The rising focus on sustainability extends to the holidays, and thus, the essentials that go along with them. Fresh Vintage Farms is filling that void for families, with sustainable foods that taste just as good as their environmental impact. Their new line of almond oil mayonnaise is launching just in time for Labor Day.
Food doesn’t need to be pretty to taste amazing. But tell that to the supermarkets that throw away massive amounts of “ugly” food that is perfectly fine to eat, but a little hard to look at. Fresh Vintage Farms is taking some of those “ugly” almonds to make the mayo, which is vegan, non-GMO, keto-friendly, and even comes in a bright pink bottle.
Co-founder Tommy Tickenoff explained, “Our mission is to take what might otherwise be wasted and turn it into clean, accessible products people love.”
Make This Memorial Day Memorable
Ultimately, Labor Day has never stopped being about good food, fun games, and time spent together. However, the way people celebrate it is shifting. Between values-based purchases that focus on sustainability, health-conscious eating, and smart tech that encourages togetherness, these Labor Day picks can create an unforgettable holiday weekend.
