Kmart fans in a frenzy over most viral products of 2024

Consider this your “Kmart 2024 Wrapped” – full of the trends, faves and must-haves from the year that was.

As 2024 draws to a close, it’s time to reflect on the year that was, which means reassessing that New Year’s Resolutions list stashed away in your Notes app collecting virtual dust.

If one of those resolutions was saving money, then you might also be interested in looking back at Kmart’s cult products of 2024 that stole the hearts of budget enthusiasts across the country.

Consider this your “Kmart Wrapped” – from classic toys that brought back childhood memories to nifty kitchen gadgets – these are the products that Aussies loved the most this year.

What defined 2024 for Kmart shoppers?

TikTok went wild for Kmart’s apparel and beauty products trended on social, but nothing could beat one particular family favourite, a Kmart spokesperson told news.com.au.

The Mega Bubble Wand skyrocketed to become the number one product of the year, proving that family fun doesn’t have to break the bank.

For just 50 cents, kids were entertained for hours with this bubble wand, which comes in blue, green and pink.

With a five-star rating online, it’s clear customers loved this kids’ toy.

“These are the best ones I’ve bought,” said one review. “It goes a long way”.

“A whole lot of fun for just 50 cents an item,” added a second.

On TikTok, Perth mum blogger @basic_mumma_life called the Bubble Wand the “ultimate mum hack” and says she leaves them in her nappy bag, camping kit and car to help “diffuse any stressful situation,” or “distract when needed”.

“My mum even has them at her house,” she laughed, “And we always have the 2L refill of bubble liquid. You can never have enough”.

“Always have one bubble wand on you. It works magically, as everyone loves bubbles.”

Another mum, @lilyyybowater, was also on board the bubble train, emptying out her local Kmart in order to turn the wands into party favours for her son’s second birthday.

She added personalised stickers with guests’ names onto the wands and said the end result was “so cute”.

The Kmart Bubble Wand was the #1 product of the year. Picture: TikTok/KmartAustralia

One mum showed how she turned her bubble wands into personalised party favours. Picture: TikTok/@lilyyybowater

TikTok trends and collectors kept Kmart on their toes, too.

Securing the #2 spot was a childhood classic — the $1 Hot Wheels Assorted Cars.

Hot Wheels releases 400 new cars every year, with the cars segmented into 30 different Mini Collections.

With every new release sparking a frenzy, these tiny collectibles proved they’re just as iconic now as ever.

One diehard Hot Wheels collector, @tyebakker, took his followers along with him “Hot Wheels hunting,” as he went to Kmart to check out the new releases.

After coming across a bin with the most cars he’d ever seen, he filled up a trolley and was “absolutely stoked” with what he managed to pick up.

Other creators like @kuyaacollects were shocked when they were able to snag nostalgic finds like a seven-year-old Hot Wheels car at the budget retailer.

Hot Wheels collectors loved Kmart’s range. Picture: TikTok/@kuyaacollects

Kmart’s home range also had the nation hooked.

Aussies clearly have a love for fast and fuss-free kitchen solutions. The $49 20L Anko microwave was the top seller across all sizes and the $59 3.75L air fryer stole hearts (and counter space).

“I don’t cook in my oven anymore. I just use my air fryer because it just does everything,” one happy customer said about the viral air fryer that has eight preset cooking functions.

Others on TikTok called it a “gamechanger, “incredible” and “perfect”.

The $7.50 cordless kettle was also consistently a top 10 favourite for its convenient cord-free feature, which is great for small spaces.

Shoppers went crazy for the Kmart air fryer. Picture: TikTok

It has eight settings and can be used to cook full dinners to baked goods. Picture: TikTok/KmartAustralis

And, of course, Kmart answered some of life’s big questions this year, like “ankle or crew socks?”

2024 was dominated by this debate, with Gen Zs declaring war on “millennial socks”. But it turns out the debate didn’t just cross generational lines but gender ones, as well.

According to Kmart, men are all about $3.75 crew socks, while women prefer the $2.75 anklet styles.

Kmart was relatively quiet on the beach cabanas debate, but it did mention the $59 foldable beach trolley is a product we’ll definitely see more of on beaches this summer.

Families loved the portable trolley as it lets you cart essentials to the beach and avoid multiple trips back to your car.

Parents loved the Kmart foldable beach trolley. Picture:

One dad on social media called it “the best purchase” as it can “easily tow all beach essentials and a chunky toddler”.

“It can handle all types of terrain, sand, grass, gravel, dirt, and it is toddler-approved!” he added. “All parents should add this to their wishlist.”

The jury is out on the ongoing cats versus dogs debate, as accessories for both pets flew off the shelves, with $9 cat litter and $20 puppy training pads proving the most popular.

As we head into 2025, it will be exciting to see what new trends and products we’ll be loving.

‘Til next year!