It may still be summer in much of the world, but the holidays will be here before you know it. After another tumultuous and challenging year, shoppers craving normalcy and community will look to revive and refresh treasured traditions like entertaining at home and gift exchanges. Though many could feel the strain of tighter budgets this season, people want to celebrate and enjoy time together more than ever. Help shoppers make the season feel special—no matter how much they have to spend—with items for meaningful gatherings and thoughtful gift giving.
We anticipate themes of gratitude to permeate the season, with an appreciation for nature playing a key role. While shoppers may prioritize value and one-of-a-kind appeal, they’re also looking for some festive fun. Show them how a little sparkle can go a long way when it comes to celebrating in style.
We’ve broken down this year’s annual guide by seasonal themes: style, decor, and gifting. For additional information about each major category, check out our recent Marketplace Insights report on 2022 fall trends.
The year-over-year (YoY) increases below were calculated by comparing search volume on Etsy from June through mid-July 2022 to the same period of 2021.
What’s inside
How to use this report
The insights here can inspire you to make updates both big and small. Optimize your shop for the upcoming season by:
- Getting ideas for new products.
- Expanding your potential customer base with products that appeal to a wider range of shoppers, like male buyers or customers in other countries.
- Merchandising your shop for holiday buyers by featuring festive seasonal visuals in your shop graphics (ex: Shop Banner) and listing photographs.
- Including seasonally relevant top-searched terms in your tags, titles, and item descriptions.
- Timing your inventory to take advantage of upticks in relevant searches and in advance of key occasions.
- Choosing which listings to promote through Etsy Ads.
Key timing and occasions
Holiday decor shopping typically starts as early as September and picks up in early November, followed by a shift in focus to gift shopping immediately after Thanksgiving (in the US). Aim to get your holiday products out as early as possible in the season to catch the wave of early planners through last-minute purchasers. Here are some key dates to consider:
November 1: All Saints (FR)
November 11: Singles Day (CH)
November 11: Armistice (FR)
November 12: The Etsy Market
November 24: Thanksgiving (US)
November 25: Black Friday
November 26: Small Business Saturday
November 27-December 24: Advent
November 28: Cyber Monday
November 29: Giving Tuesday
December 2: The Etsy Market
December 6: St. Nicholas Day (Europe)
December 9: Christmas Jumper Day (UK)
December 18-December 26: Hanukkah
December 21: Winter Solstice
December 24: Christmas Eve
December 25: Christmas Day
December 26-January 1: Kwanzaa
December 26: Boxing Day (UK, CA, AU)
December 31: New Year’s Eve
Learn when searches for the occasions above tend to increase, peak, and taper off here.
Quick tips
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Extend your holiday sales by stocking festive items soon to reach that early first wave of shoppers.
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Inspire shoppers to re-embrace holiday hosting with enticing serving wares, table linens, and drinking vessels. Tablescapes are a great way to showcase new items alongside vintage finds. Frame products as host gifts as well!
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Try on new hues to mix up the traditional holiday color palette. Incorporate trending colors like pinks and emerald green.
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Get eclectic by combining a variety of styles and encouraging shoppers—through photos and styling—to do the same.
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Tap into wellness themes when offering gifts, including gift sets and items for self-gifting.
- Consider sustainability and how you can attract environmentally conscious shoppers by using recycled materials, creating items with multiple uses, and offering high quality products made to last.
Style trends
What festive season would be complete without a little sartorial sparkle? Whether the shopper is hosting or attending, the gathering is big or small, or the event is in person or virtual, buyers may look for a bit of glamour this party season. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve present plenty of opportunities for fashion sellers to shine.
Glitz and glam
Sequins, mesh pavė, and shimmery fabrics like satin set the stage for decadent nights out, or in.
193% YoY increase in searches on Etsy containing “black satin dress”
Going bold with bright colors
Fashionistas have been sporting daring hues all year. Why would they stop for holiday? Expect shoppers to seek out head-turning shades like magenta, emerald green, and other sultry but warm jewel tones like yellow topaz or citrine. Berries and navy blues add to the dazzling mix.
28% YoY increase in searches on Etsy containing “emerald green velvet dress”
Rich textures
A year packed with nubbly surfaces (hi, bouclé!) culminates in highly tactile textiles for partying and cozy nights at home by the fire. Think velvet (including crushed varieties reminiscent of ‘90s grunge), chenille, and sensual satins.
31% YoY increase in searches on Etsy containing “velvet jumpsuit”
Pajama party
There will always be a place in the season for comfort wear, and after years of living in sweats, shoppers aren’t willing to part with the leisurewear that’s become an essential part of their wardrobes. Help them freshen pajamas and coordinated sets for the season with festive motifs, luxe fabrics, and matching family sets perfect for photo opps like holiday cards.
1,112% YoY increase in searches on Etsy containing “preppy pajamas”
Practical and pretty
Early winter shoppers will often gift themselves a new warm layer or two. Invest in seasonal staples like hoodies and sweatshirts, sweaters and knits, jackets and coats, and knitted cold weather accessories. Try updating in brilliant jewel tones or with creative embellishments like embroidery.
19% YoY increase in searches on Etsy containing “embroider hoodie”
Festive statements
The holiday season is the time to help shoppers stand out at in-person gatherings and virtual shindigs with pieces that artfully frame the face. Consider chunky chokers and decadent ear dressings that incorporate mix-and-match styles. Metallic details, layering, and statement baubles (like oversized cocktail rings) drive home the maximalist appeal.
70% YoY increase in searches on Etsy containing “emerald green necklace”
Old-fashioned formality
We’ve seen vintage and vintage-style brooches grow in popularity over the last few years, and anticipate they’ll claim another moment to shine this season. Score bonus points among environmentally conscious shoppers by reworking found materials or offering once-loved gems. Use your photos to capture the various ways brooches can be worn: on sweaters, coats, dress clothes, bags, or even as a generous gift wrap topper.
78% YoY increase in searches on Etsy containing “brooch vintage”
Enticing engagements
As we enter prime engagement season, shoppers looking to pop the question (or drop a hint) may eye rings featuring the colored stones inspiring our larger seasonal palette. Think opal, citrine, topaz, ruby, and sapphire.
15% YoY increase in searches on Etsy containing “engagement ring”
Find more seasonal Fashion, Jewelry & Accessories, Vintage, and Weddings category trends in our fall report.
Decor trends
This season’s standout looks embrace imperfection as designers and home decorators trade strict style rules for creative personal expression.
Entertaining at home
Hosting takes center stage as shoppers look to welcome holiday guests and create a multi-sensory experience. Help shoppers create an inviting ambiance with cooking and serving essentials, small decor items, the makings of fantastic tablescapes, fancy home bar setups, and even pleasing scents.
29% YoY increase in searches on Etsy containing “barware”
Joyful shades
This November and December, the year’s fascination with bright, cheerful colors could culminate in a mood-boosting burst as magenta and emerald green put a spin on classic color palettes.
158% YoY increase in searches on Etsy containing “emerald green wall art”
Kitchen kitsch
A seasonal spotlight on hosting and dining could increase demand for playful kitchen items from the past, including retro coffee makers, dinner plates, and cheerful cookie jars.
31% YoY increase in searches on Etsy containing “vintage coffee set”
Nature themes
With so much comfort found in the great outdoors (and even in backyards), we anticipate shoppers will heavily incorporate rustic touches into their homes this season. Offer ideas for bringing nature in with botanical details, dried flowers, branches, and woodland motifs. Think mushrooms and majestic creatures including larger-scale animals like bears, moose, and deer.
56% YoY increase in searches on Etsy containing “branch chandelier”
Formal fun
We could see a return to more formal gatherings, but infused with warmth and coziness. Help shoppers play up the appeal of dinner parties with fancy dishes and silverware, eclectic glassware, and custom details. Table linens, chargers, and personalized napkin holders elevate seasonal meals.
108% YoY increase in searches on Etsy containing “table napkin”
Refined rustic tablescapes
The season’s standout tablescapes will pull their palette from nature. Think warm ochres, olive greens, rich browns, and rusty hues inspired by dirt, moss, and turning leaves. Incorporate greenery, branches, fruit, and wheat elements to play up the found-in-nature feel. Lush, inviting colors and textures create cozy vibes.
129% YoY increase in searches on Etsy containing “natural wooden tea candle holder”
Mix of eclectic and traditional
This year’s festive aesthetic is all about layering. Instead of focusing on a single style, show shoppers how they can create a unique blend of influences for results that feel foraged and fancy. When looking for styles to source vintage or inspire new products, consider Arts and Crafts movement florals, modern Chinoiserie, rustic accents, wicker and rattan pieces, and carved wooden details. Add to the mix heirloom-status-worthy pieces that can be personalized with initials or names.
719% YoY increase in searches on Etsy containing “eclectic home decor”
Versatile pieces
Products with appeal beyond single occasions offer shoppers added value and tap into sustainable shopping priorities. Focus on items that span seasons, like vases, candle holders, and accent pillows. Rely on patterns that have relevance past the immediate moment, such as stars, mushrooms, or rustic greenery. Dried flowers and foliage have long lifespans, while warm earthy shades create a cozy feeling not limited to specific holidays. Use photography to capture how your offerings can be styled for festive moments and used past the winter holidays.
68% YoY increase in searches on Etsy containing “mushroom decor”
Vintage charm
Aged looks and well-earned character provide romantic festive vibes adaptable enough to work beyond December. When curating once-loved items or giving new products a lived-in look, seek out copper, pewter, or other surfaces with a patina. Explore ornate antiques, gilded finishes, mirrors with imperfections, and candlesticks.
16% YoY increase in searches on Etsy containing “antique decor”
Festive motifs
Paper & Party Supplies sellers, take note! This crew of characters could appear across greeting cards, advent calendars, and party products soon: Retro-styled Santas, Christmas chickadees, foxes, snowmen, and reindeer all prepare to frolic among winter foliage (including detailed leaves, mistletoe, and pinecones). Illustrations of houses, snowflakes, and snow-capped mountains paint the picture of a wintry wonderland, while holly, white poinsettia plants, and winter berries feel fresh.
42% YoY increase in searches on Etsy containing “snowflake quilt pattern”
Handcrafted holiday
Items offering a hands-on touch appeal to shoppers seeking meaning this season. Create a cozy feel by offering either DIY projects people can tackle at home with loved ones, or by incorporating handmade markers like visible brushstrokes. For an on-trend update, include natural materials like rattan, or upcycled components.
24% YoY increase in searches on Etsy containing “kit diy”
Winter weddings
Couples who once delayed their vows are going all in on hyper-seasonal decor. Brides and grooms planning nuptials could opt for bright pink and green palettes as a refreshing nod to holiday with a modern palette. Also look out for rich fabrics in deeper shades and jewel tones—Etsy’s Color of the Year Emerald Green was made for this moment. Inherently glamorous, this sparkling shade would be perfectly at home in a winter wedding color scheme.
114% YoY increase in searches on Etsy containing “emerald green bouquet”
Find more seasonal Home & Living, Vintage, Paper & Party, and Weddings category trends in our fall report.
Gifting trends
It’s no secret that Etsy is the destination for thoughtful, can’t-find-anywhere-else gifts. The gifting themes below reflect how shoppers tend to search the site when looking for the perfect gift.
Goods for the home
Small home decor items like wall art, ornaments, and candles make easy go-to gifts. As holiday hosting ramps up, expect to see interest in kitchen and dining products increase. And stock up on items that elevate any affair, like engraved cutting boards, special glassware, and ceramic mugs.
336% YoY increase in searches on Etsy containing “modern candle”
Fashionable finds
Cozy clothing and accessories items like sweaters, handknit scarves, and hoodies make lovely and practical gifts, while jewelry stands out in the gifting department thanks to its small, portable size and sentimental appeal. Offer everyday necklaces and earrings as well as a few distinctive statement pieces for those looking to impress.
27% YoY increase in searches on Etsy containing “large statement necklace”
Wellness kits
There’s increasing demand for self-care-oriented sets, both for self-gifting or giving to others, including kids and pets. The usual spa kit staples (soaps, bath bombs, teas) appear alongside a growing group of wellness-themed products. Think about offering items for quiet reflection like meditation accessories and gratitude journals.
30% YoY increase in searches on Etsy containing “care gift box”
Gifts for keeping entertained
Puzzles for all ages continue to sell well, while items made to keep kids busy (like climbing gyms, coloring sets, and play kitchens) are always a smart move. Crafting sets remain key as people perfect their pandemic hobbies or explore new art forms. Elevate your game offerings with designs shoppers will be proud to display as decor.
45% YoY increase in searches on Etsy containing “board games”
Gifts by recipients
Many holiday shoppers search for gifts with specific people in mind. Consider the following popular recipient categories when designing your products, and titling and tagging your listings: gifts for her, him, kids, pets, and hosts.
14% YoY increase in searches on Etsy containing “birthstone ring mom”
Popular price points
While budgets are highly individual, we do tend to see certain price buckets perform well for gifts. When pricing your items, consider the following categories: under $30, $50, $100, and over $100.
Passion plays
Many shoppers search by recipient interest, focusing on gifts for wine lovers, coffee addicts, techies, or people who love getting cozy at home. Consider how themes like these can inspire some fresh festive offerings.
43% YoY increase in searches on Etsy containing “soccer dad gift”
Personalized items
Made-to-order and customized items are year-round bestsellers on Etsy, but really shine during the holiday season. Offer winning gift formulas such as personalized art prints or portraits, leather goods featuring engraved names and initials, and thoughtful everyday jewelry displaying the names, initials, monograms, or even handwriting of loved ones.
142% YoY increase in searches on Etsy containing “custom photo keychain”
Imaginative scent vessels
This season, scent helps set a festive sensory scene. Think beyond candles to diffusers, solid perfumes, and incense. And when offering candles, consider using containers that appear highly giftable and take the place of gift wrap, or can be repurposed to reduce waste.
34% YoY increase in searches on Etsy containing “home scent”
Gifts for goal setting
Shoppers typically look to end the year on a positive note, approaching the new year with renewed zest for getting organized and tackling life ambitions. Help them out with products that motivate, organize, and energize, such as calendars, planners, and art featuring inspirational text.
50% YoY increase in searches on Etsy containing “goal worksheet”
Handmade gifts
Each year, crafty shoppers take things into their own hands with craft kits to produce handmade gifts. Offer sets for crafters of all ages and skill levels, focusing on candle-making or wood-carving kits, or timely DIYs for making festive ornaments and holiday card making.
26% YoY increase in searches on Etsy containing “craft kit kid”
Find more seasonal Home & Living, Clothing, Jewelry & Accessory, and Paper & Party category trends in our fall report. And for additional gift ideas check out our guide to Gifting and Personalization Trends on Etsy.
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Words by Audrey Manning
Audrey Manning grew up in Brooklyn, just blocks from Etsy HQ. These days she's working from PA and busy trying to keep up with her toddler.
