Introduction
In the fast-moving gift industry, timing is everything.
If you’re a small brand, catching trends early means more attention, better sales, and stronger customer connection. But how do you stay ahead — especially without a big trend team?
Here are 5 practical ways to spot product trends early — and use them in your sourcing strategy.
1. Follow what non-gift brands are doing
Gift trends often start outside the gift industry.
Look at:
- Lifestyle brands on Instagram / Pinterest
- Interior decor micro-influencers
- Packaging trends in beauty or wellness
Aesthetic, color, and theme cues usually appear 6–12 months before mass gifting adopts them.
2. Track what wholesalers are preparing before peak seasons
Sites like:
- Faire
- Ankorstore
- Abound
…often show what gift shop buyers are picking up 3–6 months before the retail season.
If you see multiple stores ordering “vintage angel ornaments” in August? That’s a flag.
3. Think by emotion, not just category
Trends aren’t always about products.
They’re often about what people feel. Ask:
- Is this season about “comfort”? “Whimsy”? “Retro joy”?
- Does this product reflect that emotion?
Gifting is emotional. If you match the mood, your products connect deeper.
4. Listen to small-batch customers
Your buyers — Etsy sellers, gift shop owners, boutique brand founders — often have better taste than big-box retail.
Talk to them. What are they asking for lately?
What colors, shapes, or themes are they testing?
Let them lead your trend research.
5. Watch what stalls in the factory pipeline
Weird tip, but real:
If certain molds or packaging components get delayed or sold out repeatedly across unrelated suppliers — that usually means demand is rising.
Check:
- Popular resin molds
- Candle vessels
- Packaging box shapes/styles
If everyone’s “suddenly” making acorn-shaped candles? You want in early.