Holiday 2026: Shoppers Seeking Classics with Modern Twists

Even if most U.S. consumers are still focused on popsicles and pool floaties, retailers know it’s never too soon to be thinking about the holiday season. What colors, styles and home-related products will inspire holiday shoppers in 2026? Comforting classics blended with modern and unexpected twists.

Color Trends

Consumers of all ages are in their nostalgic era. So you can’t go wrong with classic reds and greens when it comes to color choices for holiday marketing, merchandising and home décor assortments. But don’t hesitate to incorporate some modern or unexpected twists.

A variety of trend experts are calling out burgandies, jewel tones and shimmering hues as rising stars in Christmas décor. Pink is also expected to continue trending for holiday 2026 — especially when combined with red.

The key will be blending the traditional with the fun and new. After all, the most directional color and design trends for home this year offer a combination of the calm, comfort and joy consumers are seeking, renowned color expert Leatrice (Lee) Eiseman told attendees at The Inspired Home Show® in March.

Style Trends

When it comes to holiday designs, consumers are also likely to gravitate toward nostalgia – but will need some unexpected twists to attract their attention and inspire them to buy. (A perfect example? Clever new glassware from Widgeteer’s Jeanne Fitz brand with a tiny fully-functioning snowglobe in the base.)

Specific design styles predicted to be popular this holiday season include whimsy, the use of characters, and a resurgence of faith-based imagery and themes.

“One of the clearest shifts (in holiday trends) is the rise of character-driven product,” says Carly Yanik, GiftShop Plus Editorial Director. “Instead of generic motifs, customers are gravitating toward pieces with personality — figures that are expressive and downright delightful.”

For character-driven ideas, look no further than the Christmas Nutcracker Tins by Daho and popcorn gifting tubes from Wabash Valley Farms pictured below. The Elf Leg Scratching Post from Prevue Pet Products is another fun and whimsical take on a much-appreciated home item.

Product Directions

What items other than home décor are expected to be trending for the holidays?

In addition to anything tied to at-home cooking and entertaining, make sure to tap into the popularity of good old-fashioned letter writing. The trend can translate into holiday greeting card sales, in addition to interest in stationery sets as gifts. And that’s not to mention desktop organizers, like the Greta from Bigso Box of Sweden, to bring together all the supplies needed for this tactile and grounding activity.

Looking for something that goes beyond the traditional disposable greeting card? Soak iT Up actually offers Clards®, which are patented eco-greetings that become reusable cleaning cloths.

And if you’re a home/housewares retailer or buyer, this may be the year to expand your assortment to include some toys and games. And not just for the kids.

Driven in part by kidults seeking nostalgia, comfort and analog activities, real estate firm Colliers recently called toys and collectibles retail’s hottest traffic engine. Design-forward games like Umbra’s Blitz Backgammon & Checkers Gameboard make great gifts, as well as a basis for all-inclusive activities at holiday gatherings for families and friends alike.