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the competitive edge of community Build your own gift baskets

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IN THIS ISSUE features

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BUI L DI NG COMMUNI TY AND SAL ES

Stores that are active in the community and encourage shoppers to stop in and socialize tend to have a higher success rate. Here's how stores can encourage meaningful interactions — and sales.

TAPPI NG I NTO CRAFTY CUSTOMERS

The DIY movement is still going strong and more consumers than ever — young and old — are experimenting with craft kits that make tackling a new hobby a breeze.

spotlights

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STEPPI NG I T UP W I TH STATI ONERY

When it comes to stationery, makers are stepping up their game and creating elevated options that are both fashionable and functional. Here are the latest designer paper products.

COZYI NG I N FOR THE WI NTER

While summertime is all about enjoying the outdoors, the winter season has its own alluring vibe: warm, cozy and relaxing indoors.

Here are the best products for bundling up this winter.

S TO R E W I D E SEA RCH

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can’t-miss products

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BASKET BUNDLES FOR THE W I N

A thoughtfully curated gift basket, whether created by store staff or a shopper, is always a special treat. Check out our selection of vessels and fillers perfect for a gift basket bar or gift bundle.

on the cover G I F TS & D E C OR A TI VE A CC E S SO RI E S

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Crafting Customers

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The Competitive Edge of Community

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GI F TA B L E S S P OT LIGH T

Crafting

customers

the competitive edge of community

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Build Your Own Gift Baskets

Build your own gift baskets

- EST. 1917 AUGUST 2026 - VOL. 127, NO. 7 -

On the Cover: Learn to Knit Socks Knitting Kit for Beginners.

The Spinning Hand. thespinninghand.com

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IN THIS ISSUE D E PA R T M ENTS

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Editor's Letter

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Business News

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On the Web

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Market Calendar

R E TA I L

STAN DOU T STATION E RY

Retail Feature: Your Friendly Neighborhood Meeting Place

by Lenise Willis

Savvy Store Solutions

by Carol Schroeder

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T R EN D I N G G I F T S

I ND U S TRY INS IGHTS

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COZYIN G U P TO W IN T E R

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Re:Gifting

by Warren Shoulberg

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Play by Play

by Pamela Brill

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The Fine Print

by Zander Brekke

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It All Adds Up: Fashion

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Giftables Spotlight: Sipping in Style

by Amanda Erd

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Trending Gifts Feature: DIY Crafting Takes Hold at Retail

by Pamela Brill

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E DITORS' PICKS

EDITOR IN CHIEF

MANAGING EDITOR

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Lenise Willis 336.605.3817 | lwillis@giftsanddec.com

Amanda Erd 773.570.4187 | aerd@bridgetowermedia.com

Liz Irwin

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Corey Edwards Ariel Perez Chris Schultz Randy Melton Melanie Bingham

Zander Brekke, Pamela Brill, Angela Schmook, Carol Schroeder, Warren Shoulberg, Jaime Zepeda

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Hal Cohen John Coughlan Kurt Hawks

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DALLAS IS THE One ONE MARKETPLACE. ONE EASY TRIP. Discover trend-right collections and new resources to help your store stand out. It’s the single, smarter way to stay ahead.

Gift & Home Market + KidsWorld SEPTEMBER 15-17, 2026

EDITOR’S LETTER

Gather Around As a lifelong North Carolina resident, moving to Woodstock, Ill., for my husband’s job was pretty hard. Six years ago, I left my family, friends and co-workers behind and worried that I wouldn’t make any meaningful connections. After all, when you work remotely and don’t have children, how on earth do you meet people?

That’s when I started turning to retail therapy, not just as a mood booster, but as a social outlet. I’ve always loved to browse local boutiques, but after moving so far from home, shopping became a much more meaningful interaction. I small talked with other shoppers, got to know the owners and store managers, and, after a while, built a small little community that I look forward to seeing.

My favorite neighborhood shop these days is Read Between the Lynes, a local bookstore that is steeped in the community. The owner, Arlene Lynes, makes a point to know her customers. Every time I go into the store, she gives me an excited “hello” and stops to chat and see how I’m doing. Joining the store’s monthly book club has also helped me to meet new people and feel a part of the community.

When I interviewed Arlene once for a retail feature, she told me that she had had a similar “I’ve always loved to experience. She moved often and found browse local boutiques, herself turning to local businesses to make but after moving so far friends and feel a part of something — and that from home, shopping was why she wanted to build Read Between the Lynes, to provide a safe and friendly place became a much more where people felt they belonged. Judging from meaningful interaction.” how many friends she has in town, it has been quite the success — everyone feels like they’re friends with Arlene, and she is constantly calling her customers by name to have a small chat.

Of course, the bookstore’s involvement goes far beyond its welcoming atmosphere.

Arlene herself hosts a weekly story time for kids at the summer farmers markets, and the store hosts a plethora of events, from author signings to downtown scavenger hunts.

I say all of this to illustrate the power of independent retail and reinforce the focus of this month’s retail feature: “Your Friendly Neighborhood Meeting Place.” In it, I interview several store owners who explain how they’ve become gathering places for their towns. Through store events, relatable social media videos, fundraisers and a friendly atmosphere, they have all created not just a community hub, but a strong retail brand with a loyal following.

Not only does the feature offer great advice on how to take a store to the next level of success, but it also celebrates what makes independent retail so wonderful.

When done right, a store can truly be a town’s local treasure. And the thing about treasures is that people value them and hold on to them for years to come. Welcome the community into your store and the community will not only welcome you into the town, but make sure you stay in it.

Lenise Willis Editor in Chief

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BUSINESS NEWS

Retailer Excellence Awards Celebrates Top Retailers, Reps and Manufacturer The gift and home industry gathered June 24 at the iconic Hilton Anatole in Dallas for a milestone night: the 75th annual Retailer Excellence Awards (REA), presented by Gifts & Decorative Accessories. Marking its diamond anniversary, the ceremony honored eight outstanding independent retailers across eight competitive categories — spotlighting the creativity, resilience and community spirit that define the best of specialty retail today. The evening also included a special ceremony for the first-ever Diamond Retailers, who were announced earlier this year, in honor of the gala's big anniversary.

"Tonight, we celebrate the outstanding achievements of retailers and individuals who have made a remarkable impact on the industry, and how we have all learned to adapt over the last 75 years," said Editor-in-Chief Lenise Willis, who emceed the event.

Twenty-four retailers were selected as finalists from more than 100 nominations and submissions, with winners announced at the gala. Each winner received an engraved platter by Beatriz Ball.

• Multiple Locations: Simply Chic Boutique with five locations across Louisiana • Specialty Store: Messner Bee Farm in Kansas City, Mo. • Home Décor Store: Patina Vie in Ripon, Wis. • Store Events: Tiger Lily in Fort Payne, Ala. • Visual Merchandising: Mangiacotti Barn in Attleboro, Mass.

• Store Design/Redesign: Apple Butter and Shugie's in Morris, Ill. • Social Media & Online Initiatives: Mellow Monkey Gifts & Décor in Stratford, Conn • Socially Responsible: Grandpa Shorter's Gifts in Petoskey, Mich.

5 Sales Reps Receive Recognition

As part of the 75th annual REA, five sales reps were chosen for a 2026 Sales Representative of the Year award. As GDA has done for the past four years, winners were broken down by region, aiming to recognize the best of the best in five distinct geographical areas.

This year's awards were presented by Richard Freeman of GSMA and Angela Schmook of Reps are Local Too, who donned glittery glasses as a wink to the gala's diamond theme.

"Sales reps work tirelessly to keep our industry connected and work as valuable partners to both vendors and retailers, and tonight we honor some of the best in our industry who consistently go the extra mile for their clients," Schmook said just before announcing the winners.

This year’s Sales Representative of the Year winners are: • Northeast: Debbie Traynor, Blake Road Collection • Southeast: Meredith Emory, The Portico Collection • Central/Midwest: Michelle Swearengin, KBD Sales • Southwest: Joanie Fleming, Road Runners • West: Lenice Snedden-Coury, CMA 1 2 - G IFT S & D EC OR ATI V E AC C ESS ORIE S - A U GU S T 2026

Lenise Willis, GDA editor-in-chief and REA emcee, hands an award to Jane Kerr of Apple Butter & Shugie's for Store Design/Redesign.

(Photo by Ariel Perez)

Tag Earns Top Honors

Each year, Gifts & Decorative Accessories compiles 10 of the best vendors and manufacturers based on nominations from online reader votes. In a second round of voting, readers’ top three choices from those 10 are then narrowed down and a final winner is chosen by the awards’ panel, who tallies the online votes. This year, Chicago-based lifestyle wholesaler Tag came out on top and was named the 2026 Manufacturer of the Year.

"All of this year's finalists hold a special place in my heart, and in that of our readers, but I was thrilled to see that Tag came out on top," said Willis. "Not only do they make gorgeous holiday items and festive giftables, but they are a fantastic team to work with. Chuck, Thom, Linda, the whole team are such genuine people and hard workers; the brand truly deserved this year's honor."

In addition to its usual awards program, the magazine also handed out Diamond Awards to three key manufacturers, retailers, sales rep agencies and influencers who have helped carry the industry through the years.

The Diamond Retailer honorees, especially, received a standing ovation and plenty of cheers. Speeches from Carol Schroeder of Orange Tree Imports and Alison Dodson of A. Dodson's had the crowd cheering and crying. The awards program closed with the honoring of Peter Schauben, Gift for Life's first-ever Lifetime Humanitarian Award recipient.

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BUSINESS NEWS

Amy Loewenberg, chair of Gift for Life, presents Founder Peter Schauben with a Lifetime Humanitarian Award at the 75th annual Retailer Excellence Awards.

(Photo by Ariel Perez)

Record $162,000 Raised to Honor GFL founder Peter Schauben After a high-energy celebration and fundraiser in Dallas, the tally is in! Gift for Life raised a record-breaking $162,000 to benefit World Central Kitchen, marking the largest single fundraising effort in the organization's history.

The milestone was celebrated during the Retailer Excellence Awards, hosted by Gifts & Decorative Accessories on June 24 at the Hilton Anatole during the Dallas Total Home & Gift Market. During the event, Gift for Life honored founder Peter Schauben with its newly created Lifetime Humanitarian Award, recognizing his extraordinary leadership, vision and more than three decades of service “We're … incredibly to the gift and home grateful to everyone who industries. contributed, donated Founded by Schauben and supported this in 1992, Gift for Life has effort. Together, we are united the gift, home and helping World Central stationery industries in support of charitable Kitchen provide hope and causes for more than nourishment to people 30 years. Through his facing unimaginable leadership, Gift for Life challenges.” has become one of the — Amy Loewenberg, industry's most respected chair of Gift for Life charitable organizations, inspiring generations of volunteers and supporters to make a difference. Donations made in his honor inspired unprecedented generosity from manufacturers, retailers, sales representatives, market centers, industry suppliers and friends of the organization, resulting in 1 4 - G IFT S & D EC OR ATI V E AC C ESS ORIE S - A U GU S T 2026

the largest fundraising total in Gift for Life's history.

The celebration included Gift for Life's 50/50 raffle, which raised almost $3,000 of the total raised. Winner Ann Marie Mendlow, president of WerkShoppe, generously donated her winnings back to Gift for Life, ensuring every dollar raised through the raffle will support World Central Kitchen's humanitarian relief efforts.

"There simply wouldn't be a Gift for Life without Peter Schauben," said Amy Loewenberg, chair of Gift for Life. "For more than three decades, Peter has inspired our industry to show up when people need help, creating a culture of compassion, generosity and community. It was our privilege to recognize his extraordinary legacy with a Lifetime Humanitarian Award while celebrating the most successful fundraising campaign in our organization's history.

"We are grateful to Gifts & Decorative Accessories magazine for providing the opportunity to celebrate Peter's remarkable legacy during the Retailer Excellence Awards. We're also incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed, donated and supported this effort. Together, we are helping World Central Kitchen provide hope and nourishment to people facing unimaginable challenges. While this evening celebrated an extraordinary legacy, it also reminds us that the work continues.

We look forward to engaging the next generation of industry leaders, volunteers and supporters as Gift for Life continues its mission of service and community.”

All funds raised through this campaign will benefit World Central Kitchen, which provides fresh meals to communities impacted by natural disasters, humanitarian crises and other emergencies around the world.

Find us in your neighborhood!

Whether you’re a retailer located on the east or west coast, you’ll discover the latest souvenir and gift products including custom, apparel, jewelry, Made in America, handcrafted, holiday/seasonal, sustainable, games/toys, and much more at our events.

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BUSINESS NEWS

Atlanta Market Sees Uptick in Buying Accounts Running June 9-14 at AmericasMart Atlanta, the summer gift and home market kicked off the season with high marks.

According to show operator Andmore, total buying accounts were up 1.1 percent compared to previous markets despite the earlier schedule.

"The co-location of Atlanta Market and Atlanta Apparel delivered exactly what today's retailers are looking for — greater efficiency, broader discovery, and opportunities to source across categories in one destination," said Amory Wooden, chief revenue officer at Andmore.

Buyers had the opportunity to source multiple categories in gift, home and lifestyle, along with Atlanta Apparel’s extended fashion and accessories options. First-time participants were up 22.5 percent year over year.

Exhibitors from Atlanta Market were recognized for their excellence in merchandising, branding and visual presentation through the Best Booth Awards. Ameico was honored with the overall Best in Show award, while Madhouse Designs earned People’s Choice through social media voting.

Best Booth Awards for the 2026 summer market are as follows: • Best In Show: Ameico • People’s Choice: Madhouse Designs • Best Storytelling: Match South • Best Branding Display: High Camp • Best Interactive Elements: Mini Mahjer • Best Product Merchandising: Prince of Scots • Best Use of Color: Packed Party Several products from five themes were also named Market Snapshot winners, including: • Modern Deco: Lucas & McKearn – Marvel Vanity Light • Quirky Animals: Seltzer Goods – Pink Elephant Cocktail Napkin Set • Green With Envy: Ojo Candles – Peacock Elegance • Soft Touch: L’Objet – L’Object x Jessica McCormack Collection • Game Day: Sorority & Sisterhood – Acrylic Scalloped Tray and Scarflette

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BUSINESS NEWS

Dallas Market Center Sees 14.9% Rise in New Buyers Though buyers had more challenges to navigate, like planning their travel around the chaos of the World Cup, Dallas Market Center closed out the June Total Home & Gift Market — held June 24-30, alongside KidsWorld and The Temps at Total Home & Gift Market — with a strong rise in new buyers. New company registrations rose 14.5 percent year-over-year, with registrations for Total Home & Gift Market up 15.9 percent.

The Texas-Oklahoma-Louisiana-Arkansas (TOLA) region remained the market's home base, representing 77.9 percent of total new company registrations. But the sharpest growth came from further afield, with new companies from the Southwest, West, and Midwest all up compared to June 2025, evidence that Dallas is steadily expanding its reach as a national sourcing destination.

“Retail has shown remarkable resilience, and the businesses that are thriving are the ones staying connected — to trends, to vendors, and to each other,” said Cindy Morris, president and CEO of Dallas Market Center. “This June market told an encouraging story. Buyers came back, and just as many came to

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Dallas for the first time.”

Exhibitors across the marketplace echoed that new-buyer energy in their own results. Cynde Stewart, president of RAZ Imports, said: “We leave the Dallas Summer Market encouraged by another strong show, with year-over-year sales growth and an increase in new customers giving us great momentum heading into the season.”

The Masters Series returned with daily live demonstrations from four tastemakers across the week. John Mark Sharpe, founder of John Mark Enterprises, opened the series on the World Trade Center atrium stage with “Beyond the Bow,” a live demonstration paired with a conversation about his career journey, and returned later in the week for a session on retail displays that drive sales, plus a meet-and-greet.

Also appearing on the Masters stage were Chris Norwood of Norwood Day Floral Co. with “The Art of Entertaining,” Presley Pierce with “Deck The Halls – Christmas in July” and “Styled for Summer — Your Guide for Gatherings,” and Jeff & Jody Long of The English Cottage live-styling an autumn display.

RETAIL I opened a jewelry shop last year to sell my own creations as well as some gift items. My work as a craftsperson didn’t give me any experience in wholesale buying, so I was puzzled to hear that a sales rep was upset with me [when] I used her advice to place a big order on Faire.

SEE MORE PAGE 23

“

“If you know a line has a rep, make it a point to give them the order. You can always ask the rep to request whatever special you would have gotten through Faire.”

G I F T S & D E CO R AT I V E ACCE SSO R I ES - A U GU S T 2026 - 19

RETAIL – FEATURE The Shorter family poses in front of its family-owned store in Petoskey, Mich.

The store is truly for the community, by the community.

YOUR FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD

Meeting Place

What makes a local boutique powerful? The answer lies in its ability to connect with the community and become a hub for meaningful interactions.

by Lenise Willis

“We've always believed our job is bigger than selling gifts. Over the years, we've intentionally created reasons for people to gather, connect and participate. The result is that customers don't just think of us as a gift shop — they think of us as part of the fabric of the community.”

Howard Aspinwall, owner of Mellow Monkey in Stratford, Conn., knows how powerful events and a welcoming atmosphere are and how they’ve contributed to his store’s success, despite it being on an industrial dead-end road.

“We hear stories, celebrate birthdays and anniversaries, welcome visitors from around the world, and see customers introducing us to friends and family because they want to share the experience,” Aspinwall said. “For us, success isn't measured only by sales. It's measured by whether people feel like they belong here.”

In a time when independent retailers are competing with online giants like Amazon, Shein and Temu, as well as big-box stores and tightening consumer budgets, the “feeling” of the small independent store is more important than ever. Consumers are craving connection and want to feel like they’re a part of something bigger than just making a purchase.

“Tiger Lily becoming a community hub has most definitely evolved over the years,” said Slade Carden, owner of the Fort 2 0 - G IFT S & D EC OR ATI V E AC C ESS ORIE S - A U GU S T 2026

Payne, Ala., store. “We often see groups of ladies stop in to look or just say hello. For many of them it is a time for them to fellowship with their friends and chat, catch up on gossip, all while they are looking and shopping.”

Becoming a community hub, a place where shoppers can connect not just with the staff, but with each other and the brands they’re buying, is essential to take a brick-and-mortar store to the next level.

A Gathering Place

Store events have long since been a pivotal business tactic for independent retail stores, but in a digitally saturated, post-pandemic world, they’re playing an even bigger role in establishing a store’s place in both its community and its shoppers’ lives.

“We host fundraising events for local nonprofits, partner with schools on supply drives, support organizations that matter to our customers, celebrate local milestones and collaborate with neighboring businesses,” Aspinwall said. “During the holidays, you'll find families making us part of their traditions.”

Store events can run the gamut, from artist meet-and-greets to craft workshops to anniversary parties. Lately, mahjong game night has been the star on stores’ calendars, and, of course, fundraising events for local causes are always well attended,

too. The common thread of these successful store events is that they not only draw customers out of their homes but draw them into something more meaningful.

“We prioritize experiences over transactions,” said Jennifer Shorter, third-generation owner of Grandpa Shorter’s Gifts in Petoskey, Mich. “Winters in northern Michigan can be bleak, grey and very lonely. Time and again, guests thank me for giving them a reason to get out of the house and do something fun. I love watching friends run into each other after months of winter have kept everyone inside. Our events usually have a quest to them, like visiting each business to collect a letter that completes a phrase, and it warms my heart to see people make plans to spend a whole day downtown together working it out.”

Though wintertime events are much appreciated, the store hosts a plethora of events all year long, with some of its most successful — and talked about — being its Witches Night Out, Boutique Crawl, Chocolate Crawl, and Quack Walk events. “[They] give people a reason to walk through the door for the first time, and a reason to keep coming back,” Shorter said.

The store’s Banana Bread Festival even draws in people from out of state to compete and spend time with family. The newest additions to Grandpa Shorter’s calendar are grandma craft classes and mahjong courses.

Connecting Socially

When it comes to bonding with a brand, social media plays a key role in how customers feel. Authentic and entertaining video posts can make shoppers and potential customers feel like they know the brand and are “insiders.” That feeling is everything when it comes to building a loyal customer following and becoming part of a community.

“Social media has completely changed the way people discover us,” Aspinwall said. “Our store sits at the end of an industrial dead-end street — a location that traditional retail wisdom would tell you should never work. Yet people regularly drive hours to visit because they first discovered us through our videos.”

Aspinwall uses humor to connect with consumers and make his brand relatable. “We don't treat “Success isn't measured social media like adveronly by sales. It's measured tising,” he said. “We treat by whether people feel like it like entertainment.

We make people laugh, they belong here.”

— Howard Aspinwall tell stories, involve our of Mellow Monkey staff and customers, celebrate our community and occasionally remind people that, yes, we also happen to sell really great gifts. By the time someone walks through our front door, they often feel like they already know us.

“Instead of walking into a store they've never visited, they're walking into a place they've already connected with. That changes everything.”

Of course, a good social media channel can’t operate in a vacuum. Aspinwall reminds retailers that a store’s online presence and in-store experience should feed one another.

“Our online community introduces new people to the store every day, while our in-store experience gives those people something worth talking about and sharing online. One strengthens the other,” he said. “We've found that people don't

just buy products anymore — they buy experiences and relationships. If someone feels connected to your business, they're more likely to visit, tell their friends, bring family members back, comment on your posts and become long-term customers.

For us, that connection has transformed what would otherwise be a destination gift shop tucked away in an unlikely location into a place people actively seek out.”

A Helpful Neighbor

Supporting local causes, whether donating time or dollars, is an important part of finding a store’s place in a town.

“This town has supported my family for 80 years. That is not a slogan, it is a debt, and supporting local causes is how we try to pay a little of it back,” Shorter said about the importance of hosting local fundraisers as a business owner. “A store does not succeed in a vacuum. It succeeds because the community decided to keep it. So, when a local cause needs help, showing up is not marketing for us, it is just what you do for the people who have carried you.”

Grandpa Shorter’s Gifts is very active in its community, raising funds annually for the Petoskey High School Marching Band and other causes. “We lean toward causes that support women, children and local schools, and toward whatever our own people care about and give their time to,” Shorter said. “When your roots and your neighbors' roots are tangled together, you both stand up better in a storm.”

Britney Burton, owner of multiple Simply Chic Boutique locations across Louisiana, hosts several store events that bring the community together, but says fundraisers for local causes — especially schools — are a big part of her stores’ brand and why she believes they’ve been successful.

“Support local schools and teachers,” she advises. “Teachers support small businesses more than anyone because they know how important it is to pour into our community.”

Better Together

If it’s one thing the gift industry and small-business community have proven, it’s that there is plenty of success to go around. Businesses that work together rather than compete with one another are stronger and create a more desirable footprint.

“Wherever two or more retailers come together, they become a shopping destination,” said Ashley Alderson, founder and CEO of the Boutique Hub. “Of the most successful business owners I've been fortunate enough to know, the one thing they all have in common is strong, authentic personal brands and relationships, not only with their customers but the greater business community. A rising tide truly does lift all ships, and the idea of building a destination together with other small businesses of all types grows the entire marketplace.”

Shorter couldn’t agree more: “I want to help others in the same boat stay open. That is not charity, it is common sense.

It does not help any of us to have storefronts go dark. If I help a neighbor thrive, we all grow together. I truly believe that instead of fighting over our slice of the pie and trying to keep it the same size, we should work together to make the whole pie bigger. When that happens, everyone gets a larger piece.”

One event that brings businesses together and that is gaining in popularity is Pink Friday, a shop-local event held each year on the Friday before Black Friday. Annually, the event sees more than 30,000 businesses participate.

“Pink Friday's purpose is to encourage consumers to support small businesses first, that's before the big guys on Black G I F T S & D E CO R AT I V E ACCE SSO R I ES - A U GU S T 2026 - 21

RETAIL – FEATURE

Grandpa Shorter’s Gifts in Petoskey, Mich., hosts a Morning with Santa for kids in the community.

Friday,” Alderson said. “Teaming up with other online or brickand-mortar businesses to host events, run joint promotions or giveaways, and to work with local media a week ahead of the major news cycle is the perfect time to tell your story of what it means to be a small business owner today, why it's important to shop local or small, and even more so, why to shop small first.”

Shorter not only “When your roots and your collaborates with local neighbors' roots are tangled businesses on events together, you both stand up throughout the year, but also promotes others better in a storm.”

— Jennifer Shorter around her. “Our newsletters and social posts of Grandpa Shorter’s Gifts share happenings from all over the area, not just our own. People in town tell me that if they want to know what is going on this weekend in Petoskey, they read our newsletter. That still stops me in my tracks, because it means we have become useful to people whether or not they are buying anything that day.”

Scavenger hunts across multiple businesses is a great neighborhood event that not only encourages customers to visit multiple stores, but to do so with a group of friends. The playful nature of the event also leaves a lasting positive impression on participants that makes them feel more connected to the store brands.

Several downtown businesses in Woodstock, Ill., participate in a Find Waldo event each summer.

The community-wide Shop Local scavenger hunt is hosted by members of the American Bookseller Association with participation from dozens of merchants in their towns. The monthlong event begins July 1 and participating businesses hide a six-inch standee of Waldo in a public part of their store. Players grab a “passport” from any of the participating stores to begin the game and then then visit each business to try and find the 2 2 - G IFT S & D EC OR ATI V E AC C ESS ORIE S - A U GU S T 2026

A Waldo standee is hidden in the story-time tree at Read Between the Lynes in Woodstock, Ill., which organizes the downtown square’s Find Waldo event each summer.

Waldo. When they find one, an employee must sign their passport. Businesses can keep Waldo stationary all month, or move him to a new hiding spot each day.

“It is a creative and fun way to highlight all that’s wonderful about our local indie businesses, while bolstering our shared sense of community in Woodstock,” said Kaitlyn Reed, assistant manager of Read Between the Lynes, which registers for and organizes the event for downtown Woodstock.

“Waldo is hidden in our store and 26 other stores on and around the Woodstock Square,” she said. “Traditionally, it is 25 businesses in total, but a couple other businesses really wanted to participate, so we gladly made room! Some businesses get really into it and find creative ways to hide [Waldo].”

The event culminates in a Waldo Party at Read Between the Lynes on July 31, where attendees enjoy games, goodie bags and raffles. Players with at least 10 found Waldo signatures on their passports receive a poster and a coupon for $1 off a Waldo book at the store. Players who find at least 20 receive the poster and coupon and are also entered into a raffle to win prizes, which are donated by some of the participating businesses.

“I love doing this event,” Reed said. “We get to highlight other small businesses and bring joy to our community. Find Waldo in Woodstock is a team effort and I am truly grateful for all of our staff and our community.”

Beyond hosting events and being authentic on social media, creating a welcoming atmosphere — the hallmark of a good independent store — is still the cardinal rule.

“We host events all year long, but a hub is not really built on events,” Shorter said. It is built on the everyday: greeting people by name, knowing the visitor who has come back every summer for 30 years, letting the store be a place where neighbors run into each other. Our team is the real engine of that. They treat people like guests in their living room, and customers feel it the minute they walk in. When you lead with welcome instead of the sale, the community part takes care of itself.”

RETAIL – SAVVY STORE SOLUTIONS

Q& A NEWCOMERS

BEWARE Seasoned retailer and author Carol Schroeder gives new business owners advice on ordering etiquette and credit card debt.

Let’s Be Fair Q: I opened a jewelry shop last year to sell my own creations

as well as some gift items. My work as a craftsperson didn’t give me any experience in wholesale buying, so I was puzzled to hear that a sales rep was upset with me. She’d spent time going over the bestsellers in a line of candles with me, and that evening I used her advice to place a big order on Faire. What did I do wrong?

A:

The fact that sales reps work almost entirely on commission is not always made clear to newcomers to our industry. You probably didn’t realize that most reps are paid via a percentage of the orders they write on the road or at a show, or that you send directly to them. They may also get credit for orders you place online if their company or sales agency has a B2B website.

Some reps, especially those who are employed by a single vendor, receive a base salary in addition to a commission on the orders they write. Those who are independent contractors don’t usually receive a salary, and often have to purchase their own health insurance.

Sales reps normally have a certain territory assigned to them and only receive a full commission on the orders they write for accounts in that area. Vendors sometimes keep certain large retailers as house accounts, which means the rep cannot call on those stores.

Many of the showrooms in the trade marts are owned by multiline agencies. Reps writing orders at a show may not receive the full commission if an order is from outside their territory, or if they write an order for another rep’s area. It pays to ask so that you are certain that your rep gets credit. Keep in mind also that commissions are usually not due until the order

is shipped, or the invoice is paid.

Why should you care about this? Because the rep industry will not survive without these jobs being financially fulfilling, and a good sales rep can be a valuable asset to you as a retailer. According to a longtime sales rep who now runs a sales agency, “the value of having a rep assist you with your selection is that they focus on the highest quality order, including the right assortment for your shop, the best sellers, and the correct depth/item quantities, so that the purchase will lead to reorders.

Successful reps earn the most on reorders, so they are very focused on orders that perform very well for their retailers.”

When you took that advice and ordered on Faire, your rep did not get paid anything for her time. There is no denying that this platform can be convenient, and sometimes Faire offers tempting freight terms or discounts. Many of the companies on Faire don’t have reps, so this is the only way you can order from them. But vendors that do have reps don’t usually pay them for Faire orders. If you know a line has a rep, make it a point to give them the order. You can always ask the rep to request whatever special you would have gotten through Faire. I’ve been successful several times when I’ve tried this, and I know my reps appreciate me going to them first.

Who Can I Turn To? Q: I have over $50,000 in credit card debt for inventory that I purchased for the second location I opened last year. I don’t know what I should do, and I don’t know who to ask for help.

A: This is a crucial time for the future of your business, and

whatever decision you make will impact not only your ability to stay in retailing, but also your credit rating. Please don’t try to tough it out alone during this stressful time.

G I F T S & D E CO R AT I V E ACCE SSO R I ES - A U GU S T 2026 - 23

RETAIL – SAVVY STORE SOLUTIONS You need professional business advice right away. I recommend that every store have a trusted circle of professional advisors right from the start — a banker, a CPA and a lawyer who are familiar with your store, and with retailing. If you don’t already have these resources available to you, it’s a good idea to talk to other retailers to see whom they would recommend. Many accountants know a lot about numbers, but not much about the challenges of running a small retail business.

It’s helpful to have a relationship with a bank before you run into financial difficulties. A line of credit might have allowed you more freedom in paying off your inventory purchases over time. It may still be possible to transfer your credit card debt to a bank loan, if you have good collateral or someone willing to co-sign with you. However you should make sure that anyone signing for the loan understands their risk in case you are unable to make the payments.

You might also wish to seek outside advice from resources such as the United States SBDC (Small Business Development Center) or SBA (Small Business Administration) office in your area. There are volunteer counselors with business experience

available through a program called SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives, see score.org for a local chapter).

Don’t forget to include your employees in any discussion of the store’s future, especially if changes are necessary. While you can’t expect them to solve your financial problems, they may have fresh ideas for a direction that the business could take that would bring in new income. You could also seek ideas for decreasing expenses, and for quickly turning some of the inventory that got you in debt back into dollars.

You might wish to consider soliciting your customers’ input as well. A focus group made up of some of your regular shoppers — or potential new customers — can be an excellent way to find out what the public perceives to be the strength and weaknesses of your business. You’d be surprised how many people enjoy giving their opinion and would be happy to participate in exchange for some refreshments and a gift card.

You may feel isolated and depressed because of the financial problems you are currently facing, but it’s important that you know that many people want your business to succeed. Reach out and get the support you need.

Carol L. Schroeder is co-owner of Orange Tree Imports in Madison, Wis., and the author of “Specialty Shop Retailing: How You Can Succeed in Today’s Market.” Her book and weekly blog can be found at specialtyshopretailing.com.

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INDUSTRY INSIGHTS For those of you who do the summer show schlog, congrats, you’re halfway through. As this is being written, the big shows in Atlanta and Dallas have come and gone, and as you are reading this, the shows in Las Vegas and New York — NY Now and Shoppe Object — have likely just wrapped up.

SEE MORE PAGE 26

“

“Vendors who showed new products — good new products — did better than those who tried to trot out mostly retreads.”

G I F T S & D E CO R AT I V E ACCE SSO R I ES - A U GU S T 2026 - 25

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS – RE:GIFTING

What We Learned at the Summer Markets ... So Far For those of you who do the summer show schlog, congrats, you’re halfway through. As this is being written, the big shows in Atlanta and Dallas have come and gone, and as you are reading this, the shows in Las Vegas and New York — NY Now and Shoppe Object — have likely just wrapped up, even if the conclusions about them are yet to be “Newness always wins and made. when a buyer walks into a That said, it’s reasonshowroom and asks able to expect the entire ‘What’s new?’ it’s the summer show parade to produce fairly consistent defining starting point for results. So, the timing any transactional activity.” seems right to put out a mid-term report card on the state of the gift and home business based on how things went so far. Some of this is somewhat predictable, some of it not so much.

1. It’s New Products, Stupid. Don’t mean to be mean but if there’s an overriding factor that defined the winners and losers on the circuit, it’s that those vendors who showed new products — good new products — did better than those who tried to trot out mostly retreads. It’s a cold, hard system, this new product thing, and it means that a lot of good items never made the cut for reasons that probably had very little to do with their quality or cleverness. Newness always wins and when a buyer walks into a showroom and asks “What’s new?” it’s the defining starting point for any transactional activity. Newness ruled this summer — as it always has and always will.

2. AI is Scarier Than any Stephen King Novel. Just as when the internet first came along and everyone was terrified what

it would do to their business, so too are we now dealing with the same situation with artificial intelligence. AI turned up in virtually every conversation in virtually every place during the markets and most of the time, it was all about “We don’t know what we’re doing, what are you doing?” Companies large and small are trying to navigate this latest technology. In the meantime, AI has turned into the excuse du jour why some companies are laying off people or spending more on capital expenditures, regardless of if that’s true or not. Since very few people understand AI, all of this tech talk can hide a multitude of sins.

Scary? You bet.

3. Tariffs? What Tariffs? A year ago the second word out of anyone’s mouth at markets was tariffs. (The first was an obscene adjective best not repeated here in a family magazine like GDA.) And yes, tariffs did change some of the buying processes over the past year, but I don’t think I heard a single person talk about them this year. They’re still there and they have resulted in some higher prices and sourcing rearrangements but all the doom-and-gloom predictions being made — including by yours truly — have not exactly panned out. Based on the ongoing “boy-cried-wolf” tariff threats still being made by the president we may not be done with this nonsense yet. At least for right now, tariffs were a non-starter.

4. Calendar Switch-a-roo Much Ado About Nothing. When the World Cup soccer dates were announced, forcing the Atlanta show to move up its timing to June and before Dallas, there were some who predicted serious consequences. Would some retailers skip Atlanta because it was too early and shop Dallas instead? Or would some who normally shop Dallas go to Atlanta instead? Turns out as best as can be figured, neither really happened. When you need to buy, you buy.

That’s what I saw and heard ... so far.

Warren Shoulberg has reported on the gift and home industry for most of his career. He is often quoted in national media like the New York Times and CNN, and contributes to several trade publications, Forbes.com and the Robin Report.

2 6 - G IFT S & D EC OR ATI V E AC C ESS ORIE S - A U GU S T 2026

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INDUSTRY INSIGHTS – PLAY BY PLAY

Predicting Holiday Heavy Hitters It’s never too early to start thinking about holiday toys. To find out what’s hot, we went directly to the sources and asked retailers and manufacturers which playthings are poised to become this season’s must-haves.

Squish This

Is there any denying that squishes are the It toy of 2026? From butters to dumplings, these toys are expected to remain strong at retail well into the fourth quarter. “Based on both sales and interactions with customers, the squishy trend will continue throughout the year,” said Meghan DeGoey, marketing director at Five Little Monkeys’ eight San Francisco Bay Area stores.

“These types of toys offer simple, satisfying play and have broad appeal across age groups,” added Bradley Ishii, owner of Thinker Toys and Thinker Things, Honolulu, Hawaii.

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Be a Good Sport

Getting kids to play outside can be challenging, but innovative toy makers see it as an opportunity. At Giggle Monkey Toys in Dahlonega, Ga., store owner Tammy Clower believes that FireBomb’s light-up basketballs and Silent Basketballs from Thin Air Brands will be a slam-dunk holiday hit. NFL Snow Tubes from BigMouth extend football season beyond the Super Bowl with oversized outdoor play, while Strikesphere’s Speed Ball adds a kick to soccer with its built-in kick speed score tracker.

Magnetic Attraction

Kids are gravitating to magnetic building sets, a niche market in the construction toy category. At Distinctive Toys in Fair Haven, N.J., owner Margaret Spicer reports Magna-tiles, Speks, Clixo and Connetix as top-selling brands. Mini marine biologists-in-the making can explore the deep sea with Magnatiles Shark Dive by assembling an ocean floor and spinning stories with diver and shark figures. Send imaginations soaring with the Clixo Airplane Pack, a snap, click, and build set for constructing a wind-powered plane, helicopter, or another flying machine. Budding builders can check out Connetix 32-piece Travel Mini Pack, a sleek carrying case containing reusable stickers and mini tiles for construction on the go.

Dungeons, Dragons and Dice

Holidays gatherings with family and friends are perfect occasions for board and card games. On this year’s wish list are

Loops Lab Starter Set. Loops Lab. loopslab.com

selections inspired by ancient Chinese history and a pop culture juggernaut. At Growing Tree Toys in State College, Pa., owner Lindsay Jones notes the Mini Mahjer Complete Game as a customer favorite. New to market is Hootenanny Games’ Mahjong Playing Cards, a giftable alternative to the traditional tile game that is packaged with pearlescent dice.

Big-Ticket Toys

No wish list is complete without a present that elicits “ohs” and “ahs.” The On-the-Go Wooden Workbench from Jasey’s Toy Chest provides all the tools for tots who love to tinker. Toddlers can set up house however they please with the Melissa & Doug Cherry Lane House Play Set, featuring modular rooms, while kids can build an elevated railway centered around a high-tech space lab with the Brio World Space Station Set. Finally, Loops Lab — a customer favorite at Growing Tree Toys and Five Little Monkeys — lets kids create their own songs using strategically placed collectible figures.

Pamela Brill has covered the toy industry for 20-plus years. The former senior/managing editor of Playthings magazine, she serves as an ambassador for the Toy Association’s Genius of Play and writes for numerous national business and lifestyle publications.

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INDUSTRY INSIGHTS – THE FINE PRINT

ADA Website Accessibility Lawsuits: Why Small Retailers, Brands Are Primary Targets For years, ADA compliance meant ramps, doorways and parking spaces. Today it increasingly means your website, and the litigation numbers reflect just how seriously courts are taking that shift.

Plaintiffs filed 3,117 website accessibility lawsuits in federal court in 2025, a 27 percent increase from 2024 and the highest total in three years. Including state court filings, total digital accessibility lawsuits topped 5,000 for the year and e-commerce and retail businesses accounted for approximately 70 percent of all 2025 digital accessibility lawsuits, by far the most targeted industry. For every formal lawsuit, an estimated 35,000 to 50,000 demand letters were sent in 2025 alone, meaning the real volume of legal pressure on businesses is far larger than headline numbers suggest.

Why Small Businesses Are Now the Target

What used to be a concern primarily for large national retailers is now reaching small and mid-size businesses, including boutique stores and independent retailers who never expected their website to become a legal target. Plaintiffs increasingly use automated scanning tools to identify non-compliant sites at scale, then file complaints in volume, which means a small specialty retailer's website is just as easy a target as a national chain's, often easier, since smaller businesses are less likely to have already addressed accessibility gaps.

Generative AI is accelerating this trend further. By 2026, a growing share of demand letters and complaints are being generated with AI assistance, which lowers the cost of bringing claims dramatically and increases the volume of nuisancestyle suits businesses are likely to see.

What Triggers a Claim

The most common violations are strikingly consistent across cases: missing alt text on product images, contact forms that screen readers cannot navigate, color contrast that fails for users with low vision and checkout flows that cannot be completed using a keyboard alone. None of these issues are exotic. They are common, fixable gaps that exist on a large share of small

business websites today.

The legal standard courts apply, even though the ADA itself does not explicitly mention websites, is the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, with WCAG 2.1 or 2.2 Level AA now functioning as the de facto requirement businesses are measured against.

What a Claim Can Cost

Demand letter settlements typically range from $1,000 to $25,000, out-of-court settlements average around $25,000 but can reach $100,000, and court judgments average $75,000.

Even successfully defending a claim with no finding of liability is expensive. Legal defense costs alone typically run $5,000 to $100,000.

One word of caution on a popular but often ineffective fix: accessibility “widget” tools marketed as instant ADA compliance solutions have repeatedly failed to prevent litigation, with roughly 22 percent of 2025 lawsuits targeting websites that already had such widgets installed. The FTC has also taken enforcement action against at least one major widget provider for misleading compliance claims. Installing a plugin is not a substitute for an actual accessibility review.

What to Do Now

The most effective response is a genuine accessibility audit conducted before a demand letter arrives, not after. Most small to mid-sized websites take two to four months to reach full WCAG 2.1 AA conformance through proper audit and remediation work, so starting early matters. If your business already has a demand letter in hand, resist the urge to ignore it or respond informally. These claims rarely go away on their own, and an uncoordinated response can make your legal position worse.

For independent retailers and brands in the gift and home space, website accessibility is no longer a niche legal issue reserved for major national companies. It is one of the fastestgrowing sources of litigation risk facing small businesses today, and addressing it proactively is far less costly than waiting for a demand letter to force the issue.

Zander Brekke is a Georgia-licensed attorney who has sat on both sides of the table — first as a corporate president and in-house counsel in the consumer products industry, now as the founder of A. Brekke Law Group. He represents vendors, brands, retailers and executives navigating the legal and regulatory challenges that come with building and running a consumer products business.

Visit abrekkelawgroup.com for more, or contact Brekke at abrekke@abrekkelawgroup.com.

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INDUSTRY INSIGHTS – BEST AT WORK

Why Your Best Employees Are Losing Their Edge One of the best jobs I ever had was also quietly killing me.

Plush role inside a big company. Gourmet meals all day. The kind of position most people would give a leg for. The people were great, but the org was so deep that my role stayed narrow and shallow. The resources were so good I started leaning on them instead of my own instincts. The work was interesting until the learning curve flattened. After that, it was just something I did between gourmet lunches.

It was a wonderful workplace. It wasn't right for me. I was losing my edge and didn't realize it until I was already dull.

The conversation about modern work is stuck in two camps, and both are wrong.

The hustle camp tells you “This is what people to grind 14-hour days, 10x actually want from your output, and optimize every minute. It produces work. The feeling of big achievements and bigger walking out on Friday burnouts. Deloitte found 77 a little more capable percent of professionals are than they walked in burned out at their current on Monday.” job.

The comfort camp tells you to act your wage, do what's required to keep your job, and prioritize wellness above everything else. It produces low blood pressure and a slow corrosion you don't notice until you can't remember the last time you were proud of something you built. Gallup finds somewhere between a third and half of workers are experiencing "boreout:" chronically under-challenged at work.

If you're not crashing, you're corroding.

Both camps produce people who'd struggle to tell you what they're getting better at. They look like opposites, but they're the same trap.

There's a third thing.

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi called it flow, the state you enter when the challenge in front of you is slightly bigger than what you're sure you can pull off, and your skills are just barely enough to meet it. Time goes elastic. The work pulls you in. You stop watching the clock because the clock stops mattering.

You've been there. You probably weren't trying to be happy when you were. You were trying to figure out the recipe, or the

deck, or the hard conversation. Happiness was the dividend, not the goal. This is what people actually want from work. The feeling of walking out on Friday a little more capable than they walked in on Monday.

So why do most companies keep picking a camp instead of building the third thing? Because the camps are easier to staff and easier to advertise. “We're a high-performance culture” and “we're a wellness-first culture” both fit on a careers page. “We grow people through calibrated stretch” doesn't.

The camps let leaders manage to hours, OKRs, perks, and NPS scores — clean numbers, legible metrics, defensible decisions.

Supported stretch requires a manager who actually knows the person across the desk well enough to hand them a problem sized for who they are, this quarter, this week. That's slow, expensive, and impossible to scale by memo.

The two camps are a shortcut around the hardest part of leadership: paying attention to one specific human.

Early in my career, I was terrified of public speaking. Any speech — two minutes, five people — gave me hives. I'd stress for days and not enjoy a second of the actual moment.

When I realized I couldn't grow without fixing this, I started hunting for stretch on purpose. Toastmasters. One-minute speeches, then five-minute speeches, then impromptu, then persuasive. Supported enough to survive each round. Stretched enough that the next round was always slightly bigger than the one before.

That's the model. Supported stretch. The thing comfort can't give you and grind can't sustain.

The data is telling us something leaders don't want to hear.

Burned out on one side. Bored out on the other. A shrinking middle where people are actually growing.

The fix isn't a new benefits package or a harder performance review cycle. It's harder than that. It's a manager who knows their people well enough to match them to problems that fit. Not too safe, not too crushing.

That's what people are actually asking for when they leave for another job, when they phone it in, when they say they're disengaged. They're not asking for easier. They're asking for the chance to get better. They're asking for interesting challenges that are within their reach.

That's the thing no careers page can advertise. And it's why we keep ducking it.

Jaime Raul Zepeda is EVP, principal consultant for Best Companies Group and COLOR Magazine, part of BridgeTower Media. Best Companies Group can analyze your organization’s health, team dynamics and leadership’s effectiveness. Email Zepeda at jzepeda@bestcompaniesgroup.com.

G I F T S & D E CO R AT I V E ACCE SSO R I ES - A U GU S T 2026 - 31

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS – ROAD REPS

Relationships Built One at a Time After more than 26 years representing CMA, now part of the Ivystone umbrella, Lenice Snedden-Coury has learned that lasting success is rarely built on a single order or sales call. It is built through years of listening, following through, and consistently showing up for retailers. That approach recently earned Snedden-Coury recognition as Sales Rep of the Year for the West at the 75th Retailer Excellence Awards.

Serving retailers throughout Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley, the San Gabriel Valley, and the South Bay, Snedden-Coury credits her career to three words: trust, authenticity and commitment.

“Trust is the foundation of my career,” she said. “My retailers know “Success isn’t built on I have their best interests one visit. It’s built on one at heart.” relationship at a time.”

For Snedden-Coury, being a successful sales representative has never meant simply presenting products and writing orders. Her goal is to become a trusted partner and an extension of each retailer’s business, someone her customers can depend on for honest recommendations, fresh ideas and practical solutions.

Authenticity is equally important. Snedden-Coury believes retailers can quickly recognize whether a representative is genuinely invested in their success or simply trying to make a sale. She takes time to listen, learn about each store, and understand the customers it serves. “I want them to know I’m invested in their success,” she said, “not feel that I am there just to sell them something.”

Her third defining word, committed, reflects the consistency needed to build a successful territory. Commitment means making cold calls, following through on promises, solving problems, and supporting retailers year after year. “Success isn’t built on one visit,” she said. “It’s built on one relationship at a time.”

Someone shadowing Snedden-Coury for a day might be surprised by the variety in her work. Every store is different, and every visit requires a different approach. She may review inventory, refresh a display, offer merchandising ideas, help resolve a challenge, or plan for the upcoming holiday season.

“A road rep wears many hats,” she said. “We’re merchandisers, problem solvers, trend forecasters, and trusted advisors.”

That versatility challenges one of the biggest misconceptions about independent sales representatives: that they are merely

Lenice Snedden-Coury at the 2026 REA gala.

order takers. Snedden-Coury views a great rep as a true business partner who helps retailers manage inventory, prepare for seasonal opportunities, and make thoughtful purchasing decisions.

Her willingness to help extends beyond her customers.

Colleagues describe Snedden-Coury as the first to respond when a customer, vendor or fellow representative has a question. She freely shares her organizational expertise, including practical advice that helps newer representatives become better prepared and road-ready.

She continues to evolve. Snedden-Coury has embraced emerging tools, including artificial intelligence, to improve her organization, sharpen her communication, and work more efficiently.

Her resilience was especially evident during a challenging year when many accounts in her territory were affected by wildfires. Rather than let those circumstances slow her momentum, she continued to support her retailers, embraced new product lines, and approached each responsibility with her trademark can-do attitude.

One of the habits that has contributed most to her success is cold calling. She makes it a priority to introduce herself to new retailers, recognizing that communities grow, businesses change, and new lines create fresh opportunities. Every established customer, she notes, was once a cold call or simple introduction. In an industry centered on products, Snedden-Coury’s career is a reminder that people remain at the heart of every successful sale.

Angela Schmook is the vice president of operations and marketing at Road Runners, and the co-founder of Reps Are Local Too, an organization dedicated to supporting independent sales representatives. With a passion for strengthening relationships between reps, retailers and brands, Schmook advocates for the vital role local sales reps play in helping businesses thrive.

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INDUSTRY INSIGHTS – IT ALL ADDS UP

49%

of consumers use a mix of online research and flexible shopping channels when

PURCHASING NEW JEWELRY. Source: Theo Grace, “2026 Jewelry Trends Report”

BY THE NUMBERS

FASHION

No matter the trend, fashion has long been an expressive outlet for consumers.

These days, it’s bold, chunky and layered vibes that are helping consumers live out loud. “Customers are definitely being more considered with purchases, but they are still investing in pieces that feel emotionally driven and special,” Maddy Sangster, founder of Heavenly London, told Forbes. As they look to customize their look, consumers are more often mixing metals, stacking necklaces and more to create unique combinations. Florals are also having a moment as consumers seek out statement sculptural pieces with large petal motifs and blooms.

Types of accessories consumers are most likely to buy in a gift store/fashion boutique 46%

Apparel Handbags/totes/wallets

38%

Fashion jewelry

38%

Socks

38%

Sunglasses

33%

Sandals/shoes

31%

Hats

28%

Scarf

27%

Slippers

25%

Hairband/clips/hair accessories

20%

Belts

18% 14%

Wrap Reading glasses

Occasion for which a consumer is most likely to shop for fashion accessories at a gift boutique

8%

21% 42%

66%

of consumers prefer sterling silver/ white gold finishes for

37%

52%

jewelry, while opt for yellow gold.

Source: Strategic Insights, 2025 Gifts & Decorative Accessories Study

Preparing for a trip/vacation As a "just because" pick-me-up As a gift Source: Strategic Insights, 2025 Gifts & Decorative Accessories Study

Source: Strategic Insights, 2025 Gifts & Decorative Accessories Study

G I F T S & D E CO R AT I V E ACCE SSO R I ES - A U GU S T 2026 - 33

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Best Of Show PORCELAIN ESSENTIAL OIL DIFFUSER GIFT ET

This delightful set features two charming porcelain ornament diffusers: a beautifully crafted Christmas tree and a twinkling star, both designed to enhance your seasonal ambiance.

EVERYDAY BASICS ESSENTIAL OIL GIFT SET

Discover the Fall 2026 Airomé Collection, where cozy fragrances, modern designs, and pure essential oils come together to create warm, inviting spaces and elevate your everyday aromatherapy experience. www.airome.com 801-771-8650

2025

Start a solid aromatherapy foundation with these everyday essential oil basics. Includes: Eucalyptus, Lavender, Lemongrass, Orange, Peppermint, and Tea Tree.

Airome Best Diffusers & Best Fragrance Oils Supplier

CACTUS USB ULTRASONIC ESSENTIAL OIL DIFFUSER

Featuring a soft celadon green glaze and embossed cactusinspired details, this stylish diffuser effortlessly enhances any room’s aesthetic.

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ROSETTE PORCELAIN ESSENTIAL OIL DIFFUSER

Featuring a delicately sculpted porcelain flower resting on a fluted glass base, this diffuser adds timeless charm and subtle texture to any room.

WHITE CANDLE MEDIUM ULTRASONIC DIFFUSER

Featuring a matte white fluted exterior and realistic flameinspired light effect, it delivers the warm glow of a candle without an open flame.

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Best Of Show 2025

Introducing our Fall 2026 launch, featuring our bestselling WallScents™ collection, seasonal fragrances, and beautifully designed home fragrance products that bring warmth to every space. www.candlewarmers.com 801-771-8650

Candle Warmers Best Warmer Melts Supplier

AMBER SHERE CANDLE WARMER LAMP

A rich amber glass shade, brushed gold adjustable stem, and warm wood-toned base combine for a modern design with vintageinspired charm.

WALLSCENTS™ FRAGRANCE PLUGGABLES

Our WallScents™ pluggables offer a clean, consistent experience, warming scented oil to maximize fragrance throw.

BLACK FLUTED GLASS VINTAGE BULB ILLUMINATION™ WARMER Featuring ribbed, smoked black glass paired with a brushed gold base, this warmer brings modern sophistication and dramatic contrast to any room.

BEADED CLOUD ILLUMINAIRE SMALL FAN FRAGRANCE WARMER

2.5 OZ. CLASSIC WAX MELTS

Our 2.5 oz. Classic Wax Melts blend fine fragrances with natural ingredients to create a clean, no-flame sensory experience with no soot and no smoke.

This warmer melts your scented wax while the patented fan circulates a fragrant breeze, filling any room faster than traditional candle warmers and candles.

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Best Of Show Bukowski Bears is a family-owned, multi-generational Swedish company creating timeless plush toys using the highest quality materials, thoughtfully crafted to be exceptionally soft and cuddly.

818-860-1610 www.bukowskibears.com

NOBODY IS PERFECT

MOUSY PUMPKIN

TUSK ZIGGY DRAGON

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HAPPY MAVI BAG CHARM XL

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Best Of Show www.247DM.com 800-548-6784

KICKPOD™ PRO FOOTBAGS

CHARM COLLECTIVE™ BRACELETS - STADIUM CHARMS

CRUSH® ON A TEAR NAIL FILES

GOOLALA™ SQUISHIES SENSORY TOYS

LEMON LAVENDER® COLD SHOULDER NECK WRAP

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Best Of Show Harvest House Gift & Specialty Books

Beautifully designed, inspirational books celebrating faith, family, friendship, and home— perfect for gifting throughout the year.

GOD LOVES ME FROM A-Z

A joyful alphabet book that introduces children to God’s love.

BUMBLE TEA

A charming friendship story filled with tea, treats, and woodland whimsy.

888-501-0160 harvesthousepublishers.faire.com

LET’S SPOT BIBLE STORIES

Colorful foldout scenes turn favorite Bible stories into seek-and-find fun.

THE TWELVE TEAS OF CHRISTMAS Twelve festive tea parties filled with recipes, traditions, and Christmas charm.

Discover giftable books your customers will love.

Shop Harvest House on Faire. harvesthousepublishers.faire.com | 888-501-016 THE GOOD NEWS OF CHRISTMAS

A lyrical, beautifully illustrated retelling of the birth of Jesus.

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Or Visit One of Our Showrooms: Atlanta — The Butler Group Dallas — Keith Smith Minneapolis — Next Step Midwest

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Best Of Show Another record-setting show season for the #1 brand in heatable plush toys, wellness gifts and baby and toddler apparel. Warmies continues to be one of the hottest selling brands in the gift industry. www.warmies.com sales@warmies.com 1-844-WARMIES (927-6437)

BLACK & WHITE COW STROLLER SUIT

GOAT LONG PAJAMAS & GOAT CREW SOCK SET

GOLDEN DOG WORLD TOUR WARMIES

CANDY CANE HELLO KITTY WARMIES & CANDY CANE POMPOMPURIN WARMIES

ELMO WARMIES & COOKIE MONSTER WARMIES

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Best Of Show 800-869-1105 info@kikkerland.com

SARDINES CRAYONS IN A TIN

BIRD 3D PAPER PUZZLES

FROGGY CABLE TIES

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BACKYARD ANIMAL SQUEEZE PALS

HEDGEHOG PUNCH NEEDLE KIT

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Best Of Show The premier collection of exclusive blown-glass, hand-painted ornaments.

Call us to become a dealer in your area. www.oldworldchristmas.com 800-962-7669

2025

2025

36371 TIN WOODMAN

36373 COWARDLY LION Old World Christmas

Old World Christmas

Best Christmas Ornament Supplier

Best Christmas Card Supplier

32752 THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ BOOK

36372 SCARECROW

26106 THE GREEN WITCH'S HAT

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Best Of Show

CREATIVE FUN KIT!

480 Wikki Stix to use with everyday items!

TAKE ALONG FUN & DOODLER

Unique products for Fun & Learning!

Hands-on, reusable, mistake-free fun for ages 4 and up. Wholly Made in the USA!

The perfect, quiet backseat travel toy in two sizes.

1-800-869-4554 www.wikkistix.com

CHRISTMAS ACTIVITY BOOK

SUPER WIKKI STIX

25 holiday activities and 36 Wikki Stix to use.

Three-foot long Wikki Stix for super creativity!

ANIMAL FUN TRIO

Hands-on fun with Fun Facts on each.

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Best Of Show

LEAVE NOTHING BUT FOOTPRINTS BASEBALL CAP (123012) Giftable hats for everyone!

Shop a variety of lifestyle inspired designs embroidered with every detail of the original hand illustrations.

DOG HAIR SPATULA (108386)

LOL gifts are made for everyday and seasonal moments with designs celebrating people, pets, holidays, hobbies, and more. Each playful design is inspired by what brings joy to our lives as well as how to laugh about everything else.

Double-sided silicone spatulas displaying fun hand illustrated designs made for the pet obsessed. Great for gifting!

primitivesbykathy.com 866-295-2849 custserv@primitivesbykathy.com

POOPS I DID IT AGAIN BABY SOCK SET (122376)

SILLY GOOSE FASHION ACCESSORIES (120395 & 124336)

Two pairs of cozy socks in a giftable set sized to fit 0-12 month baby. A fun gift for baby showers or everyday moments!

Matching socks and beanies displaying delightful hand illustrations perfect for selfexpression as well as gifting to a favorite silly goose.

FOWL LANGUAGE SWEDISH DISHCLOTH SET (120394) Fun homestead inspired hand illustrations on reusable dishcloths perfect for replacing dull sponges and paper towels with long-lasting colorful designs.

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Best Of Show

Complete your holiday gatherings with charming ceramic coasters.

Celebrate the season with handcrafted Christmas and winter décor designed to delight every customer. From cozy farmhouse accents to timeless holiday favorites, these USA-made pieces bring warmth, joy, and festive charm to every space. sinceresurroundings.com 712-472-2290

Celebrate the season with cozy holiday accents.

Make your kitchen merry with Christmas tea towels.

Create a cozy Christmas home with festive wall art.

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Cozy Christmas memories start with the perfect candle.

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Best Of Show

Our playful goose themed Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas long sleeve tee is the perfect conversation starter and a must have for anyone who loves celebrating all the holidays from October to December.

At Simply Southern, every collection begins with a simple goal: creating products that bring a little more joy to everyday life. Whether it's a comfortable tee, a favorite accessory, or a seasonal must-have, we strive to combine quality, comfort, and style in a way that resonates with our customers. As trends continue to evolve, our focus remains the same—delivering products that inspire confidence, celebrate life's moments, and reflect the spirit of the communities we serve. www.simplysouthern.com/wholesale 336-274-7889 2025

2025

2025

2025

Simply Southern

Simply Southern

Simply Southern

Simply Southern

Best Hair Accessories Supplier

Best Men's Gift Supplier

Best Pajamas/Loungewear Supplier

Best Women's Apparel Supplier

Add a pop of color to any wardrobe with this vibrant oversized Simply crewneck from our Simply For Good collection, featuring a bold collegiate-inspired graphic with playful polka dot details. Its relaxed fit makes it an effortless everyday favorite that's easy to dress up or down for any season.

Celebrate the season in cozy style with this festive oversized mockneck sweatshirt, featuring bold plaid "Christmas Crew" lettering that's perfect for holiday gatherings and winter traditions. This one-size style offers a comfortable, relaxed fit, making it a great gift for anyone.

Roll through every adventure in style with this quilted rolling tote, designed to combine effortless mobility, spacious storage, and timeless everyday elegance.

The bag combines the functionality of rolling luggage with the versatility of a tote, making it ideal for weekend trips, airports, work, or everyday travel.

Welcome sweater weather in style with this cozy crewneck sweatshirt, featuring a beautifully illustrated pumpkin accented by a chic bow for the perfect blend of rustic charm and feminine flair.

It's an effortless fall favorite.

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Best Of Show All the New! snoozies!® fall 2026 – Our most exciting & innovative introduction yet! www.snoozies.com 252-650-7000 2025

snoozies!

Best Slippers Supplier

NEW MINI EMBROIDERIES

WHIMSY COLLECTION

12 designs available!

5 unique designs in hard soled styling.

STASHIES! BY snoozies!®

10 unique embroidered pouch designs. Get your STUFF organized!

LACED UP TOGGLE

New hard sole slipper shoe.

Available in 7 colors!

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ON THE FLY!

New hard sole style.

Available in 7 colors!

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Best Of Show

“Stuff That Makes You Smile – Since 1973.”

ROSE GARDEN FAIRY VASE, SKU 80306

19”H x 6.5”W x 7”D. 10 lbs.

Brass.

For over 50 years, SPI Home & Garden has offered unique décor to customers worldwide. We create whimsical and functional items that are sure to delight! www.spi-home.com 800-223-4438

DUCK OF DISTINCTION DESK LAMP, SKU 48174

17”H x 6.5”W x 6”D. 4.5 lbs.

Resin. E12 light bulb not included.

ART GLASS ORANGE STRIPED MINI CAT, SKU 76201

3”H x 5”W x 3”D. 1.5lbs. Glass.

SOPHISTICATED FROG COUPLE SHELF SITTERS, SKU 33712 9.5”H x 5”W x 4.5”D. Aluminum.

BEAR ON TREE CLOCK, SKU 33394 8.5” H x 8.5”W x 3.5”D. 1lbs.

Aluminum.

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Best Of Show For more than 50 years, Spoontiques has been an industry leader in the wholesale gift, garden, home décor and seasonal business. Our goal is to create high-quality products that are fun, functional and on-trend with great price points and quick sell through. www.spoontiques.com 800-225-5826 service@spoontiques.com RUBBER DUCK COLLECTION SRP: $15.99 - $35.99

KEEPSAKE ORNAMENTS SRP: $8.99

GOOSE COLLECTION

SRP: $22.99 - $24.99

PEANUTS COLLECTION SRP: $12.99 - $34.99

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FOR THE HOME

SRP: $12.99 - $26.99

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Best Of Show THE ELEMENTS COLLECTION

Nature’s balance captured in tone and design. Tuned to reflect the spirit of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water, and to bring the resonance of nature into everyday life.

Celebrate milestones, enjoy mindful moments, and find comfort in your everyday life. All Wind River chimes are handcrafted in Virginia to inspire harmony with each note. www.windriverchimes.com 800-345-2530

LAND OF THE FREE CHIMES Created in honor of the 250th anniversary of the United States the Land of the Free™ chime transforms a well-known melody into an experience shaped by the wind.

CHIMEOUT

Protect chimes from damage caused by extreme weather with these chime silencers.

CORINTHIAN BELLS ORIGINAL Corinthian Bells Orginals remain our bestselling chime and customer favorite. Handcrafted in Virginia by the artisans at Wind River.

MEDITATION CHIMES

Find a moment to breathe, relax and reset with a Wind River meditation chime. Moments of calm when you need them.

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NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN! The Gifts & Decorative Accessories Reader Ranking Awards celebrate and recognize the best of the best in our industry, as nominated and voted for by YOU! Nominations are now open and we invite you to recognize your favorite companies across multiple gift categories.

The companies that receive the most nominations will move on to the next round.

Recognize Your Favorites Today!

Vote Today!

Nominations taken through August 24, 2026 www.giftsanddec.com/reader-rankings-2026

TRENDING GIFTS CANDLES | BATH & BODY | FASHION | HOLIDAY | GIFTABLES | HOME | GOURMET | STATIONERY | KIDS

Keeps drinks cold and hands dry

Large size fits cups 22-24 ounces

SIPPING IN STYLE

by Amanda Erd

Handwashable material for easy cleaning

The #WaterTok trend on TikTok sent everyone into a tizzy over having the latest, most stylish water bottles and tumbler cups, and the gift industry answered the need in kind. The hype for hydration led to a dizzying array of cute but functional ways to transport H2O. Some consumers, though, live for their daily coffees and iced refreshers; thanks to the Darling Effect’s handy drink sleeves, they no longer have to sacrifice personal style either.

Designed to keep iced drinks cold and eliminate “sweaty cups” from condensation, Sip Savvy Drink Sleeves come in two sizes — regular and large. The large is the most popular size, holding 22-24-ounce cups. It perfectly fits Venti sized drinks from Starbucks

and medium sized drinks from Dunkin’. The regular sleeve fits drinks 16-18 ounces in size. Each sleeve is made of a flexible neoprene with a no-slip grip.

The different patterns make for great gifting opportunities, allowing users to have one for every occasion. There are seasonal options like ghosts and pumpkins, along with Santa and candy canes, and several popular motifs like bows, dogs and stripes. The one pictured here, named “School’s in Session,” is great for teachers!

Sip Savvy Drink Sleeve. The Darling Effect. thedarlingeffect.com

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TRENDING GIFTS – FEATURE Pink Picasso makes several paint-by-number kits.

DIY CRAFTING

Takes Hold at Retail All-in-one art kits are trending for all ages and abilities.

by Pamela Brill

At Apothecary Gift Shop in Holland, Mich., DIY craft kits are a hit with shoppers across the board. “It’s a creative, relaxing, and screen-free activity [that] appeals to a variety of ages and skill levels,” said store manager Jen Foley. “It’s also a great family or group of friends activity.”

From crocheting to cross stitching, paint by number to coloring by design, make-your-own projects have become a popular pastime with purpose. According to the 2026 Michaels Creativity Trend Report, craft-making is no longer just a hobby, but a way of destressing via a variety of options. In fact, online searches for analog activities like knitting, crocheting, embroidery, and painting have increased by a whopping 136 percent over the past six months.

But rather than stocking only standalone craft supplies, retailers-in-the-know are populating their stores with all-in-one craft kits and mini project sets. “Historically, crafting asked a lot of you before you’ve made a single stitch: sourcing materials, interpreting a pattern, trusting you’ve purchased the right quantities,” said Nakisah Williams, founder of Craft Club and author of the forthcoming Craft Club Yarn (Hardie Grant Books; September). “That’s a lot of setup for someone who is already inexperienced … if we can deliver everything curated, prepared, and ready to go, the barrier becomes almost zero. The category has been innovating in that direction.”

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Here’s how companies like Craft Club and others are responding to the DIY trend.

Closely Knit

With colorful spools of yarn at their fingertips and the satisfying click of needles working their magic, knitters are engaging in a form of self-care that is both soothing and restorative.

“The combination of a repetitive, meditative new hobby and an instant community — both online and in person — makes learning to knit or crochet a positive ‘addiction,’” said Kari Capone, owner of The Spinning Hand.

Her company’s learn-to-knit kits have garnered attention for their easy-to-follow patterns and high-quality materials. Capone describes her skill level-based kit series as taking customers “from zero to sweater” and provides step-by-step tutorials via videos and a printable e-book.

With an eye toward emerging knitting trends, The Spinning Hand will focus on layered textures, including fuzzy, even weave, and boucle, this fall and winter. Available for the holidays is the Log Cabin Tote knitting kit, featuring five colors of alpaca tweed yarn and a cotton muslin tote. Capone is also excited about her new Cable Scarf knitting kit, which contains a wool-cashmere blend yarn and “muted colors that pay homage to this season’s dark academia trend.”

Learn to Knit Series Log Cabin Tote.

The Spinning Hand. thespinninghand.com

San Francisco Cross Stitch Kit. The Cloud Factory. thecloudfactory.store

Cross-Generational

What was once considered old-school crafting has since gained traction with the latest generation. Crocheting and crossstitching are the focus of DIY kits from The Cloud Factory, whose owner Annie Zhang creates designs that speak directly to her clientele. “I try to create fun and interesting patterns that I, as a millennial, would like to make,” she said. “I like to design patterns that make references to memes, pop culture, and nostalgic games or TV shows.” Some of the latest motifs include Zhan Corgi Butt, La Croix, and Stardew Valley.

Design styles aside, Zhang believes the allure of DIY craft kits is appreciated by both beginners as an easy entry point and seasoned stitchers for the convenience factor. “If you’re going on a long drive or on vacation, having a craft project packaged in a neat, little box is very practical,” she said.

The Cloud Factory cross-stitch kits contain an introductory pamphlet with step-by-step instructions, along with the featured pattern. Supplemental educational videos on YouTube and TikTok allow crafters to learn at their own pace, with the mission “to make cross-stitch feel approachable, even for someone who has never picked up a needle before,” Zhang said.

To appeal to her retail customers, Zhang partners on exclusive kit collaborations inspired by their neighborhoods, towns and cities. “One of my favorite parts of this process has been hearing from shop owners about what makes their communities special and finding ways to capture references in a design,” she said. Next up the drawing board are projects that go beyond traditional decorative hoops, including tote bags, makeup pouches, and bookmarks.

Color Their World

Paint-by-number kits have long been a staple of children’s arts and crafts, but with the advent of designs aimed at more mature artists, adults are now getting in on the DIY painting party. Pink Picasso Kits has enhanced its all-in-one line for kids with an extensive assortment for grown-ups.

“We are always innovating through original art,” said owner Ashley Silfies. “[It] gives us a space in the paint-by-numbers world that is our very own.” Popular themes include Flower Market, Self-Care, and Colorful Destinations and are available as bundles for painting with friends.

Assorted kits range in size from 8x10 — Silfies describes them as “bright, fun and easy for someone that has less time in their season of life, yet enjoys the adventure of painting something in

Banner by Number Kit. Pink Picasso Kits. pinkpicassokits.com

a group setting or by themselves” — to 16 x 20 sets that provide more extensive painting opportunities. New this year are Pink Picasso’s Banner by Number kits, which is helping to expand the brand beyond quiet crafting and into celebrations.

From painting to coloring, consumers are reserving time to get creative, if only in short bursts. Companies like A Brighter Year are embracing those opportunities with bite-sized projects, minus the learning curve. Mini coloring books, packaged as bundles or standalone products, offer a reprieve from the workday hustle and double as desktop décor. “Our mini coloring book are designed to be finished in 3-5 minutes, so you still get that calm, creative reset without the overwhelm,” said founder and CEO Shanti Grossman. “We’re seeing more and more people gravitate toward that kind of low-pressure activity, where you don’t have to carve out hours just to feel like you accomplished something.”

Core customers are women ages 24-54, with young kids and older adults rounding out the mix. Grossman is heartened by other audiences that are finding favor with her coloring books.

Bold, thick lines are a draw for those with low vision, limited motor skills, or those suffering from Alzheimer’s or cognitive decline.

For Q4 2026 and beyond, A Brighter Year will release new designs for its Color by Day Advent Calendar and expand its monthly releases with new themes, such as cats and crafts and Greek mythology. By the end of 2027, more than 75 different mini coloring books will be available at retail, along with stationery and other accessories.

Also focusing on the miniature maker movement is Tiny Easel, a brand of pint-sized DIY projects that are designed to be easily approachable. “Consumers want high-quality materials, beautiful designs, and projects that feel elevated, but they also want simplicity,” said founder Jennifer Nolley. “My goal has always been to take away the intimidation factor of art and create products that allow anyone — regardless of skill level — to experience the joy of creating.”

Tiny Easel specializes in pre-designed canvases in curated themes inspired by nature, travel, and well-known artists.

While originally making kits for young children, Folley has been humbled by the expansion of her audience, with products that now cater to adults “who are rediscovering creativity,” she said. Noteworthy selections include a Scenic Sunset Art Kit and Baltimore Art Box, the latter of which pays tribute to Folley’s home base. Also in the works are glow-in-the-dark art kits and other products designed to make watercolors more interactive.

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TRENDING GIFTS – FEATURE

Patch Remix Trucker Hat Kit. Very Marie. verymarie.com

I Made it All by Myself

Creativity for Kids Make Your Own Latch N’ Patch Fuzzy Stickers. Faber-Castell USA. fabercastell.com

Designing DIY craft kits for kids has a universal agenda: make it simple and make it fun. This approach is not only essential for end users, but for the parents and grandparents who are buying them for kids of all ages. According to the 2026 Gift Book Consumer Survey, 38 percent of consumers planned to buy craft kits for grade schoolers and tweens, followed by toddlers/ preschoolers at 25 percent and teens at 24 percent. With so many other products competing for kids’ attention, designers must find innovative ways to stand out.

For Very Marie, a relative newcomer to the kids’ craft space, eschewing traditional crafts in favor of fashion and lifestyle trends has become the company’s mantra.

“There are so many companies doing fiber crafts and paint-bynumber kits, so we try to stay away from mainstream trends and create our own unique interpretation,” said co-founder Colleen Elliott. She points to the company’s Patch Remix Trucker Hat Kit as an independent project that ups the fun factor. “Instead of requiring an adult to iron on patches, we designed patches with a hook-and-loop backing, allowing kids to create a fun hat that matches their personality,” she explained.

Very Marie kits are targeted at girls ages 8-12 and include illustrated instructions. Video tutorials, tips and project ideas comprise the online resources that support young crafters.

Ensuring follow-through on a project is also the focus of FabelCastell USA and its Creativity for Kids brand. Among Creativity for Kids’ latest offerings is a kit that taps into the latch-hooking trend. As Williams outlines in Craft Club Yarn, the repetitive technique of the feedback loop creates a satisfying experience.

“Once you’ve got the rhythm, it becomes meditative and you can look up after an hour and see something beautiful taking shape in front of you,” she said.

To make this activity more kid-friendly, the company produced Make Your Own Latch N’ Patch Fuzzy Stickers. “Rather than adapting an adult craft, we redesigned the experience to be faster, more approachable, and more rewarding for children,” said CEO Scott Flynn. Using printed canvas and colorful yarn, the DIY kit lets kids create five mini fuzzy patches for personalizing notebooks, backpacks and pencil cases.

Kits come with step-by-step instructions, while QR-enabled resources and online videos offer additional support. “We intentionally remove unnecessary complexity, so kids can focus 5 6 - G IFT S & DEC OR ATI V E AC C ESS ORIE S - A U GU S T 2026

STMT D.I.Y. Crochet Bag Charms.

Horizon Group USA. horizongroupusa.com

on creating, building confidence, and enjoying the process from start to finish,” he said.

Personalized crafting is at the heart of the Horizon Group USA, whose latest products marry conventional projects with modern styling. “We’re seeing tremendous interest in crafts that combine traditional techniques with contemporary aesthetics and a continued demand for crafts that encourage customization,” said Grant Gie, VP of international sales and licensing. He points to the company’s STMT D.I.Y. Crochet Bag Charms that include high-end supplies, fashion-focused color palettes, and projects that come from social media-influenced trends.

Providing extensive support for crafters is key to delivering a comprehensive product. Not only does each kit contain detailed instructions for all skill levels, the Horizon-owned website craftprojectideas.com serves as an additional online resource with ancillary projects and activities. “Our beginnerfriendly approach drives our product development and reflects our commitment to make creativity accessible, encouraging exploration, and inspiring individuality,” Gie said.

Crafts That Sell Themselves

It’s no surprise that sales of DIY craft kits get a boost when finished products are displayed alongside unboxed kits. To encourage their customers to take advantage of this opportunity, many craft suppliers offer special promotions to make them a no-brainer. Very Marie credits back the cost of one kit with the purchase of two or more cases, while Tiny Easel offers a demo art kit for store employees to paint themselves and showcase.

“Shoppers in the specialty retail space are buying an outcome — not raw materials — and seeing a beautifully finished piece is what triggers the ‘I want to make that’ response,” said Williams.

Since she acknowledges that not all stores have the necessary space, she recommends displaying photos of the completed DIY kit at home, along with QR codes that include the actual techniques used.

It also pays to merchandise like-minded products to provide a complete picture, such as positioning a craft book with related project materials. “If you’re selling DIY kits that can be crafted with friends, bundle them a ‘crafternoon’ experience: cocktail mix, napkins, and kits combined,” she offered. “For retailers wanting to engage new crafters, shifting the category away from walls of individual skeins towards curated, project-focused kits will see a real conversion lift.”

TRENDING GIFTS – STATIONERY

STANDOUT

STATIONERY

by Amanda Erd

From journals wrapped in luxe fabrics to beautifully illustrated greeting cards and heartfelt thank-you notes, today’s stationery is anything but ordinary. These paper goods have evolved from everyday essentials into thoughtful gifts that encourage shoppers to slow down, celebrate life’s moments and express themselves in meaningful ways. That’s good news for retailers looking to add fresh, high-margin products that are as giftable as they are practical. Stationery is having a major moment — in fact, the global stationery products market is projected to increase from $173.9 billion in 2026 to $268.1 billion by 2034, according to Fortune Business Insights.

Whether your customers are searching for a keepsake journal for themselves, a card that says exactly the right thing or a stylish way to send a handwritten note, the latest collections offer something for everyone. Turn the page to discover stationery finds that can help your paper goods section leave a lasting impression.

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TRENDING GIFTS – STATIONERY 1.

Gemma Embroidered Sketchbook. Rifle Paper Co. riflepaperco.com

2.

Paisley Quilted Journal. Rifle Paper Co. riflepaperco.com

3.

Take Note Pen + Pad Set. Snifty. sniftypen.com

4.

Gold Foil Prayer Journal. Mary Square. marysquare.com

5.

Fabric Bound Journal. Graphique de France. graphiquedefrance.com

6.

Jumbo Velvet Zodiac Journal. Designworks Ink. designworksink.com

1

2

4

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3

5

6

7.

Scalloped To Do List Pad. Mary Square. marysquare.com

8.

Gem Pen — Black Gold Polka Dots. Creative Brands. cb-gift.com

9.

Pressed Flowers Greeting Cards. Sunnie Lane. sunnielane.com

7

10. Luna Moths Fold-Out Greeting Card Box Set. 1 Canoe 2. inkedbrands.com 11. Vida Notebook. Consuela. consuelastyle.com 12. Tea Time Boxed Notecards. Lang. cmagifts.com/brands-lang-brands

8

9

11

12

10

G I F T S & D E CO R AT I V E ACCE SSO R I ES - A U GU S T 2026 - 59

TRENDING GIFTS – STATIONERY 1.

Sugar Sprinkles Cherry on Top Note Card Set. Studio Oh. studiooh.com

2.

Gel Pen Set. Rifle Paper Co. riflepaperco.com

3.

Portofino Cucina Recipe Journal. Lang. cmagifts.com/brands-lang-brands

4.

Daydream Cake Letterpress Mini Notes Card. Elum Designs. elumdesigns.com

5.

Mix-n-Match Gift Bag Collection. Elum Designs. elumdesigns.com

6.

Gold and Cream Thank You Notes. Peter Pauper Press. peterpauper.com

1

2

3

4

5 6

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TRENDING GIFTS – SEASONAL

COZYING UP TO

WINTER VIBES

by Lenise Willis

Though it’s sad to say goodbye to bright summer days, most consumers appreciate the soft, cozy aesthetic that has become synonymous with winter. After this year’s record-setting heat waves, the colder months — and all the snuggly items and warm, delicious concoctions that come with them — are sure to be a welcome respite.

From plush faux-fur blankets and robes to hot toddy mixes, these products are giving “cozy” for winter. A comforting display of warm goodies will make it easier for shoppers to not only make it through the chilly season but truly enjoy it.

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TRENDING GIFTS – SEASONAL 1

2

5

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1.

Bow blanket. Mary Square. marysquare.com

2.

Scarf and Teddy Mittens. Katie Loxton. wholesale.katieloxton.com

3.

Slippers with chain detail. Charlie Paige. giftcraft.com

4.

FabFuzz Bear. Mary Meyer. marymeyer.com

5.

Japanese Fairy Bird warmable plush. Warmies. wholesale.warmies.com

6.

Beary Cozy Hot Chocolate Cocoa Mix. Too Good Gourmet. toogoodgourmet.com

7.

On-the-Go Quilted Blanket. The Darling Effect. thedarlingeffect.com

3

4

6

7

9 8.

Blanket Stitch Knit Bandana in Navy & Denim. Winton + Waits. wintonandwaits.com

9.

Cashmere Bandana in Cream & Camel. Winton + Waits. wintonandwaits.com

8

10. Sherpa Bag. Soruka. us.soruka.com 11. Aspen Earmuffs in Cream. Britt’s Knits.

247dm.com 12. Calista Plaid Bow Cloche Hat in Chocolate Plaid. Howard’s. howardsinc.com 13. Hot Toddy and Irish Coffee mixes. Noble Mick’s. noblemicks.com

10

14. Winter hat. Katie Loxton. wholesale.katieloxton.com

11

15. Luxe loungewear set in slate. Amanda Blu. wholesale.amandablu.com 16. Cozy stretch blanket in ivory. Amanda Blu. wholesale.amandablu.com 17. Cozy lounge set. Charlie Paige. giftcraft.com

12

13

15

16

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G I F T S & D E CO R AT I V E ACCE SSO R I ES - A U GU S T 2026 - 63

TRENDING GIFTS – SEASONAL 1

2

4

1.

Apple Cider K’Tails. Lieutenant Blender. wholesale.ltblender.com

2.

Book Lover Blanket. Pavilion Gift. wholesale.paviliongift.com

3.

Fireside Faux Fur Slippers in Pink and Cream. Snoozies. snoozies.com

4.

Pink gloves with faux fur detail. Howard’s. howardsinc.com

5.

Wrapped in Love wearable faux-fur blanket. Pavilion Gift. wholesale.paviliongift.com

6.

Taupe Leopard Socks. Amanda Blu. wholesale.amandablu.com

7.

Mulled Wine hot cocktail mix. D’Marie. dmarieinc.com

8.

Irish Coffee K’Tails. Lieutenant Blender. wholesale.ltblender.com

9.

Faux-fur trimmed winter hat and gloves. Howard’s. howardsinc.com

5

6

3

7

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8

9

TRENDING GIFTS – STYLE PULSE

BASKET

CASES

by Amanda Erd

Grouping goodies together in a gift basket elevates everyday products into something extra special.

Whether built around a holiday, hobby or theme like self-care, book nerd or gourmet treats, a thoughtfully curated assortment not only appeals to a wide array of shoppers and intended recipients, but encourages add-on sales, too.

For independent retailers, gift baskets present a unique merchandising opportunity to pull related products together and either make a larger sale or offload a few low sellers by pairing them with bestsellers. Browse the next couple of pages for options in both giftable vessels and products worthy of filling them.

G I F T S & D E CO R AT I V E ACCE SSO R I ES - A U GU S T 2026 - 65

TRENDING GIFTS – STYLE PULSE

Versatile Vessels

Whether it’s a single-use themed box or a reusable tote, the vessel is the foundation of every gift bundle.

Here are a few options, plus some trimmings.

2

1

1.

Taffy Pull Large Gift Bag. Scout Bags. scoutbags.com

2.

Multi Harvest Block Print Tote. Mud Pie. wholesale.mudpie.com

3.

Holiday canvas totes. Mary Square. marysquare.com

4.

Luxe Ribbon. The Gift Wrap Company. thegiftwrapcompany.cb-gift.com

5.

Hyacinth Tubs. Willow Group. willowgroupltd.com

6.

Birthday Candle Basket Box. Nashville Wraps. nashvillewraps.com

7.

Color Block Basket Box. Nashville Wraps. nashvillewraps.com

3

4

5

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6

7

Goody Overflow

1

No matter the theme or reason for the gift basket, there is no shortage of handy items to tuck inside them.

1.

Birthday Confetti Cake Lip Balm. Poppy & Pout. wholesale.poppyandpout.com

2.

Birthday 3D Socks. Living Royal. livingroyal.com

3.

Anything is Possible Charm Bracelet. A Littles & Co. wholesale.alittlesandco.com

4.

Gourmet Skillet Cookie and Brownie sets. Too Good Gourmet. toogoodgourmet.com

5.

Get Well Soon Pro phone holder accessory. LoveHandle. lovehandle.com

6.

Get Well Soon Beaded Coin Pouch. La Chic Designs. lachicdesigns.com

7.

Stud Earrings Set. Splendid Iris. splendidiris.com

8.

Hand creams. Yuzu. yuzusoap.com

9.

Bee Happy Pen. Seltzer Goods. seltzergoods.com

4

7

3

2

5

8

6

9

G I F T S & D E CO R AT I V E ACCE SSO R I ES - A U GU S T 2026 - 67

TRENDING GIFTS

AMERICAN MADE Margo Gianos was just 12 years old when she started her own lip balm brand. Though her first customers were her middle-school classmates, with the support and encouragement of her mom, her company has grown over the last 14 years to include a wide range of American-made personal care products that are carried in retailers across the country.

“Honestly Margo officially became a reality when one day, Mom and I were shopping for washi tape, looking for labels for my lip balms,” Gianos explained. “She said, ‘hold on, do you want to turn this into a real business?’

Before then, I was always DIYing, making and crafting to sell anything I could. My response was, ‘We don’t live in L.A. or N.Y.’ Mom said, ‘That doesn’t matter, I’ll help you and we can do this!’

“I started by calling retailers on my days off of school, asking if they would carry my lip balms in their store.

We decided to get a small booth in the temporaries of the Dallas market. From there, the rest is history, always answering the question, ‘What’s new?’”

What’s new for Honestly Margo is constantly evolving to include body lotions, high-shine lip glosses, essential-oil sprays, hair and body mists, car diffusers,

Free from silicones, phosphates, artificial brighteners, colors and thickeners

Holds 32 fluid ounces

6 8 - G IFTS & D EC OR ATI V E AC C ESS ORIE S - A U GU S T 2026

roller perfumes, and now a luxe line of laundry detergent free from artificial colors and thickeners.

“I always like to have items that are fast-moving and what consumers are interested in at that time,” Gianos said. “We always follow what’s working, what customers are loving, what falls in line with our mission of bringing out inner confidence.”

Not only has Gianos grown up in the business, but the gift industry has had the pleasure of watching her grow up, too.

“I don’t remember a time when Honestly Margo didn’t exist,” she said. “My fondest memories are walking through the halls of markets, getting my badge and getting excited, or even counting how many hours left in the day I had to meet new buyers and make new friends. Being a young entrepreneur is always something I will be proud of, and is part of who I am. I love that I can show others that it is possible to do things at a young age.”

Goddess, Artemis and Athena Luxe Laundry Detergent.

Honestly Margo. wholesale.honestlymargo.com

WHOLESOME WHOLESALE

by Lenise Willis

Scented with “sensual florals”

ORNAMENTS M O T S CU 100% USA MADE TARIFF FREE

VISIT US AT THESE SHOWROOMS! Atlanta • Las Vegas • Seattle • Dallas • Toronto • Vancouver

LOW MINIMUMS • SHORT LEAD TIMES • HANDCRAFTED CONTACT US: (800) 521-5001 | sales@beacondesign.com U.S. MADE QUALITY, HIGH DEMAND ORDER NOW AT BEACONDESIGN.COM

TRENDING GIFTS – EDITORS’ PICKS

RELAX AND

RECOVER

Whether working long hours at the computer, gardening in the heat or staying up late with the kids, GDA editors need a little rest, relaxation and recovery whenever we can get it. This month, the team turned to the bath-and-body industry for some self-care, discovering their new favorite pampering routines. From a magnesium-rich body butter to nourishing undereye patches, here are the goods keeping the team going.

LENISE WILLIS

AMANDA ERD

GDA STAFF PICK

My back and shoulders are almost always tense. Whether it’s from poor posture, gardening, working at the desk or carrying around a baby, it seems my muscles are always sore. Before I had a kid, I would take a nice, relaxing bath in Epsom salts, but now that my downtime is sparser, I need a quicker relaxation routine.

Lately, I’ve been turning to FarmHouse Fresh’s DreamWell Magnesium Shea Butter to get the job done. The thick cream literally melts into my skin and has a calming lavender fragrance. It’s the perfect addition to my bedtime routine because it doesn’t take a lot of time. I simply rub it onto my lower back, calves and shoulders for a bit of calming nourishment that helps my muscles recover while I sleep. I keep it on my nightstand, so I never forget to apply it.

The bags under my eyes stand out so much when I don’t get the right amount of sleep (like during these crazy market seasons). So when I got my hands on some of ToGoSpa’s eye masks, I was very excited to give them a try.

I tried the Lotus Flower Hydrate & Elevate masks, though ToGoSpa offers several different masks with various benefits. These specifically target puffiness and dark circles — exactly what I need! The application is super easy, and I didn’t feel like the masks were slimy like some of the cheaper options on the market. The instructions are clear: apply to clean, dry skin and leave on for 15 minutes. You can pat any leftover serum into your skin. You can also keep them in the fridge for an additional cooling effect and enhanced de-puffing effect.

Come market season, the GDA editorial team hits the road — or rather, the sky — traveling to trade shows from Las Vegas to New York. Traveling for work can be fun, but it can also be tiresome.

The days are long, the showroom floors are seemingly endless and hotel rooms are impersonal spaces often leaving us longing for home comforts.

This summer, while perusing the Road Runners showroom at Dallas Market Center, we discovered a travel spray that just might make all the difference.

Housed in a convenient — and carryon friendly — flat bottle, the essentialoil shower misters turn any shower into a healing aromatherapy session.

The Portable Instant Spa sprays come in multiple fragrances for a variety of goals, including Sleep, Breathe, Focus, Wake and Bliss.

Magnesium Shea Butter fhfpartners.com

7 0 - G IFTS & D EC OR ATI V E AC C ESS ORIE S - A U GU S T 2026

Lotus Flower Eye Masks togospa.com

Essential Oil Shower Sprays yuzusoap.com

ON THE WEB

Connect

With Gifts & Decorative Accessories Online We’re constantly adding new digital content to keep retailers up to date on the latest industry news, retail tips and awesome products.

MARKET MADNESS We’ve been all over the market scene this summer — from Atlanta to Dallas to Vegas — and we documented some highlights along the way! Check out our Instagram page to see our story highlights from each market and scroll through our feed to see each day’s editors’ picks! @giftsanddecmag



WHAT’S TRENDING? Summer market season is winding down and it’s time to unpack the trends we saw! Check out our website to read about what’s hot now, like “whimsy-maxxing,” and what our editors are keeping their eyes on. giftsanddec.com

“For retailers, the strongest holiday assortments are planned well before the season arrives. One thing we’ve learned over the years is that customers are looking for more than just holiday décor. They’re looking for ... meaningful ways to connect with the people they care about. ” — NB Brands

Gifts & Decorative Accessories Magazine

DAILY DOSE Did you know we share articles and product trend galleries straight to our Facebook every day? Keep up with all the news you need by following Gifts & Decorative Accessories and checking our feed daily! @gifts_and_dec

G I F T S & D E CO R AT I V E ACCE SSO R I ES - A U GU S T 2026 - 71

Insightful

INTELLIGENCE We are the source for industry leaders.

Rely on us to be your information hub for trusted, accurate news that's produced by industry insiders for industry leaders.

Stay connected through multi platforms.

Nobody

Does It Better.

Turn to us throughout your day for news, information and more. www.giftsanddec.com

CONTRIBUTOR CONTENT

PRODUCT PROFILES DOUGLAS CO., INC.

PEEPERS BY PEEPERSPECS

CROSSROADS HOME

COOPER’S MILL

HALLADAY’S HARVEST BARN

NANNAS SANTAS

BEATRIZ BALL NEW ORLEANS

TAG

PRIMITIVES BY KATHY

Contributor Content

PRODUCT PROFILES PRIMITIVES BY KATHY

COCKTAIL RECIPE PLAYING CARDS 52 popular cocktail recipes complemented with art deco patterns. Packaged in a protective acrylic case for games on the go.

| 866-295-2849 @ primitivesbykathy.com

WORLD BUYERS GIFT & HOME DéCOR

OVER 40 BRAND NEW TRAYS! Beautiful artwork graces these lovely metal trays.

Perfect for jewelry, vanities, desks and anywhere in the home as a small decor accent. Rich, bold colors and favorite themes for everyone. Register online for wholesale account!

CROSSROADS HOME

GREEN FROSTED VASES Elevate your decor with these frosted glass vases from Crossroads Home. Available in several styles and colors, including a ribbed bottle or a hobnail design, these beautifully crafted pieces add a serene, modern touch to any space.

| 800-996-7531 @ www.worldbuyers.com

| 866-247-0156 @ www.crossroadsfamily.com

WIND RIVER

THE ELEMENTS COLLECTION TAG

VINTAGE CHIC Vintage Chic taps into the romantic nostalgia trend with tinted glass, feminine florals and vintage-inspired forms refreshed in a soft, modern palette.

| 773-871-1300 @ tagltd.com

7 4 - G IFT S & DEC OR ATI V E AC C ESS ORIE S - A U GU S T 2026

Nature’s balance captured in tone and design. Tuned to reflect the spirit of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water, and to bring the resonance of nature into everyday life.

| 800-345-2530 @ www.windriverchimes.com

Contributor Content

PRODUCT PROFILES DM MERCHANDISING

GIA VEGAN LEATHER CROSSBODY New from award-winning brand, Kedzie! A high-end design with real-leather feel that’s perfect for gifts and self-styling.

| 800-548-6784 @ www.247dm.com

PRIMITIVES BY KATHY

EASILY DISTRACTED BY PLANTS BASEBALL CAP

I HEART EYEWEAR

MELANIE MAKEUP READER

Shop our full collection of stylish hats featuring fun embroidered sentiments that leave nothing unsaid. Perfect for everyday expression!

End makeup guesswork.

Featured on The View, these Laura Geller-endorsed Makeup Readers deliver the ultimate lifehack for flawless close-up precision. Available in assorted styles and powers. MSRP: $30.00.

| 866-295-2849 @ primitivesbykathy.com

| 800-247-7667 @ www.ihearteyewear.com

snoozies!®

SUNFLOWER RAISED EMBROIDERY snoozies! Sunflower raised embroidery is one of over 20 new and unique embellished styles available for fall 2026.

Fluffy sherpa lining and nonskid soles!

| 252-650-7000 ext. 210 @ www.snoozies.com PEEPERS BY PEEPERSPECS

BUFFY READERS Buffy has opinions, and we love that. This chunky rounded square lifts into subtle cateye attitude, with layered color block edges in Cherry/Pink or Tortoise/Green.

| 219-872-4413 @ wholesale.peepers.com G I F T S & D E CO R AT I V E ACCE SSO R I ES - A U GU S T 2026 - 75

Contributor Content

PRODUCT PROFILES COOPER’S MILL

APPLE CINNAMON SYRUP & MIX Create a bakery-style breakfast with premium Apple Cinnamon Pancake Mix from Cooper’s Mill.

For light, fluffy pancakes with authentic orchard flavor, simply add diced fresh apple to the mix, and pair with our delicious Apple Cinnamon Syrup.

| 866-247-0156 @ www.crossroadsfamily.com

NANNAS SANTAS

BEATRIZ BALL NEW ORLEANS

BIG BACK BAKERS TUMBLER GIFT SET

ENCANTO VIENNA LARGE CENTERPIECE/PUNCHBOWL (CREAM AND WHITE)

Perfect for the baker in your life, this adorable Nannas Santas set includes a signature tumbler, festive straw toppers, and a custom keychain. Simply delightful!

An awe-inspiring design in a bestselling colorway, the ENCANTO Vienna Large Centerpiece/Punchbowl (Cream and White) pairs timeless Viennese fluting with a luminous two-tone enamel finish and gold accents. Made of premium aluminum alloy with a food-safe enamel finish.

| 408-581-4087 @ nannassantas@gmail.com

| 888-265-1069 @ beatrizballwholesale.markettime.com

PRIMITIVES BY KATHY

FOR THE LOVE OF CHICKENS KITCHEN TOWEL Perfect for any homestead, displays charming hand illustrations of various chicken breeds on textured slub fabric. A fun farmthemed gift!

| 866-295-2849 @ primitivesbykathy.com

HALLADAY'S HARVEST BARN

SEAFOOD CHOWDER MIX Enjoy the rich, comforting flavor of homemade seafood chowder with our easyto-prepare soup mix. Choose from more than a dozen tasty soup flavors.

| 802-463-3471 @ www.halladays.com 7 6 - G IFT S & DEC OR ATI V E AC C ESS ORIE S - A U GU S T 2026

Contributor Content

PRODUCT PROFILES WARMIES® BY INTELEX USA

GOLDEN DOG WORLD TOUR WARMIES Meet Golden Dog Warmies from the limited-edition World Tour collection! The #1 bestselling heatable plush is microwavable, lavender-scented, and weighted for soothing comfort.

@ warmies.com

DOUGLAS CO., INC.

SUPER SOFTS

WARMIES® BY INTELEX USA

Meet DOUGLAS’s newest Super Softs, Judie Moose (4927) and Beckie Cat (4927). Your favorite Softs are now super-sized and more huggable than ever.

ELMO WARMIES Meet Elmo Warmies from the Sesame Street collection! The #1 bestselling heatable plush is microwavable, lavender-scented, and weighted for soothing comfort.

| 800-992-9002 @ douglascuddletoy.com

@ warmies.com

PRIMITIVES BY KATHY

WHITE FLORAL TISSUE BOX SET Stylish tissue boxes perfectly sized for the car as well as easy placement on desks or around the house.

DOUGLAS CO., INC.

SUPER SOFTS

| 866-295-2849 @ primitivesbykathy.com

Introducing DOUGLAS’s newest Super Softs, Kylie Rainbow Unicorn (4929) and Cookie Pink Elephant (4926). These cuddly friends will brighten anyone’s day with their soft pink and pastel plush.

| 800-992-9002 @ douglascuddletoy.com G I F T S & D E CO R AT I V E ACCE SSO R I ES - A U GU S T 2026 - 77

Contributor Content

PRODUCT PROFILES DM MERCHANDISING

PORE CHOICES MEN’S SHEET MASKS New from top men’s gift brand, Brodeo Drive!

High-quality, high-humor sheet face masks for a brofriendly spa moment.

| 800-548-6784 @ www.247dm.com

TAG

PALM & CO POUCHES Palm & Co brings tropical color and breezy floral prints to everyday accessories, including versatile makeup pouches at a great price point.

| 773-871-1300 @ tagltd.com

CANDLE WARMERS ETC.

FALL 2026 LIMITED EDITION HALLOWEEN WAX MELTS Celebrate the season with our Limited Edition Halloween Wax Melts! Wrapped in spooky packaging, they’re perfect for trick-or-treat gifts or seasonal surprises.

| 801-771-8650 @ www.candlewarmers.com

KURT S. ADLER, INC. CANDLE WARMERS ETC.

GHOST ILLUMINATION™ FRAGRANCE WARMER Add a touch of spooky-sweet charm to your décor with this glowing Ghost Illumination Fragrance Warmer.

| 801-771-8650 @ www.candlewarmers.com

7 8 - G IFT S & DEC OR ATI V E AC C ESS ORIE S - A U GU S T 2026

5" RESIN ASTRONAUT GIRL WITH MOON ORNAMENT Reach for the stars... or in this case, the moon!

Inspired by the female astronauts of today, this beautifully crafted ornament symbolizes dreams, exploration, and endless possibilities.

| 212-924-0900 @ www.kurtadler.com

Contributor Content

PRODUCT PROFILES RELIANT RIBBON

NEW – TIMELESS DESIGNER HOLIDAY PLAIDS Designer holiday plaids inspired by timeless tartans, bringing classic elegance and refined seasonal style to every holiday display.

| 844-444-1963 @ www.reliantribbon.com

SAWDUST CITY LLC

QUICK GIFTS Our small signs are great on their own, or as a fun addition to any gift basket or stocking stuffer. Huge selection. Handmade in the USA. Fast shipping.

| 800-528-6008 @ www.sawdustcitywholesale.com

KURT S. ADLER, INC.

2.5" FRENCH BULLDOG ON SNOW TUBE ORNAMENT Available in 18 assorted top breeds, each ornament features a cute pup riding a festive snow tube, bundled up for the snowy season in bright colors and cheerful expressions.

| 212-924-0900 @ www.kurtadler.com

THE GRANDPARENT GIFT CO.

PEACE HOPE STAR Celebrate the season with this stunning 4" iridescent stained glass star ornament from The Grandparent Gift Co. Boxed with a heartfelt message of peace and hope, this beautifully crafted keepsake makes a truly meaningful holiday gift.

| 866-247-0156 @ www.crossroadsfamily.com

TAG

GROOVY CHRISTMAS Groovy Christmas gives the ever-popular tree motif a color retro spin, highlighted by a clear glass platter featuring playful tree designs.

| 773-871-1300 @ tagltd.com

G I F T S & D E CO R AT I V E ACCE SSO R I ES - A U GU S T 2026 - 79

GIFT BOOK the GARRY GRENIER Associate Publisher 224-558-9996 ggrenier@giftsanddec.com BETSY MALITO Senior Account Executive 925-998-6706 bmalito@giftsanddec.com

What’s trending for

50+

product categories across gift and home.

Ad adjacencies available for each category.

Reach out for details.

Market Calendar August 2026

AUGUST 1-3

BILOXI, MISS.

1-4

CHICAGO

2-4

NEW YORK CITY

2-4

NEW YORK CITY

3-5

LOS ANGELES

3-6

ATLANTA

4

Biloxi Gift Show Mississippi Gulf Coast Coliseum & Convention Center wmigiftshows.com

Chicago Collective – Men’s Edition The Mart chicagocollectivemens.com

NY Now Jacob K. Javits Convention Center nynow.com

Shoppe Object Starrett-Lehigh Building shoppeobject.com

LA Market Week & LA Kids Week California Market Center californiamarketcenter.com

Atlanta Apparel and Formal Markets AmericasMart atlanta-apparel.com

WILMINGTON, OHIO The Heritage Cash & Carry Wholesale Market Roberts Centre hertiagemarkets.com

8-11

LAS VEGAS

9-12

MINNEAPOLIS, MINN.

International Fashion, Jewelry & Accessory Show Embassy Suites by Hilton Convention Center Hotel ifjag.com

Minneapolis Gift, Home, Apparel & Accessory Show Minneapolis Mart mplsmart.com

9-12

TORONTO, CANADA

9-12

LAS VEGAS

9-12

LAS VEGAS

10-12

LAS VEGAS

14-16

WEST SPRINGFIELD, MASS.

16-18

CHICAGO

17-19

LOUISVILLE, KY.

18-21

DALLAS

23-25

CHICAGO

Toronto Gift & Home Market Toronto Congress Centre cangift.org

Las Vegas Apparel The Expo at World Market Center lasvegas-apparel.com

WWIN – Womenswear in Nevada The Expo at World Market Center wwinshow.com

Off-Price Las Vegas Market Las Vegas Convention Center offpriceshow.com/lasvegas

East Coast Gem, Mineral & Fossil Show Eastern States Expositions mineralshowslld.com

Mix Apparel & Gift Mart Mix Chicago Mart silverliningshows.com

GCA Greeting Card Conference Seelbach Hilton greetingcard.org

Apparel & Accessories Market and Kidsworld Dallas Market Center dallasmarketcenter.com

Chicago Collective – Women’s Edition The Mart chicagocollectivewomens.com

Note: In most cases, shows are open to the trade only. Dates listed are provided by show managements. Before traveling to an event, however, please verify the particulars with the organizer by visiting the website.

G I F T S & D E CO R AT I V E ACCE SSO R I ES - A U GU S T 2026 - 81

ENDCAP

RETAILERS GET INVOLVED

20 58

CRAFTING MADE EASY

BUNDLING UP FOR WINTER

STEPPING UP STATIONERY

55

64 70

EDITORS’ PICKS

Gifts & Decorative Accessories (ISSN 0016-9889) is published monthly except combined issue for February/March (11 issues per year) by Bridgetower Media, 7025 Albert Pick Rd, Greensboro, NC 27409.

The standard Digital+Print subscription is $118.80 per year. Periodicals postage paid at GREENSBORO, NC 27498-9709, and additional entry offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Gifts & Decorative Accessories Subscription Services, 125 Schelter Rd. #350 Lincolnshire, IL 60069-3666 To order a new subscription go to: https//bit.ly/3h6eEHe or by mail: Gifts & Decorative Accessories, PO BOX 494, Lincolnshire, IL 60069-9813. To renew your subscription, change your address or manage your account go to: https://bit.ly/2renewGIFTS. You can also call us at 866-456-0405 or email us at gda@omeda.com. Posted under Canadian addresses to APC; PO Box 503, RPO West Bever Creek, Rich Hill ON L4B 4R6.

8 2 - G IFTS & D EC OR ATI V E AC C ESS ORIE S - A U GU S T 2026