GIF TS & D EC O RA TIVE A C CESSO RIES
Gathering
for Games
SEPTE MBE R 2026 | G IFT SANDDEC.COM
Market Recap: Trends to watch
17 Ready-to-ship Holiday goodies
- EST. 1917 SEPTEMBER 2026 - VOL. 127, NO. 8 -
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IN THIS ISSUE features
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SUMMER MARKETS I N REVI EW
After perusing the showrooms in Atlanta, Dallas and Las Vegas, our team has rounded up the top product trends we noticed on the shelves.
GAME ON
Consumers over the age of 18 are continuing to fuel the toy and game industry. Learn more about what these kidults are buying, from board games to themed giftables.
spotlights
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SUGAR FI X
Nothing beats a sweet treat, and a few goodies by the register are hard for customers to resist. Consider stocking some of these sugary confections for your shoppers with a sweet tooth.
READY TO SHI P
Some things are worth the wait, but fortunately retailers won't have to wait too long for these last-minute holiday goodies and gift ideas. All of them are stocked and ready to ship.
VI S U A L ME R CH A N D ISIN G
32
can’t-miss products
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MADE BY HAND
Assure shoppers they're buying a pick-me-up worth the price with quality handmade goods. Check out our round-up of products made by hand right here in the U.S. for a few ideas.
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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Gathering for Games
Page 22
Market Recap: Trends to Watch
Gathering
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for Games
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SE PT E M BE R 2 02 6 | G I F T SA ND D E C.CO M
A ME R I CA N M A D E
Market Recap: Trends to watch
17 Ready-to-ship Holiday goodies
17 Ready-to-Ship Holiday Goodies
- EST. 1917 SEPTEMBER 2026 - VOL. 127, NO. 8 -
On the Cover: Cross Spin board game, a twist on the classic crossword. JoPat Games. jopatgames.com
G I F T S & D ECO R AT I V E ACCE SSO R I ES - S E PT E M BE R 2026 - 5
IN THIS ISSUE D E PA R T M ENTS
T R EN D I N G G I F T S
Page 10
Editor's Letter
Page 12
Business News
R E TA I L
Page 22
Special Section: Trends to Watch, a Market Recap
Page 32
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M AH JON G BY TH E SE A
Visual Merchandising by Linda Cahan
I ND U S TRY INS IGHTS
Page 36
Re:Gifting by Warren Shoulberg
Page 38
Play by Play by Pamela Brill
Page 40
AUTUMN MEMORIES in the making Fall candles are calling, from Pumpkin Picking to Friendsgiving. Bring cozy moments home with our bestselling fall fragrances. Made from a natural soy wax blend, our candles are hand-poured in small batches in the USA.
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G IFTS FOR TH E GAM E RS
The Fine Print by Zander Brekke
Page 41
Best at Work by Jamie Zepeda
Page 42
Road Reps by Angela Schmook
Page 43
New! Hacking Handmade by Jackie Adamany
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SATISFYIN G SW E E T T O O THS
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It All Adds Up: Candles
T R E ND I NG GIFTS
Page 45
Giftables Spotlight: Tile in Style
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Feature: Grown-Ups Got Game by Pamela Brill
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H OL IDAY RE ADY TO GO
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Sweet Treats for Sweet Tooths
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Last-Minute Holiday Prep t 855.819.3397 | f 314.961.1991 sales@homesick.com homesick.com
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Highlighting Handmade
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American Made 6 - G IFT S & DEC OR ATI V E AC C ESSORIE S - S E PTE M B E R 2026
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M ADE BY H AN D
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Lenise Willis 336.605.3817 | lwillis@giftsanddec.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Amanda Erd 773.570.4187 | aerd@bridgetowermedia.com
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
Jacqueline Adamany, Zander Brekke, Pamela Brill, Linda Cahan, Angela Schmook, Warren Shoulberg, Jaime Zepeda
SENIOR GROUP PUBLISHER, EVP MEDIA MANAGING DIRECTOR OF HOME FURNISHINGS DIVISION ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER, MIDWEST AND CANADA
Liz Irwin
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE, WEST COAST AND EAST COAST
Betsy Malito 925.998.6706 | bmalito@giftsanddec.com
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Corey Edwards Ariel Perez Chris Schultz Randy Melton Melanie Bingham
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Donna Bischoff | dbischoff@furnituretoday.com Garry P. Grenier 224.558.9996 | ggrenier@giftsanddec.com
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EDITOR’S LETTER
The Next Generation of Gifters A few weeks ago, our very own Managing Editor Amanda Erd came back from her first full summer market circuit and wrote a first-impressions piece that stuck with me. She's worked for GDA for years, but this was the first year she got to travel and work the market scene, seeing everything we write about up close and in person. She covered the show floors with me in Atlanta and Dallas, and then finally Las Vegas — solo. What she found wasn't just a trade show. It was a warm welcome — something that I see as the moniker of our industry. "I didn't feel like a stranger walking into showrooms — even if the person giving me the tour was someone I was technically meeting for the first time. I was always met with smiles, sometimes hugs, and a feeling like they have known me for years," Erd wrote. That line has stayed with me because it captures something I think we all know about this industry: the gift and home business runs on relationships, not just orders. And I think “Now that I have a that is exactly what will keep this industry daughter, it’s something I alive for decades, maybe even centuries, to think about regularly — the come. If we make sure that we’re grooming next generation of retailers new relationships with young retailers and entrepreneurs, that is. and makers.” The gift and home industry is a wonderful clique once you’re in it, but how do we grow our community and hand it off to the next generation? How do we grab new Gen Z retailers who might not even know about trade shows or trade publications? How do we recruit young, eager sales reps and bright minds that will continue to drive product innovation? We know that once we get their attention, we can get them to stay — after all, does anyone ever really leave the industry? But how do we take that very first step? Now that I have a daughter, it’s something I think about regularly — the next generation of retailers and makers. I didn’t know anything about this industry until I was recruited by a headhunter working on behalf of Gifts & Decorative Accessories. So, how do we let young minds know we are here? How do we teach them our ways and also adapt to stay relevant (and alluring) in their eyes? That's part of why we're excited to see groups like the Specialty Wholesale Talent Association gaining traction. Founded by industry next-gens, the grassroots effort aims to recruit young minds and show them the career path our industry offers. We're also gearing up for our own contribution to that effort. This November, we'll publish our first 40 Under 40 list, spotlighting the young retailers, reps, product designers and executives who are already reshaping how this business runs. We don’t have all of the answers yet, but I’m making this issue my main priority as we plan for 2027 and beyond. Our job, as an industry and as a magazine, is to make sure that there is always someone to take over the wheel and steer the ship toward success. Here's to the gifters who come next.
Lenise Willis Editor in Chief
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BUSINESS NEWS
Buyers shop the aisles during NY Now. (Photo submitted)
NY Now Gaining Momentum for 2027 The summer edition of NY Now wrapped up in early August, and its brand-new owner, Rockview Management Group Inc., has declared it a success. It said buyer attendance increased by 5 percent over last year, after several years of declining attendance, and 460 exhibitors showed their wares, including more than 70 who showed for the first time or returned after a hiatus. “After shopping the NY Now show for just over 30 years, I can confidently say that NY Now has officially begun its journey back towards its heyday," said Elizabeth Bloom at Home Grown in Pennsylvania, in a release issued by Rockview Management. "It was wonderful seeing so many vendors, old and new, and there was an energy in the air that made us feel as though there’s new, young talent in those halls, just waiting to be discovered.” Rockview Management, which is co-owned and led by industry veteran Dorothy Belshaw, said the summer 2026 show reflected “the organization’s commitment to investing in the future of the wholesale marketplace while building on NY Now’s more than century-long legacy.” “We are so proud of what we accomplished since acquiring the show just three months ago,” Belshaw said in a release. “The energy, excitement and positive feedback from both buyers and exhibitors was overwhelming, and we are so grateful to the industry for supporting our vision of transformation.”
Plans for 2027
More than 100 prospective exhibitors visited the show to discuss Winter 2027 Show participation, Rockview Management said. NY Now returns to the Javits Center Jan. 31–Feb. 2, 2027. The winter show will introduce a simplified floor plan organized around three core destinations: Gift & Lifestyle, Home and Handmade. “On-site sign-up for Winter 2027 indicates we are tracking toward a 96 percent renewal rate,” said Belshaw. “We hosted 107 exhibitor prospects at this show and are working to accommodate them for the upcoming show as well.” The show will also celebrate the return of Handmade, a 1 2 - G IFT S & D EC OR ATI V E AC C ESS ORIE S - S E PTE M B E R 2026
Michael Wainwright pottery displayed in the Javits Center at NY Now. (Photo by Allison Zisko)
category long associated with NY Now, alongside expanded agency participation, international exhibitors and the return of the Greeting Card Association’s Noted event. As part of the agreement, Noted will feature a dedicated section within the NY Now Winter Market show floor. Organizers of Noted expect the addition to bring 70-100 new exhibitors and boost overall attendance. “We are thrilled to bring Noted to New York again,” said Carlos Llansó, executive director of the Greeting Card Association. “Being a part of the reimagined show and partnering with NY Now gives our members an exciting opportunity to work with the NY Now team and contribute to the amazing transformation that those of us who were at the show last week already witnessed. Greeting cards help us connect and nurture relationships. Our community of card publishers, retailers and suppliers are ready to make those connections and nurture those relationships at the winter show.”
BUSINESS NEWS
(Photo by Amanda Erd)
New Buyer Accounts Climb at Summer Las Vegas Market Las Vegas Market proved itself to still be a leading market on the west coast for the gift and home industries as it wrapped its summer edition with an increase in new buying accounts. Buyers flocked to World Market Center Las Vegas during the late summer market, which operated July 26-30. New accounts saw a 7 percent increase year-over-year across all categories, according to show operator Andmore, following the pattern set by both Atlanta Market and Dallas' Total Home & Gift Market earlier this summer. The market was anchored by a lineup of both new and expanded showrooms, “We stayed busy throughout along with the Vegas the event, enjoyed meeting debut of the new so many retailers face-toFirst Finds temporary face, and built valuable new exhibits. Several brands exhibiting for the first relationships.” — Matt Capozzi, co-founder time reported a positive experience, including of North Drinkware North Drinkware. “Our first experience exhibiting at Las Vegas Market exceeded our expectations. It was North Drinkware's debut at the show, and thanks to the incredible support from the Fine Lines team, we had a fantastic market,” said Matt Capozzi, co-founder of North Drinkware. “We stayed busy throughout the event, enjoyed meeting so many retailers face-to-face, and built valuable new relationships.” Seasoned brands also reported solid sales numbers, with Patchology Sales & Marketing Director Kristin Sprague commenting that “momentum and buyer enthusiasm made it 1 4 - G IFT S & D EC OR ATI V E AC C ESS ORIE S - S E PTE M B E R 2026
our most productive Las Vegas Market yet.” In addition to all of the showrooms to see, attendees had the opportunity to participate in several educational events touching on AI, design and social media, as well as networking events like the Market Kickoff Party.
Awards All Around
During the market, Andmore awards several brands with various best booth awards, including Oh My Mahjong for Best Branding Display. Best of Show went to Tru-Tone (Design); Luzia Leather Home Collection (Handmade) earned Best Product Merchandising; Trovolore (Handmade) won for Best Use of Color; and Icinco Studio (Gift) earned honors for Best Storytelling. "We were thrilled with our first Las Vegas Market experience — it exceeded our expectations,” said Mackenzie Hancock, sales manager for Oh My Mahjong. “The market gave us the opportunity to introduce Oh My Mahjong to a new audience of retailers, and the response was incredibly encouraging. Buyer traffic was strong throughout the show, and we opened a number of new accounts, strengthened relationships with existing partners, and came away with several promising business opportunities.” Market snapshot winners were also named for the different weekly themes: • At Home Healing: The Darling Effect • Crafted Natural: Azzurro Living • Petopia: Chala Handbags • Fun in the Sun: Vincent Sheppard • Hyperbloom: Icinco Studio The next edition of Las Vegas Market is scheduled for Jan. 24-28, 2027.
BUSINESS NEWS
Holiday trends experts are watching Every February, trend experts at the German wholesale holiday show, Christmasworld in Frankfurt, design a trend showcase, highlighting what is expected to be the top trends for the coming holiday season. Now, those trend experts are expanding on their trend predictions, deeming these three themes as the most popular design choices for the coming winter holiday.
Christmasworld trend experts. For 2026, this clean, understated look receives an irresistibly soft update. Faux fur, feathers and wool accents among other tactile decorative elements evoke warmth and comfort. Among the season's standout accessories are cloud-soft stars made from plush fabrics, knitted textiles and faux fur.
Luxury and Festive Opulence
Dachshunds Take Center Stage
In 2026, "Christmas trees will sparkle with lavishly decorated glass ornaments that shimmer and shine from every angle," Christmasworld trend experts said in a press release. The trend features richly detailed designs ranging from intricate decorative patterns and pearl embellishments to gold-leaf finishes and colorful motifs. Premium candles with delicate gold-dust finishes and radiant metallic surfaces add refined highlights. The same sense of extravagance extends to gift wrapping, the experts said. "Exquisite papers and ribbons with elaborate designs transform even the smallest presents into eye-catching gifts."
Cozy Christmas
The cozy Scandinavian style, with its light natural tones, has become a firm favorite in festive decorating, according to
marymeyer.com 800-451-4387
It seems every year there's a new top dog, and this holiday season the dachshund will be the essential Christmas motif. The much-loved little dog is appearing everywhere, from festive figurines to Christmas tree ornaments. For the upcoming holiday season, it has been reimagined in countless styles: crafted from mouth-blown glass, woven from straw or made from knitted fabric, felt or wood — often dressed in scarves, woolly hats, sunglasses or even full ski gear. The faithful companion also finds its place as a charming candle holder and, naturally, is featured prominently on gift wrap and ribbons, making it one of the season's most playful festive icons. The next edition of the co-located Christmasworld and Ambiente shows are scheduled for Jan. 29-Feb. 2, 2027, at the Frankfurt exhibition center.
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BUSINESS NEWS
Attendees walk the halls at Shoppe Object. (Submitted photo)
Shoppe Object’s Biggest Show Yet Tees Up 2027 for Success Shoppe Object’s August show at the historic Starrett-Lehigh Building set two records: its highest-ever attendance and largest exhibitor roster, underscoring the impact of its intentional growth strategy by creating new opportunities for companies of all sizes while strengthening its vibrant community. The lifestyle, home and gift market will return Feb. 7-9, 2027, for its next New York edition. Building upon consistent market growth since its inception, this edition drew an increase in traffic of almost 10 percent year over year, to the highest attendance yet, according to the show. Attendees, including buyers, interior designers and media, came from 42 countries across six continents. With more than 900 exhibitors, this marked Shoppe Object's largest show to date, while maintaining its curated feel. More than half (55 percent) of exhibitors were international, spanning 56 countries, and more than half of the brands chose Shoppe Object as their exclusive U.S. show, designated ‘Only in New York.’ "This show started because, as exhibitors ourselves, we just wanted a better experience — great product, music in the aisles, and a decent cup of coffee. Now, Shoppe Object has taken on a life of its own, and what it has become — an expansive community that builds real relationships and global business — is beyond anything we could have imagined," said Jesse James, founder and president of Shoppe Object. “I walked this edition feeling a real sense of pride and gratitude for the many people who have given so much of themselves to make it far more than what we set out to do.”
Doing Things Differently
The scale and layout of the show are designed to help brands share their visual identities while providing an ideal environment for attendees to uncover something new and unexpected. "Shoppe Object is one of the very few trade shows that understands its role is to be a frame that makes every brand inside it look its best, not just the ones with the biggest budgets, and it is why we keep coming back,” said Thomas Miang Perez, 1 8 - G IFT S & D EC OR ATI V E AC C ESS ORIE S - S E PTE M B E R 2026
CEO US for Rosendahl Design Group. “In an industry that talks constantly about design, Shoppe Object is one of the rare shows that actually feels like it.” “I've been exhibiting at trade shows for 25 years, but just experienced Shoppe Object for the first time through the Global Artisan Project,” added Darla Saarela, managing member of African Modern. “The team cares about all participants having a real and complete experience, embracing our need to come together in a meaningful way, even while making commercial transactions.” The increase in exclusive brands and focus on highlighting unique voices brings buyers through the doors. “Shoppe Object is a great show for discovering new products and connecting directly with both vendors and suppliers,” said Kate Tom, director of merchandising for Big Night. “The size of the show creates the perfect environment for building meaningful relationships. It's a valuable event for any retailer looking to grow and refresh their product assortment.”
Events, Spaces Generate Community, Energy
This year, the Shoppe Talks series explored three themes. Each day focused on the "heart," "head," or "hand" of the industry and featured leaders from Design Within Reach, Bloomingdale’s, Fair Trade Federation, The Locavore, and many more. "It's a point of pride that Shoppe Object is more than a show; it's a year-round resource for our community," said Renata Bokalo, Shoppe Object's show director and founding team member. "Through our programming, our online marketplace, and the relationships forged when we come together, we create opportunities for learning, connection, and growth." Sections like Nourish, the Global Artisan Project, and the Black Lives Matter Action Initiative further the show’s commitment to knowledge sharing and collaboration. From the complimentary breakfast that brings exhibitors and attendees together each morning to the annual Showboat party in New York Harbor, Shoppe Object creates opportunities for connection beyond the show floor, too.
BUSINESS NEWS
Sherwin-Williams’ 2027 Colormix Forecast Unveiled Sherwin-Williams is opening up the color world to endless possibilities with its 2027 Colormix Trend Forecast: Rewild, a collection of 48 handpicked hues curated by the experts of the Sherwin-Williams Trendsight Team. “With Rewild, we're embracing a more intuitive approach to color forecasting,” said Emily Kantz, color strategist and interior designer at Sherwin-Williams. “Rather than prescribing how colors should be used, we're inviting designers, homeowners and professional paint contractors to explore the possibilities for themselves.” The annual forecast represents the future of color direction across residential, commercial and industrial applications. New for 2027, Colormix introduces three distinct design stories comprised of 48 colors: Revive: A reverence for the past is shaping the design conversation. The group offers unapologetic splendor, heritage revival and timeworn touches that are reemerging with quiet authority. Reignite: In a world alight with action and noise, design is
rediscovering its spark. Modern design burns with chromatic tension, tactile contrast and a spirit of constructive chaos. Reconnect: With a growing respect for local traditions, ancient wisdom, and viewing the earth as a living collaborator, the designs of tomorrow feel less imposed upon and more intertwined with the natural world. The 2027 Colormix Trend Forecast also serves as the foundation for Sherwin-Williams color direction, influencing the upcoming year’s Color of the Year and Colors of the Month programs. "The 2027 forecast celebrates individuality, creative freedom and the emotional connections people are seeking in the spaces they create, while providing the confidence of expert color direction informed by the trends shaping the future," Kantz added. New for 2027, Sherwin-Williams is also introducing 10 Continuity Colors within the forecast. These shades transcend trends and can be paired with the colors of Rewild for any palette or project.
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RETAIL Whimsy-maxxing, according to Better Homes & Gardens, is the “It” trend of the year, featuring playful patterns, explosions of color, nostalgic touches and unexpected decor elements, like the plethora of playful “porch geese” we saw at summer markets. SEE MORE PAGE 23
“
“Forget the sunny days of summer ... our favorite season is market season! It might be busy and chaotic, but it’s the best time to network, connect and see a wide variety of products all in one place.” G I F T S & D ECO R AT I V E ACCE SSO R I ES - SEPT E M BE R 2026 - 21
RETAIL – SPECIAL SECTION
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Trends to Watch by GDA Staff Forget the sunny days of summer or the snuggly vibes of fall, our favorite season is market season! It might be busy and chaotic, but it’s the best time to network, connect and see a wide variety of products all in one place. Seeing so much in such a relatively short time span helps us to see burgeoning trends and report on bestselling staples. This year, though the obvious trend of Needoh and squishy toys was a top conversation in several showrooms, we also noticed that more vendors have tapped into the porch goose trend as a way of “whimsy-maxxing,” as well as the themes of faith-based gifts, plucky holiday characters and monogram-like initials. Flip through the next few pages for more on each trend and some of our favorite examples of them, as seen at Atlanta Market, Dallas Market Center and Las Vegas Market.
G I F T S & D ECO R AT I V E ACCE SSO R I ES - SEPT E M BE R 2026 - 23
RETAIL – SPECIAL SECTION
Whimsical Geese
Whimsy-maxxing, according to Better Homes & Gardens, is the “It” trend of the year, featuring playful patterns, explosions of color, nostalgic touches and unexpected decor elements, like the plethora of playful “porch geese” we saw at market.
Plush Goose with seasonal outfits. Transpac. transpacbrands.com
Giddy the Goose in gardening attire. Evergreen Enterprises. myevergreenwholesale.com
Winter Goose Hoodie. Simply Southern. simplysouthern.com
Porch Geese Figurines. Roman. roman.com Goose and duck hook pillows. Peking Handicraft. pkhc.com
Resin Standing Goose and Resin Leaning Goose. Creative Co-op. creativecoop.com 2 4 - G IFT S & D EC OR ATI V E AC C ESS ORIE S - S E PTE M B E R 2026
Holiday plate with Christmas goose. Audrey’s. audreys.com
SHOP: CONTACT:
RETAIL – SPECIAL SECTION
Love Letters
There's nothing more classic than an initial on letterhead or monogrammed hand towels, but the style seems to be experiencing an extra boost in popularity. Paper napkins with decorative initials, letter charms for necklaces or bracelets, trendy bags with an embroidered initial, and other products designed with a stylish letter are popping up on showroom shelves.
Holiday napkins and hand towels. Mary Square. marysquare.com
Serving board with initials. Maple Leaf At Home. sophistiplate.com
Letter charm necklace. Canvas Style. canvasstyle.com
Large letter ornaments. Mud Pie. wholsale.mudpie.com
Letter stud earrings. Linny Co. shoplinnyco.com
Letter charms. My Sister’s Cottage. shopmysisterscottage.com 2 6 - G IFT S & D EC OR ATI V E AC C ESS ORIE S - S E PTE M B E R 2026
Monogrammed canvas notebooks. Lady Jayne. shopladyjayne.com
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RETAIL – SPECIAL SECTION
Faith in Fashion
While researching for July’s holiday feature, we learned from several key manufacturers that our society is experiencing a “return to faith,” leading to an increased popularity of religious holiday décor, prayer journals, scripture gifts and spiritual jewelry.
Reversible ice bucket sleeve with nativity scene. Swig. swigwholesale.com
“God Bless” lovey. Mary Meyer. marymeyer.com
Nativity theme bath bomb box. Musee. museewholesale.com
Embroidered Guest Book. Rifle Paper Co. riflepaperco.com
“Jesus Loves Me” and “Child of God” onesies and bibs. Stephan Baby. stephanbaby.com
Whimsical angels puzzle. Werkshoppe. werkshoppe.com
Lighted nativity swirl lantern with confetti. Roman. roman.com
Handmade Kids’ Faith clay-bead bracelets. Jilzarah. wholesale.jilzarah.com
Embroidered journals. Properly Improper. shopproperlyimproper.com
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Holiday Hootenanny
Several exhibitors are turning the holidays into a hoedown with country-themed Christmas characters, like steer, pigs and hens. Highland cow Santas round out the collection for a heartwarming holiday that feels close to home (on the range).
Holiday cow, chicken and pig figurines. Transpac. transpacbrands.com
Farm-themed 12 Days Advent Calendar. Farm House Fresh. fhfpartners.com
Holiday apron with festive hens. Printfresh. printfresh.com Christmas cow tumbler. Swig. swigwholesale.com
Country Santa with festive steer. Taylor Paladino. taylorpaladino.com
Holiday cow plush. The Petting Zoo. gibcarson.com
Highland Cow Santa Sweatshirt. Simply Southern. simplysouthern.com
‘A Highland Christmas’ Notebook. Wrendale Designs. wrendaledesigns.com
Highland Cow Santa slippers. Snoozies. snoozies.com
Highland Cow ornaments. Kurt Adler. kurtadler.com G I F T S & D ECO R AT I V E ACCE SSO R I ES - SEPT E M BE R 2026 - 29
RETAIL – SPECIAL SECTION
Squish Sensations
Almost everyone is aware of the insane popularity of Needoh, so much in fact that Schylling had QR codes for an order-writing wait list posted in its Dallas showroom. If it's one thing we can learn from this latest sensation, it's that customers, young and old, are loving the tactile experience of soft, squishy toys.
Gummy Bear Squish toy. The Gerson Companies. gersoncompany.com
Blowfish Squish toy. The Gerson Companies. gersoncompany.com
Scented SmushMart Grapes. Crazy Fun. crazyfunusa.com
Needoh with wait-list QR code. Schylling. schylling.com 3 0 - G IFT S & D EC OR ATI V E AC C ESS ORIE S - S E PTE M B E R 2026
Dim Sum Squish toys. The Gerson Companies. gersoncompany.com
Bao Bun and Dumpling squish toys. Crazy Fun. crazyfunusa.com
Turtle Squishies. Goolala. 247dm.com
RETAIL – VISUAL MERCHANDISING Each location of the Meadow has shelves of fine chocolates from around the world. The prices are handwritten clearly on little round stickers under each bar. Note the strict distance between each type of chocolate. (Photos by Linda Cahan)
GETTING CREATIVE WITH
SMALL ITEMS
Strict organization in displays doesn't have to be boring. When done correctly, it can help smaller items stand out, while creating an alluring and shoppable assortment. by Linda Cahan
There are three The Meadow shops in the Portland, Ore., area and one in Soho in Manhattan, NYC. I have been to all three Portland shops as a customer many, many — perhaps too many — times. They carry what one might call all of life’s essentials: salt, chocolate, bitters and flowers. The store also sets out samples of popcorn with its delicious salts. I have been loving their truffle salt, and did I mention they have chocolates? Quoting the founder, Mark Bitterman: “Craft-made salt for the delight of cooking and sharing a meal. Artisan chocolate bars for fun and sensual pleasure. Cocktail bitters for the drinks that bring friends together. Fresh cut flowers for the beauty of nature brought home.” Bitterman founded the Meadow in 2006. He knew nothing about retail; he just knew what made him happy and what added zest to his life. “Bound up in this discovery of salt many years before was the realization that life is unspeakably beautiful … but you have to put yourself out there to see it. You have to give things a try, give people a try, risk yourself. What makes our lives meaningful and 3 2 - G IFT S & DEC OR ATI V E AC C ESS ORIE S - S E PTE M B E R 2026
a joy are our connections to one another, to our history, and to our planet.” Shopping his stores since 2006, I’ve been delighted with the various products to take home for me and for the always-welcome gifts for friends. But my other source of delight is their consistent skill with visual merchandising and display. When you carry a ton of small items, strict organization is vital. These stores must have an insane number of SKUs, but the staff keeps strict and clean distances between each product. Space equals cost and just these little distances allow each product to shine and stand on its own. Narrow shelves with a limited depth for products keep the shelves looking neat and the products feeling special. All the shops have very high maintenance standards. All labels face forward, product lines are straight, signage is on hand-cut heavier weight paper and handwritten clearly. It’s consistent throughout the shops. As a visual delight, small areas of special products are carefully “jumbled” to look casual. These angled areas balance the geometric product displays on the shelves.
Paper butterflies bob happily in this window display with every gust of air. Orange is the color of creativity and affordability but also creates feelings of friendliness and warmth. Yellow creates serotonin in our brains making us happier, and red — in small amounts — is the ultimate color to encourage sales. The movement in the window attracts attention from the outside and from within.
As you walk into the Meadow in Portland, Ore., the front table is filled with fresh flowers combined with an assortment of Himalayan salts and gift items. This highly edited “jumble” of a focal display creates a sense of fun that makes the strict product shelving feel smart and helpful, not dull.
There is a huge selection of bitters above this shelf display with appropriate alcohol mixers below. I love how these are displayed on top of slabs of Himalayan salt.
Costco, Trader Joe’s and the Meadow know the way to food sales is taste testing. I now own their parmesan salt and their truffle salt. By angling the products so they “hug” the popcorn bowl, it visually gives permission to take a sample. Note the clear container to the left with paper cups. No excuse to not give it a try — and if they try, they buy!
Sometimes just placing something differently draws attention to a product. By putting the can of Portland water on its side, it becomes a boutique display rather than a standard stock item. G I F T S & D ECO R AT I V E ACCE SSO R I ES - SEPT E M BE R 2026 - 33
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INDUSTRY INSIGHTS As we continue into the second half of this decade, I think we’d all agree it’s been pretty insane so far. From the pandemic to the supply chain meltdown to the tariff wars to crazy higher costs … Sorry about all the bad news, but the good news is that if you’re reading this you’ve obviously survived and you remain very much in business. SEE MORE PAGE 36
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“We all skip the small print sometimes, but when it comes to money we really shouldn’t.” G I F T S & D ECO R AT I V E ACCE SSO R I ES - SEPT E M BE R 2026 - 35
INDUSTRY INSIGHTS – RE:GIFTING
5 Lessons for Struggling Retail Businesses As we continue into the second half of this decade, I think we’d all agree it’s been pretty insane so far. From the pandemic to the supply chain meltdown to the tariff wars to crazy higher costs and prices and lastly to a war that seems to show no signs of ending … and causing misery not just for the economy but for the so many people around the world. Sorry about all the bad news but the good news is that if you’re reading this you’ve obvi“Any retailer that isn’t ously survived and you treating its suppliers fairly remain very much in is potentially doomed to business. So, congrats failure. Without product, on that, but there’s also a pretty good chance that stores are nothing.” your company — retail, wholesale or otherwise — has probably taken some pretty serious hits and it's not quite as strong as you’d like it. That being the case, you might be intrigued, as I was, by a post-mortem analysis that Women’s Wear Daily recently did on the Saks Global bankruptcy and the lessons to be learned from it, no matter what kind or size of business you have. The particulars of what happened to Saks following its acquisition of Neiman Marcus and its subsequent drowning in debt and bad management are less important than what businesses can do to avoid similar fates. Here are the five lessons they deduced from all of this. 1. Take Care of Your Vendors. That may sound backwards but any retailer that isn’t treating its suppliers fairly is potentially doomed to failure. “Without product, stores are nothing,” the analysis said. That’s very true for any retail business. Yes, as the customer you can negotiate for the best prices and terms, but the vendor ultimately decides who to sell to — and what to sell them. 2. Brands Need a Broad Base. On the wholesale side, you should have a broadly distributed customer base. Too many niche brands put too many eggs in the Saks basket and they ended up getting scrambled when Saks went down. A good lesson for sourcing, too. 3. Read the Small Print. The report found that some very smart people made some pretty stupid decisions when they
provided the financing for the Saks deal to buy Neiman’s. Turns out the collateral for the loans was pretty shaky and not at all what they thought. We all skip the small print sometimes, but when it comes to money we really shouldn’t. 4. Don’t be Too Fancy. That merger was a pretty complicated deal in hindsight, with the report saying it “had a ton of moving parts.” Sometimes you think you’re being clever by layering on all kinds of complications when, in fact, you’re just setting yourself up for failure. What’s that old KISS rule? “Keep it Simple Stupid.” 5. Not Everything That Can be Done, Should Be Done. I think I like this lesson the best. Too many times, somebody gets a big idea but they don’t think it all the way through. A Saks and Neiman mash-up might have sounded good at some level but when you took a closer look it was a colossal mistake. Hey, maybe every one of these points doesn’t directly apply to your business but I bet many do. And let’s remember much of this isn’t some Harvard Business School case study. A lot of it is just good old plain common sense. What a concept.
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.
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INDUSTRY INSIGHTS – PLAY BY PLAY
Why Birthday Boxes Should be on Every Retailer’s Bucket List A parent and child walk into your shop with one mission in mind: to find the perfect present for a friend’s birthday. The pressure really intensifies if they have stopped in en route to the party, but even those buying ahead of time may be hard-pressed to choose the right gift. Savvy retailers can happily direct them to the birthday bucket area, where the lucky gift recipients have already selected which toys they would love to receive. It’s a system that works seamlessly, creates satisfied customers and encourages repeat business. Here are some shops that are experiencing many happy returns.
Bucket Fillers
At Island Treasure Toys, four of the store’s five Maine outposts offer birthday buckets for their customers. “We typically have an average of three buckets going at a time in each location, but right now we have two stores with seven buckets each,” said co-owner Emily Drappi. Her stores have been offering this program for the past two and a half years, allowing kids to load up their buckets two weeks ahead of their special day. “We save the bucket until a couple of days after the birthday date, in case parents want to collect any lingering items,” she added. Sell-through translates to 100 percent and may include slime, Legos, plush or Hot Wheels. As an added incentive, kids earn $10 in birthday bucks for future purchases. For Island Treasure Toys, it’s a great tool for building loyalty and customer acquisition. “Folks who have done it, rave about it, and in doing so send friends and family our way,” said Drappi. Birthday boxes are prominently featured near the register at Revelry Toys in Woodstock, Ill., where kids can choose up to 20 items. Rubbermaid totes house their selections, with three to six boxes in circulation. “If it doesn’t fit in the box, we’ll keep the item stored in the back room,” said owner Heather Weatherwax, who has been offering this program since the store’s August 2024 opening. The convenience factor alone is enough to drive sales at Revelry Toys, which offers both in-person and over-the-phone transactions. “That’s been a lifesaver for busy people or folks who can’t get here as easily,” said Weatherwax. Popular birthday box fillers include squishes, slime, putty and stuffed animals A dedicated birthday bucket display wall inside Kindness and
Joy Toys is evidence of the Fayetteville, Ark., retailer’s success story. Since the program’s 2018 inception, participation has more than doubled. “Friends and family love shopping these personalized lists because they know they are choosing gifts the child truly wants, making gift-giving easy, meaningful and worry-free,” Owner Brad Parker said. After kids fill their buckets two to three weeks in advance, their selections are also added to an online registry. Overall response has been tremendous, with approximately 55 buckets created each month containing such favorites as Maltose squish, Waboba balls and assorted dolls. Parker is especially pleased with the buckets’ ability to drive in-store and online traffic and introduce new families to his shop. Call it a Sweet 16 celebration: Noggin Factory in Dover, N.H. has maintained a birthday registry of 16 buckets for the past 16 years. Kids visit the toy store two weeks before their birthday and are instantly gifted $10 in birthday bucks. Buckets are positioned on shelving near the register and filled with squishes, Legos and craft kits. Owner Kerry Wood lauds birthday buckets for taking the guesswork out of gift giving. “They are in and out in a matter of minutes with a beautifully wrapped gift that they know will be a hit,” said Wood. Buckets benefit her business for ensuring a presence in the community, where gifts wrapped in Noggin Factory paper are a party fixture and photos are shared on social media. “We are part of the birthday traditions and are woven into the stories of our local families,” she added.
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
Protecting Your Brand from Thieves and Impersonators Building a retail brand or specialty product line takes years of work: a recognizable name, a distinctive visual identity, original photography, a loyal customer following, and a social media presence that reflects the business you have built. For a growing number of independent retailers and vendor brands, that investment is being exploited by bad actors who repackage someone else's brand identity to generate profit at the legitimate business's expense. The FTC reported that consumers lost approximately $3.5 billion to imposter scams in 2025, with nearly $1 billion attributed specifically to business impersonation. Behind those numbers are real small businesses whose brand identity was weaponized against their own customers.
What Brand Impersonation Looks Like
The playbook is remarkably consistent. Bad actors steal brand images, videos, product descriptions, and marketing materials, using them to build fake storefronts or social media advertisements that appear authentic. Copyright misuse is now one of the most common early indicators of an impersonation campaign. For specialty retailers and vendor brands, the pattern often begins with a fake social media account mirroring the legitimate business, complete with the real brand's logo, product photos, and even customer testimonials. Scammers use AI-powered tools to scrape a brand's legitimate social media profile and create a new account that preys on customer loyalty. The fake account then drives traffic to a fraudulent storefront where customers pay for goods they never receive. The damage extends beyond the immediate financial loss. When customers are defrauded by an impersonator using your name and logo, the reputational harm lands on the legitimate business. In some cases, as duped customers dispute charges with their credit card companies, credit card processors begin to flag the accounts of the legitimate business, resulting in payment holds or payment processing shutdowns that can impact the legitimate business’ cash flow.
Protecting Your Image
The legal concept most people associate with college athletes and celebrity endorsements has direct application in the retail and specialty brand space. The right of publicity protects individuals and businesses from unauthorized commercial use of
their name, image, likeness and identity. As of 2024, 38 states recognize the right of publicity through common or statutory law, and the legal framework is expanding rapidly in response to AI-enabled impersonation. For retailers and brands, this means that when a bad actor creates a fraudulent channel using your business name, your owner's likeness, or your brand's imagery for commercial gain, you may have legal claims available beyond trademark or copyright infringement. Depending on the state, those claims can include right of publicity violations, false endorsement under the Lanham Act, and common law misappropriation, all of which can support injunctive relief and damages. The first line of defense is documentation and registration. A federally registered trademark gives you a powerful enforcement tool on social media platforms, marketplaces and in court that common law rights alone cannot match. Copyright registration of original product photography, marketing content, and creative assets similarly strengthens your enforcement position and enables statutory damages. Beyond registration, active monitoring matters. Trademark enforcement in 2026 occurs primarily on digital platforms, and social media impersonation, counterfeit marketplace listings, and fraudulent storefronts now account for the majority of brand misuse. Most major platforms have takedown mechanisms that operate far faster than litigation but require documented proof of IP rights to be effective. If your business discovers an impersonation campaign already underway, platform takedown requests, cease and desist letters, and coordination with law enforcement are all tools available to you. The FTC and FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center both accept complaints related to business impersonation fraud and have taken an increasingly active interest in this area. Businesses should also speak with their insurance broker about cyber liability coverage. Many policies now include provisions addressing brand impersonation, fraudulent fund transfer, and business interruption losses tied to cyberattacks or fraud campaigns, and the cost of coverage is almost always lower than the cost of an incident. Independent retailers and vendor brands are not too small to be targets. In many cases, their community-driven social followings and loyal customer bases make them more attractive to impersonators.
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
We Tore Out Our Own Backup Generator More than four million Americans turned 65 last year, the highest number ever recorded in a single year. They worked, paid in, and earned their retirement. They're also gone, and there aren't enough workers left to replace them. That's the first problem, and it isn't hypothetical. The second: the U.S. fertility rate last year was 1.6 births per woman. Replacement rate is 2.1. We've been below that line for decades, and by 2033 the population starts shrinking outright. There used to be an answer to both: immigration. Immigrants filled the gap for years. They work, pay taxes, buy homes, start businesses and raise children who become the next generation of workers. Then, between 2024 and 2025, net migration dropped 77 percent because of policy changes. That's the third problem, and it's the one we did to ourselves. We tore out the backup generator while the lights were already flickering. Now all three are moving in the wrong direction at once. Boomers are retiring. Births are too low. Immigration has stalled. Each one alone is manageable. Together, they feed each other: fewer workers shrink the economy, a smaller economy shrinks opportunity, less opportunity makes starting a family harder, and fewer fami“Fewer workers shrink lies mean fewer future the economy, a smaller workers. The loop closes economy shrinks on itself. Start with retireopportunity, less ment. Social Security is opportunity makes starting a pay-as-you-go system: a family harder, and fewer today's workers fund families mean fewer future today's retirees. When workers.” the program launched, there were nearly 160 covered workers for every retiree, making it easy to fund. That number has dropped to just under three covered workers per retiree. In 10 years, it'll be barely two workers per retiree. The trust fund is on track to run dry by 2033. If you're 55 today, it disappears before you collect what you've paid into it for three decades. That's not a projection. That's the current path.
Now fertility. Women aren't opting out of having kids because their values changed. They're doing the math and it doesn't add up. Paid childcare, parental leave and affordable housing all raise birth rates where they've been tried, but they're expensive and the return takes 18 years to show up. Today's baby is 2043's worker. Worth doing. Won't save the next decade. Which leaves immigration, the one force that touches both problems at once and works inside five years instead of 18. Immigrants participate in the labor force at higher rates than native-born Americans. They pay into Social Security today, not in 2043. They start businesses at disproportionate rates. The Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco found that without immigration, the U.S. working-age population would have started shrinking in 2012, not 2025. We've been running on borrowed time for over a decade already. Brookings estimates the population declines by 7 million by 2040 without immigration. Cato puts a number on what those costs: public debt at all levels reaching at least 205 percent of GDP, nearly double its 2023 level. This is the part that gets lost in the politics. Immigration isn't competing with American workers for a shrinking number of jobs. It's the thing keeping Social Security solvent for the retirees already here, and the thing keeping the workforce large enough to support the babies not yet born. It is retirement policy. It is fertility policy. It just doesn't get talked about as either. Both parties avoid saying this plainly. Democrats argue about the ethics of ICE raids and skip the economics of why more immigration helps. Republicans have turned immigration into the villain in a story about economic pain that immigration would actually solve. The gap between the politics and the math has never been wider. Here's the version where nothing changes: retirees keep leaving at 65, births stay flat, and immigration stays closed. In that version, there's exactly one lever left. Everyone works longer. Not because retirement wasn't earned. Because the system that funds it needs more people paying in, and we walked away from the fastest way to get them. Three problems. One fix that actually lands in time to matter. The question was never whether we can afford more immigration. It's whether we can keep affording the alternative.
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.
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INDUSTRY INSIGHTS – ROAD REPS
Build Business by Giving First For Meredith Emory, entrepreneurship is more than a career choice — It’s a family tradition. Emory, the Louisiana sales representative for the Portico Collection, grew up watching her grandfather, father and uncles work tirelessly to build their businesses. She also watched her mother raise five children while supporting her father’s career. Those examples shaped Emory’s work ethic and prepared her for a profession that demands independence, resilience and an owner’s mindset. Her dedication was recently recognized as Emory was named Southeast Sales Representative of the Year at the 75th Retailer Excellence Awards, hosted by Gifts & Decorative Accessories. But her path into being a sales rep began at a crossroads. After selling the Pinkberry yogurt shops she owned in Houston, Emory was considering her next move when her niece suggested she become a sales representative. Her niece, a retail store owner, knew that the then-current Louisiana rep for the Portico Collection was leaving the position. The opportunity allowed Emory to continue running her own business, albeit in a different form. “It’s the only way I know how to operate,” she said about her entrepreneur-based mind. Emory quickly realized that succeeding as an independent sales representative requires more “Invest the time and be than enthusiasm for prodpatient. It applies to all ucts. It demands discipline, thoughtful time time invested in life when management and the you don’t see an immediate ability to recognize which outcome.” responsibilities require immediate attention. “When you make your own schedule, you have to be self-motivated,” she said. “You also have to prioritize the most important tasks each day because you could get lost in your emails when you should be visiting your stores.” The work also comes with personal sacrifices. Emory travels to Dallas Market Center seven times each year, which means leaving her son. Like many working mothers, she carries responsibilities that cannot easily be delegated. “I just put my head down and do it, and I explain to him that it’s the way I can give him a good life,” she said, adding that she could not manage the travel demands without her mother’s help. That family support allows Emory to remain present for
her customers — an investment she believes ultimately drives her success. The industry's most important lesson for her is simple: You get what you give. Time spent helping a retailer may not result in an order that day, but it strengthens the relationship. A customer might call six months later, and Emory will remember the conversations and assistance that helped earn that business. Meredith Emory “Invest the time and be patient,” she said. “It applies to all time invested in life when you don’t see an immediate outcome.” Her family taught her to approach every opportunity with determination, with two lessons remaining especially important: “Sink or swim” and “To whom much is given, much will be required.” Emory sees those lessons reflected in her work with brand owners, retail store owners, rep group owners and fellow representatives. Because she understands the responsibilities of owning a business, she can appreciate the pressures and priorities on every side of the partnership. She also credits the women of the Portico Collection with teaching her the finer points of sales representation. Emory describes the group as supportive, uplifting and generous with their knowledge. Her colleagues have helped her improve how she prioritizes her time, communicates with customers and recognizes when it is appropriate to close her laptop and focus on family. That balance matters, especially during market. When asked to choose between coffee before market and cocktails afterward, Emory did not hesitate. “Coffee before market,” she said. “I can’t do anything that slows me down.” It is a fitting answer from a representative whose career has been built on energy, discipline and the belief that the effort given today will create opportunities tomorrow.
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 – HACKING HANDMADE
Keeping to Craft, Strengthening the Business For decades, handcrafted wholesale had a strong professional foundation: juried trade shows, studio artists, sales representatives and long-standing buyer relationships. Then online selling opened the door for thousands of creative businesses, including my own. That access created opportunity, but it also blurred the line between making something people want to buy and building a business retailers can depend on. Now, handcrafted wholesale is entering its next stage of evolution. Digital B2B marketplaces have not replaced trade shows. They have made wholesale discovery continuous, but more access does not always mean better discovery. As marketplaces grow, original handcrafted work can become harder to distinguish amid the volume of products. Technology should support the relationship between makers and retailers, not stand between them. Hybrid models are bringing the two together. IndieMe’s upcoming presence at American Craft Made Baltimore will bring online wholesale discovery and ordering into an in-person event, creating more ways to discover original work and build stronger connections between makers and retailers. The deeper change, however, is not technological. It is operational and cultural. Creativity may open the door, but strong business practices keep the relationship going. Nora, the owner and buyer of a Pennsylvania gift shop, put it simply: “The craft may bring a retailer in, but the maker’s business operations keep us coming back.” Retailers expect current line sheets, strong photography, clear terms, accurate product information and realistic lead times. They also need makers who understand their own capacity. An increase in orders should be good news, but without production systems, inventory planning and honest communication, it can quickly overwhelm a small studio and leave retailers without products they planned around. This does not mean makers must operate like large manufacturers. It means knowing what they can produce, communicating when something changes and creating a buying experience that doesn't add more work for a busy retailer. Retail pricing has also become more complicated. Traditional keystone pricing, doubling wholesale to establish the retail price, does not always cover the cost of doing business today. In Nora’s experience, many small shops and museum stores
need a markup closer to 2.3 times wholesale to account for rent, payroll, operating expenses and inventory risk. “Inventory is not just art. It is cash sitting on my shelf,” she said. That matters when makers also sell directly to consumers. If an artist establishes a retail price using a 2x markup while a retailer needs 2.3x, the store may appear overpriced for carrying the same product. Makers should not be expected to abandon retail sales, but they do need to understand what their wholesale partners must charge and establish pricing that allows both businesses to succeed. Retailers also need practical tools to communicate value. A short biography and clear details about materials and process help connect the customer to the person behind the product. A maker’s story matters most when the retailer can use it at the shelf. The responsibility does not belong to makers alone. Artists need retailers who respect the realities of handcrafted production. Predictable ordering patterns, reasonable leadtime expectations, prompt payment and open communication can make an enormous difference to a small studio. Retailers also hold valuable information about what customers pick up, ask about and ultimately purchase. Sharing a small amount of that feedback helps makers to make smarter decisions about their collections. Most of all, makers need responsive partners. Nora noted that artists often sound surprised when she answers the phone or returns a message. That should give the retail side of our industry pause. Communication cannot be something we expect only from the maker. Becoming more professional does not mean becoming less personal. Handcrafted businesses should not lose their individuality, creative spirit or human connection. Those qualities are precisely what make the work valuable and give independent retailers something customers cannot find everywhere else. The next step belongs to all of us. Makers can remove one point of friction from the buying process. Retailers can offer clearer feedback and more predictable communication. Marketplaces and shows can protect curation and direct relationships. Handcrafted wholesale will endure through small, reliable actions that make it easier for every partner to succeed without losing the human connection that brought us together.
Jacqueline Adamany is owner and president of IndieMe Marketplace, which features more than 250,000 handcrafted wholesale products from artists across the U.S. and Canada. She is also the founder of Shop American Handcrafted, supporting makers and independent retailers. Learn more at indieme.com.
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INDUSTRY INSIGHTS – IT ALL ADDS UP The global candle market was valued at
$14.8 BILLION IN 2025 and is expected to reach $25.4 BILLION BY 2033 . Source: Grand View Research, “Candle Market (2026-2033)”
BY THE NUMBERS
CANDLES
Candles have long been the go-to for home fragrance. Even as new options like sprays, essential oils and diffusers have burst onto the scene, candles have remained the top purchase in the category. That is especially true for Gen Z consumers, according to the 2026 Gift Book Consumer Survey. When asked which home fragrance product they were likely to purchase this year, 87 percent opted for candles — more than any other generation. Surprisingly, baby boomers were much lower, with only 59 percent planning to purchase this year. Whether it’s for themselves or as gifts, there’s no denying candles are still big business in the industry.
How much consumers expect to pay for a home fragrance product
76% of consumers believe a candle is an appropriate
HOLIDAY GIFT . Source: Penn & Beech Candle Co., “Top Candle Trends for 2026”
Candle products consumers are most likely to buy in the next 12 months 93%
Jar candles
8%
46%
12%
51%
Statement candles Handmade/free-form candles
32%
Tea lights
32%
Dinner tapers
3% 4%
17%
26%
Source: Strategic Insights, 2025 Gifts & Decorative Accessories Study
Roughly
7 OUT OF 10
households currently have/use candles. Source: Grand View Research, “Candle Market (2026-2033)”
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Less than $5
$25 to $39
$5 to $14
$40 to $49
$15 to $24
$50 or more
Source: Strategic Insights, 2025 Gifts & Decorative Accessories Study
TRENDING GIFTS CANDLES | BATH & BODY | FASHION | HOME | GIFTABLES | GOURMET | HOLIDAY | STATIONERY | KIDS Classic regional motifs
Comes with nylon zipper pouch
TILE STYLE by Amanda Erd Made of melamine
It’s no secret that mahjong is having a major moment. In fact, mahjong game nights increased 94 percent year over year, according to 2026 data from Evite — and retailers are tapping into the trend. The My Fair Mahjong New England Tile Set from Mark & Graham puts a coastal spin on the classic tile game. The set includes 160 white melamine tiles decorated with bright, oil-based inks and designs that draw inspiration from the region’s seaside towns — motifs like lobsters, buoys, seagulls, sailboats and New
England lighthouses. The set comes with a teal tile bag featuring a fun zipper tassel and instruction and tips cards to help players of all skill levels. With mahjong’s resurgence bringing the game to a new generation, this colorful set offers a giftable way for retailers to capitalize on the trend. My Fair Mahjong New England Tile Set. Mark & Graham. markandgraham.com
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TRENDING GIFTS – KIDS
Dungeons & Dragons Fizban’s Fortune. FanRoll. fanrolldice.com
GROWN-UPS
Got Game Kidults are in the market for games and gifts that tap into their penchant for play. by Pamela Brill
At Learning Express Toys & Gifts in Aventura, Fla., board games are a hit — and not just with kids. Co-owner Valerie Zafrany of the South Florida specialty store reports that adults often come in to shop for games like Code Lock from Fun Squared Games and assorted titles from USAoploy and Exploding Kittens. “Having family time “For kidults, some games with a game is a great represent a trip down thing,” she said. And memory lane, like revisiting when parents are not pop culture favorites.” playing with their kids, they are enjoying game night with friends, while socializing in their comfort of their homes.” Board game night happens every Wednesday at New Kawaii in Irvington, N.Y. The specialty retail shop, where consumers can buy and play games in-store, has built a community around gathering over games. “It’s a great opportunity where adults (and kids) can come in as a group or join in when others at home aren’t interested in playing,” said co-owner Jen Vargas. Sustained interest in games and other kidult toys is propelling sales within this demographic. According to a recent report from market research firm Circana, toy purchases for teens and adults 4 6 - G IFTS & DEC OR ATI V E AC C ESS ORIE S - S E PTE MB E R 2026
accounted for a whopping 60 percent in the first half of 2026. Games and puzzles saw 45 percent growth during this same period, with gaming-related properties expected to be among the key growth drivers for the holiday season. Retailers aiming to reach the incredibly influential kidult consumer are wise to refresh their games and puzzles selection with on-trend choices. Here’s how some toy makers are appealing to those consumers who want to feel like a kid again.
Designing with Big Kids in Mind
Creating a game for adults vs. children requires a completely different mindset: one that’s less focused on promoting cooperative play and building fine motor skills, but provides entertaining, yet engaging activities. Toy makers have zeroed in on several key factors that play a part in their game designs. For kidults, some games represent a trip down memory lane, like revisiting pop culture favorites. “We are talking about Gen Z and millennial consumers … trending toward toys, games, and other activities that were popular between 1990 and 2000,” said Bob Moog, co-founder and president of University Games. His company’s Nintendo Kirby 3D Crystal Puzzle speaks to this trend with a classic video game character sporting a brain-teasing twist. Classic movie properties that resonate with devoted fans are
bukowskibears.com
TRENDING GIFTS – KIDS
Initial Reactions. JoPat Games. jopatgames.com
I Suck at Drawing. Exploding Kittens. explodingkittens.com
also showing up in kidult titles, like Clue: The Breakfast Club from The Op Games. "As nostalgia, ’80s/’90s throwbacks, and pop-culture mashups continue to trend, we saw a wonderful opportunity,” said Senior Product Marketing Manager Andrew Esposito. “The game taps into that appetite by combining the iconic gameplay of Clue with recognizable characters and the rebellious spirit of the beloved ’80s classic." Cultural zeitgeist aside, other game makers are simply focused on the collective return of play for adults. “After years of becoming increasingly serious, busy and screen-centered, consumers across generations are looking for ways to reconnect: with friends, family, their own creativity and the activities that once made them happy as kids,” said Whitney Kimerling, co-founder and chief creative officer of Hootenanny Games. Mike Linskey, co-founder and president of Fun Squared Games, seconds the nostalgia notion. “There’s something refreshing about getting back to “It’s not enough just to play the simple experience the game; they also want of sitting around a table to wear a keychain, display a n d p l ay i n g a g a m e a plush, or collect special together,” he said. Building upon those products inspired by their emotional connections fandom.” — Brenna Noonan, invites game makers to leave the door open and Ravensburger make new memories. “Designing for kidults is really about finding the intersection of nostalgia and rediscovering the joy of childhood,” said Neal Hoffman, CEO of FanRoll Dice. “Adults have careers, responsibilities, bills, and the everyday stresses of life. The products we create give them an opportunity to step away from all of that, even if it’s just for a few minutes, and reconnect with the sense of wonder they felt as kids.”
The Elements of Style
While reliving the good old days makes for enjoyable game play, designers know it’s not enough to win over savvy kidult consumers. In a competitive marketplace, solid packaging and engaging graphics provide visual appeal that goes beyond the box. Daisy Ritz, vice president of marketing at Exploding Kittens, notes the proliferation of what she calls “toyetic components.” 4 8 - G IFTS & D EC OR ATI V E AC C ESS ORIE S - S E PTE MB E R 2026
Here For the Comments. Relatable. relatable.com
“These toy elements add a tactile experience that can make a game more engaging to play, as well as offer a visual component that sparks social content,” she said. The company’s justlaunched I Suck at Drawing game includes a dry-erase board, markers and other accessories for making entertaining posts. Creating a giftable game is also key for promoting its play value, but should be marketed appropriately. Kimerling points out the importance of denoting products that skew toward older customers. “If we are inviting people who are no longer kids to reconnect with play, the product cannot look or feel too young,” she said. “It needs to signal that it belongs in their world — on a coffee table, in a gift closet, at game night, or in a social media post—while still delivering the fun, approachable play pattern people want.” Adopting this strategy, Hootenanny recently released the first product in its Artist Collection of games and puzzles. Mahjong Playing Cards, hand-painted by Amanda Gorman, are an alternative to traditional tiles, packaged in a display-worthy gift box. “Her artwork makes the set feel less like a basic game accessory and more like a beautiful lifestyle item — exactly the kind of product that speaks to today’s kidult consumer,” said Kimerling. Puzzles for kidults are incorporating designs and themes that beg to be showcased. This fall, Ravensburger will be releasing its Romantasy Puzzles collection, headlined by The Fourth Wing. Based on the bestselling series by author Rabecca Yarros, the literary lovers’ collectible is housed in book-shaped packaging with dragon scale detailing and metallic finishes. Brenna Noonan, games product marketing manager, believes this level of design speaks to collectibles-focused consumers and paves the way for further product development. “It’s really a result of kidult gamers deepening their relationships with their fandoms. It’s not enough just to play the game; they also want to wear a keychain, display a plush, or collect special products inspired by their fandom,” she said, noting how limited-edition releases and blind boxes also help fuel the kidult market. In fact, it’s that very element of surprise that game makers are leaning into. Hoffman is intrigued by how the blind box format has expanded into numerous toy categories. Consumers have embraced the thrill of the mystery, whether it’s collectibles, toys or gaming accessories,” he said. “At FanRoll, we brought that experience to tabletop gaming with Fizban’s
Mahjong Playing Cards. Hootenanny Games. playhootenanny.com
Airstream Live Riveted Conversation Set. TableTopics. tabletopics.com
Nintendo Kirby Crystal 3D Puzzle. University Games. universitygames.com
Fortunes, where Dungeons & Dragons players can collect 35 different dragon-inspired dice through a blind box format.” Hoffman believes this trend is sustainable because of kidults’ desire to buy an experience, rather than just a product. “It’s about recapturing that sense of excitement you felt when you opened something for the first time and had no idea what was inside,” he added.
Taking Social Cues
Game night get-togethers for kidults continue to flourish, especially in a post-pandemic world. Following a period in which consumers resorted to online gaming or board games with housebound family or roommates, games that encourage hands-on, screen-free involvement are a welcome return. At New Kawaii, Vargas describes adult party games as the “gateway to play, offering a different dynamic that evens the playing field.” Spite House Studios, makers of the Go F*** Yourself card game is designed to let players express themselves without hesitation. “That is the opportunity in adult games: not simply to shock people, but to give them a socially acceptable excuse to behave, speak, and connect in ways they normally would not,” said founder Chris Breaux. Speaking a language that kidults can understand (and appreciate) is also the focus of Relatable’s Here For the Comments, an extension of the What Do You Meme? brand. During this game, players take a comment card, create a live thread and then vote on their favorite replies. As Chief Commercial Officer Karen Branson explained, “It takes the humor, language and culture of the Internet and brings it into a social, tabletop format. We know consumers love games that give them an opportunity to be funny, compete with their friends and create their own inside jokes.” While games are good for a group-wide laugh, titles that inspire a healthy dose of competition are also on trend. Moose Games is addressing the kidult market with the release of MrBeast: The Ultimate Game, in which players draw Challenge, Duel and Party cards, containing unusual prompts that allow them to collect Beast Bucks. “The game is designed to be easy to learn, endlessly replayable and perfect for game nights with friends,” said Global General Manager Ben Krenz. This fall, Moose Games will promote this title via a college ambassador program, which he credits for “putting the game directly into the hands of players who
The Fourth Wing — 500-Piece Puzzle. Ravensburger. ravensburger.us
naturally create excitement, encourage game nights and generate the kind of authentic social sharing that helps party games take off.” Laughter continues to be at the core of kidult party games, now enhanced by activity-based titles that can scale to larger groups. “Our goal is to provide a fun escape and experience for friends and family with our replayable games,” said Chris Savino, owner of JoPat Games. “You can play one round or 1,000 … at game night or in the classroom, at parties or as icebreakers.” One of the company’s newest titles, Initial Reactions, invites players aged 17 and up to create acronyms in response to humorous questions. The appropriately dubbed HPIC (Head Player in Charge) rewards the most creative responses and officially crowns the MVP. Games that don’t require a steep learning curve are on target with kidults strictly in the market for fun. This fall, Ravensburger will introduce Mind the Lines, a cooperative G I F T S & D ECO R AT I V E ACCE SSO R I ES - SEPT E M BE R 2026 - 49
TRENDING GIFTS – KIDS
Big Kids Wanted How to promote kidult games at retail
Use these tips from the game experts to create enticing displays and encourage sales with older game fans. • Treat games as more of an entertainment category than just another toy. “The easier you make it for consumers to picture their next game night, especially during the holiday season, the more likely they are to make an impulse purchase or pick up a game as a gift,” said David Blanchard, vice president of product strategy for The Op Games. • Create a destination for fandom. “Offering a broad assortment across different brands and franchises gives customers more reasons to browse, collect, and come back for what’s next,” said Neal Hoffman, CEO of FanRoll Dice. Brenna Noonan, games product marketing manager of Ravensburger, recommends stocking themed accessories: “If someone loves a specific property, they’ll probably love a puzzle featuring it just as much as a game, book or plushie.”
• Merchandise games around seasonal events like tailgate parties and holiday gatherings. “Curating solutions around these occasions helps shoppers easily picture how products fit into their lives,” said Ben Krenz of Moose Toys. • Tight on space? Try a themed table where one popular pick is showcased with related gift ideas. “The upside of locking into what the kidult is looking for is multiple purchases, repeat visits, and a higher checkout basket,” said Bob Moog, co-founder and president of University Games. • Partner with a local shop that takes a gift to the next level. Happy Camper, maker of the Bring Your Own Book party game, works with booksellers on events for book clubs. “I always encourage stores to host game nights or events,” said founder Jason Schneider. “It’s a great way to bring people into the shop and introduce them to analog play.”
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MrBeast: The Ultimate Game. Moose Games. moosetoys.com
drawing party game with a straightforward premise. “The beauty of the game is that each player can only draw their picture by tracing pre-drawn, scribbly lines on their whiteboard, so it really levels the playing field and keeps the barrier to entry incredibly low,” said Noonan. Keeping gameplay simple is a win for kidults who love a good challenge, minus complexity. Fun Squared Games’ Code Lock — the aforementioned favorite at Learning Express Aventura — centers on deduction, logic and problem-solving, with straightforward rules. Linskey notes how his company’s products fit into consumers’ desire for tactile gameplay with a mental boost. “We want our games to fit naturally into everyday life, whether that’s family game night, a weekend away, or simply taking ten minutes to unplug and exercise your brain,” he said. No kidult game section would be complete without titles that promote conversation. Whether it’s a date night activity or down time while on vacation, titles focused on face-to-face discussion speak volumes. TableTopics has extended its brand of icebreaker games with Airstream Live Riveted Edition for gamers on the go. “Airstream enthusiasts represent a passionate community centered around adventure, exploration, and shared experiences,” said Sheryl Brunell, senior director of sales and marketing. “We saw an opportunity to create a product that enhances those moments by encouraging conversations among travelers, friends and families on the road.” Games that encompass a lifestyle component help enhance the overall play value that extends beyond the product. “It's not just a conversation starter; it's a companion for the experience itself,” she added.
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TRENDING GIFTS – GOURMET
SWEET TREATS FOR
SWEET TOOTHS by Amanda Erd
When someone talks about sweet treats, most people immediately jump to chocolates and candies. Those familiar with the gourmet category know that there is so much more on the market to satisfy those sweet cravings. A 2025 Circana survey found that 47 percent of Americans define a “little treat” as something sweet, with consumers enjoying these small indulgences a median of four times a week. That appetite for a little something sweet creates an opportunity for retailers to think beyond the traditional candy aisle and offer shoppers new ways to indulge. From dressed-up nut snacks to infused sweet drinks to traditional candies, here are a few items to consider stocking for the sweet-tooth shoppers in your store. G I F T S & D ECO R AT I V E ACCE SSO R I ES - SEPT E M BE R 2026 - 53
TRENDING GIFTS – GOURMET 1.
Sea Salt Almond and Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter bars. Abdallah Candies. abdallahcandies.com
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Southern Pecan Toffee. Lambrecht Gourmet. lambrechtgourmet.com
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Bourbon Brownie Boozy Shake. Noble Mick’s. noblemicks.com
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Maple Brown Sugar Pecans. Gourmet Goodies. roadrunners.com
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12-ounce Squeeze Vanilla Honey. Savannah Bee Company. savannahbee.com
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Candy Charcuterie Trays. Clever Candy. nassaucandy.com
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Mexican Cocoa Cocktail Infusion. The Southern Spirit. the southernspirit.com
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Chocolate Hazelnut Pralines. The Sweet Snob. sweetsnob.co.uk
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LAST-MINUTE
HOLIDAY PREP by Amanda Erd
The tail end of the year comes with a rush in the gift industry. Consumers are out and about shopping for all sorts of recipients. Meanwhile, retailers are busy — and likely stressed — trying to keep the shelves stocked. The holidays have a way of creeping up on plenty of people, both consumers who wait until the last minute to Christmas shop and retailers, too. If you’ve found yourself a little light on inventory for the holidays, have no fear, we have you covered. For those who may need a few final items — either now or closer to the holidays — these products are ready to ship. Peruse the next couple of pages to find a variety of items perfect for quick holiday gifts and stocking stuffers.
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TRENDING GIFTS – SEASONAL 1
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Big Dill Mug. Big Mouth Inc. bigmouthinc.com
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Signature Hand Cream Trio. La Chatelaine. lachatelainebeauty.com
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Sweety & Spicy Glazed Pecan Tins. Lambrecht Gourmet. lambrechtgourmet.com
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Mahjong-themed ornaments. Old World Christmas. oldworldchristmas.com
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Foot soaks. Yuzu. yuzusoap.com
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Luxurious Hand Cream. Yuzu. yuzusoap.com
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Spam Decoy Safe. Big Mouth Inc. bigmouthinc.com
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Mug and Socks sets. Mud Pie. wholesale.mudpie.com
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Petite Fleur Soap Collection. La Chatelaine. lachatelainebeauty.com
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10. Holiday Fun Build Your Own Necklace. Mud Pie. wholesale.mudpie.com 11. Glasgow Throw in Dove Grey. Bedford Collections. bedfordcollections.com
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TRENDING GIFTS – SEASONAL
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Holiday Tennis Ball Dog Toys. Mud Pie. wholesale.mudpie.com
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Pocket Room and Fabric Spray. Yuzu. yuzusoap.com
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Men’s Mosaic Soap Supply set. La Chatelaine. lachatelainebeauty.com
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CBD Body Butter. Yuzu. yuzusoap.com
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Gingerbread Sticker Earrings. Mud Pie. wholesale.mudpie.com
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Old Fashioned Cocktail Infuse Jar. The Southern Spirit. thesouthernspirit.com
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TRENDING GIFTS – STYLE PULSE
HIGHLIGHTING
HANDMADE by Lenise Willis
As consumers continue to seek value in their purchases, items that are handmade stand out. Not only do they look good in a display, and are often of higher quality, but they also come with a great backstory about how they’re made and by whom. Sourcing from local artisans is always a good option, but there are also several well-known brands in our industry that make larger quantities of handmade items, too. Check out this collection of handmade goods for a wellcrafted display — pun intended — and don’t forget to add a few story tags, too, explaining how and where they’re made. The best part about handmade items and their interesting background is that they can usually be sold at a higher price point.
G I F T S & D ECO R AT I V E ACCE SSO R I ES - SEPT E M BE R 2026 - 59
TRENDING GIFTS – STYLE PULSE
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Pewter keychain. Basic Spirit. basicspirit.com/usa
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Acrylic bag charms. Freshwater Curated Goods. shopfreshwater.com
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Mushroom-shaped resin cheese board and dish. Lynn & Liana Designs. lynnliana.com
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Sunshine Floral tea towel. Salty Bison Trading Company. saltybisontradingcompany.com
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Blood Orange Bar made with dark chocolate, blood orange oil, glazed orange slice and candied orange peel. Lambrecht Gourmet. lambrechtgourmet.com
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Sunshine Ornament. Salty Bison Trading Company. saltybisontradingcompany.com
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Butterfly tote. Salty Bison Trading Company. saltybisontradingcompany.com
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Recycled leather handbag. Soruka. us.soruka.com
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Drinking glasses with decorative resin coating. Lynn & Liana Designs. lynnliana.com
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10. Bookmark with pressed flowers. Sunnie Lane. sunnielane.com 11. Accent art with single pressed flower. Sunnie Lane. sunnielane.com 12. Decorative pillows. Hill and Dale Home. hillanddalehome.com 13. Soap flowers. Naturally Gifted naturallygiftedny.com
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TRENDING GIFTS – STYLE PULSE 1.
Pineapple Sundown Cocktail Infusion. The Southern Spirit. thesouthernspirit.com
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Sunflower pillow and lemons pillow. Hill and Dale Home. hillanddalehome.com
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Mocha Stone Fluted Candle in eco-friendly resin base. Lynn & Liana Designs. lynnliana.com
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Farm animal tea towel. Salty Bison Trading Company. saltybisontradingcompany.com
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Handmade handbag. Soruka. us.soruka.com
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Embroidered trucker hats. Wildwood Landing. wildwoodlanding.com
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S PO N SO RE D C O N T E N T
S PO N SO R ED C O N T EN T
NEW ABDALLAH CHOCOLATE BARS Raising the bar! Discover five new premium chocolate bars, from classic milk chocolate to rich 72% dark chocolate. Abdallahcandies.com 952.890.4770
BOOK LOVER LIST PAD & MEMO PAD Perfect for readers and note-takers alike, these cheerful notepads make it easy to stay organized while adding a literary touch to your day. The “Just one more chapter…” magnetic list pad and coordinating “Book Lover” memo pad are sold separately, each with 50 sheets and proudly made in the U.S.A. www.ginabdesigns.com 800.228.4856
S PO N SO R ED C O N T EN T
MORE WINE IN A BOTTLE 1000 PIECE PUZZLE 1000 piece puzzle. Matte soft touch finish. Made in USA. Woman designed and woman owned. www.ellembeegift.com 248.520.7467
GIFTS FOR GAMERS Score big points with our small, easily giftable signs. Appeal to the kid in everyone! Huge selection. Handmade in the USA. Fast shipping. 800-528-6008 www.sawduscitywholesale.com
Greeting Cards • Notes • Envelope Seals • Gift Tags • Notepads • ecipe Cards
www.ginabdesigns.com cs@ginabdesigns.com
MADE IN THE USA
MORE THAN JUST DIP, OVER 80 AMAZING MIXES! We make it easy... just open your box and start selling!
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halladays.com
A Connection Home The Wind River® Elements Collection — Nature’s balance captured in tone and design. Each chime is tuned to notes that reflect the spirit of its element—Earth, Air, Fire, and Water—bringing the resonance of nature into everyday life. TM
HarborSong by Wind River® are formed from durable steel and shaped in the tradition of coastal bells. Designed to move with the breeze and resonate with presence, these bells are available in a variety of sizes, finishes, and tonal profiles.
Visit us online.
Wind River® 800-345-2530 windriverchimes.com service@windriverchimes.com
800-528-6008 www.sawdustcitywholesale.com
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TRENDING GIFTS
AMERICAN MADE The trending DIY movement isn't limited to the crafting community. Consumers interested in a variety of hobbies, including cooking, are seeking products that make tackling a task easier. As the trend of consumers "doing it themselves" continues, cocktail mixes, gourmet mixes and seasonings, and specialty snacks that make making a delectable treat at home a breeze are gaining in popularity. Headquartered in Indiana and family-owned since its founding in 2009, gourmet food company A Blend Above is dedicated to creating easy-to-make gourmet food mixes that bring friends and families together and make serving a delicious treat easier. The company offers a diverse line of gourmet food products, including more than 200 dip mixes, dessert mixes, soup mixes, bread mixes, biscuit mixes, cookie mixes, pasta mixes, oil dipping mixes, fondue mixes, drink mixes, snacks and seasonings. Each product is gluten-free, shelf-stable and made with all-natural ingredients right here in the United States. No MSG here! “A Blend Above was created with a simple goal: to
make great-tasting gourmet food easy for families to prepare, share and enjoy together,” said Pete Benson, owner and founder. “We’re incredibly proud to be a family-owned company based in Lowell, Ind., where our products are made and shipped to retailers and customers across the country. Being able to grow an American-made brand while supporting independent retailers and communities throughout the U.S. means a great deal to our family.” Beyond creating quality food products for retailers and families alike, A Blend Above also gives back to its community by being a strong fundraising partner for schools, sports teams, churches, clubs and nonprofit organizations. What began as a passion for creating exceptional flavors has evolved into a growing brand found in specialty food stores, gift shops, boutiques and retail locations nationwide. A variety of dessert, dip, drink and soup mixes. A Blend Above. ablendabove.com
Gluten-free
FLOURISHING FLAVORS by Lenise Willis
Made with all-natural ingredients 7 0 - G IFT S & D EC OR ATI V E AC C ESS ORIE S - S E PTE MB E R 2026
Locally crafted in Chicago
ORNAMENTS M O T S CU 100% USA MADE TARIFF FREE
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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
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.
CONTRIBUTOR CONTENT
PRODUCT PROFILES BLOSSOM BUCKET
I HEART EYEWEAR
CROSSROADS CANDLES
TAG
HARVEST HOUSE PUBLISHERS
PRIMITIVES BY KATHY
DOUGLAS CO., INC.
THE GRANDPARENT GIFT CO.
SANTOKI
Contributor Content
PRODUCT PROFILES TAG
GAME NIGHT COCKTAIL PUZZLE Bold, giftable and full of cocktail culture, this 1,000 piece puzzle brings fresh energy to entertaining and barware assortments.
| 773-871-1300 @ tagltd.com
PRIMITIVES BY KATHY
DINNER DECISION DICE A large wooden die that features six cuisine options to roll and reveal for when they just can’t decide what’s for dinner.
SAWDUST CITY LLC
| 866-295-2849 @ primitivesbykathy.com
GIFTS FOR GAMERS Score big points with our small, easily giftable signs. Appeal to the kid in everyone! Huge selection. Handmade in the USA. Fast shipping.
| 800-528-6008 @ www.sawdustcitywholesale.com
STICKERS NORTHWEST
24 POCKET COUNTERTOP STADIUM DISPLAY Personalize your gear with stickers. Choose from 1000s of stock or customizable designs. Made in the USA.
| 253-344-1236 @ www.stickersnorthwest.com
DM MERCHANDISING
KICKPOD PRO FOOTBAGS A hot trend this season! Stock up on the latest ’90s nostalgia item teens are loving. Ships in a free display.
| 800-548-6784 @ www.247dm.com
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PRODUCT PROFILES DM MERCHANDISING
GOOLALA SQUISHIES SENSORY FIDGET CUBE The season’s hottest sensory trend! No-noise fidget cubes with super squishable non-toxic filling. Ships in a free display.
| 800-548-6784 @ www.247dm.com
PRIMITIVES BY KATHY
ACRYLIC TABLETOP GAMES Don’t settle for traditional fun, these stylish versions of classic games look great on a shelf or table in between game nights.
WIKKI STIX CO.
GAME TIME FUN
| 866-295-2849 @ primitivesbykathy.com
A new twist on game playing from Wikki Stix! Kit offers seven hands-on games and 216 Wikki Stix to use!
| 800-869-4554 @ www.wikkistix.com
DOUGLAS CO., INC.
HARVEST HOUSE PUBLISHERS
SUPER DUPER BUNNY SOFT
A sweet autumn story about an overlooked pumpkin discovering its true purpose, celebrating patience, belonging, and the beauty of being uniquely made. Paperback- MSRP $8.99.
Meet Artie (15748), DOUGLAS’s first ever Bunny Super Duper Soft. Our well-loved Artie Bunny Soft is now more huggable than ever, sitting at 16" tall.
| 888-501-0160 @ harvesthousepublishers.faire.com
| 800-992-9002 @ douglascuddletoy.com
LUMPY BUMPY PUMPKIN
G I F T S & D ECO R AT I V E ACCE SSO R I ES - SEPT E M BE R 2026 - 75
Contributor Content
PRODUCT PROFILES MUD PIE
FLOWER GIRL PLUSH SET 4-piece set. Soft fur plush basket features tulle ruffle, flower girl tag and shimmer feet. Comes holding three plush stemmed flowers.
| 800-998-1633 @ wholesale.mudpie.com
WARMIES®
SCARY CUTE WARMIES Warmies® Scary Cute collection is sweet… with just a hint of spooky! Featuring irresistible softness with just the right touch of spooky charm. Warmies® are microwavable, lavender-scented, and weighted for soothing warmth and comfort.
DOUGLAS CO., INC.
FLOPPY BUNNIES DOUGLAS’s Babette (15737) and Beckham (15738) Floppy Bunnies are back, and they have made a new friend. Meet Tawny (15744). She is a beautiful taupe bunny with cream features.
@ warmies.com
| 800-992-9002 @ douglascuddletoy.com
MARY MEYER
MERRY MENACE MONSTER - 55652 A cute character that brings a different kind of Holiday Cheer!
| 800-451-4387 @ marymeyer.com
WARMIES®
COZY CUTE WARMIES Warmies® Cozy Cute collection features rounded, collectible plush characters with sweet, embroidered expressions and lovable personalities. Warmies® are microwavable, lavender-scented, and weighted for soothing warmth and comfort.
@ warmies.com
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PRODUCT PROFILES MUD PIE
STANDING WOVEN BUNNY Deluxe-sized woven jute bunny stands alone with backpack carrying woven jute carrots with raffia stems.
| 800-998-1633 @ wholesale.mudpie.com
SANTOKI LLC
LEGO® STICKER ASSORTMENT – HOLIDAY (ITEM #53858P) Easy, affordable Holiday personalization with LEGO® stickers—removable, repositionable, and perfect for decorating everyday essentials. Ages: 6+. MSRP: $3.99 for each sticker sheet.
OLD WORLD CHRISTMAS
BLOWN-GLASS ORNAMENTS
@ sales@santoki.com @ santoki.com
The premier collection of exclusive blown-glass, handpainted ornaments. Call us to become a dealer in your area.
| 800-962-7669 @ www.oldworldchristmas.com
KURT S. ADLER, INC.
10.5" HERSHEY CHOCOLATE HOUSE SANTA Designed to look like a festive chocolate-covered cottage, this delightful piece features Santa himself bringing cheer to a sugary winter wonderland.
KURT S. ADLER, INC.
3.5" NOBLE GEMS™ GLASS CINNAMON BUN ORNAMENT
| 212-924-0900 @ www.kurtadler.com
This charming ornament captures the warm, delicious look of a freshly baked cinnamon bun, hand-crafted in glass for a glossy, festive finish.
| 212-924-0900 @ www.kurtadler.com G I F T S & D ECO R AT I V E ACCE SSO R I ES - SEPT E M BE R 2026 - 77
Contributor Content
PRODUCT PROFILES BLOSSOM BUCKET
CHRISTMAS BLESSINGS NATIVITY FIGURINE Celebrate the true meaning of the season with this Christmas Blessings Nativity figurine from Blossom Bucket. Crafted from durable resin with wood-look styling, this 8.25" tall piece features Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus framed under a guiding star.
| 866-247-0156 @ www.crossroadsfamily.com PRIMITIVES BY KATHY
TEALIGHT CANDLE FIGURINES Shaped tealight candle sets featuring sculpted designs and painted details perfect for adding festive lighting to seasonal displays.
CROSSROADS CANDLES
BROWN BUTTER COOKIE CANDLE Indulge in a new fragrance from Crossroads! Warm, toasted brown butter and rich shortbread create a comforting base, while sweet sugared pecans and a whisper of fresh silver sage deliver a sophisticated, cozy twist on a bakery favorite.
| 866-295-2849 @ primitivesbykathy.com
| 866-247-0156 @ www.crossroadsfamily.com
ABDALLAH CANDIES
RAISING THE BAR! Discover five new premium chocolate bars, from classic milk chocolate to rich 72% dark chocolate.
| 952-890-4770 @ abdallahcandies.com HALLADAY’S HARVEST BARN
VERMONT BEER BREAD MIX Create warm, buttery, homemade bread with our easy to prepare Beer Bread Mixes. These mixes will fly off your shelves and are available in three mouthwatering flavors.
| 802-463-3471 @ www.halladays.com
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Contributor Content
PRODUCT PROFILES TAG
LITTLE THINGS OF JOY Little Things of Joy pairs meaningful icons and heartfelt sentiments across giftable formats, including color trinket dishes for everyday treasures.
| 773-871-1300 @ tagltd.com
TAG
OWL SOUP MUG Sculpted character meets practical function in a hand-painted soup mug that adds personality to tabletop and gifting assortments.
MUD PIE
HYDRANGEA OVEN MITT & POT HOLDER SET
| 773-871-1300 @ tagltd.com
2-piece set. Quilted cotton oven mitt comes with coordinating quilted pot holder.
| 800-998-1633 @ wholesale.mudpie.com
HARVEST HOUSE PUBLISHERS
52 DEVOTIONS FOR HUNTERS THE GRANDPARENT GIFT CO.
“PRAYING FOR YOU” BLANKET Wrap loved ones in comfort with the Softly Said “Praying For You” Blanket from The Grandparent Gift Co. Measuring 50"x65", this ultra-soft plush throw features a faux leather patch with a loving message, offering heartfelt encouragement and peace.
Discover 52 inspiring outdoor devotions blending hunting and fishing adventures, Scripture, practical faith lessons, and prayers to deepen your connection with God. Hardcover-MSRP $9.99.
| 888-501-0160 @ harvesthousepublishers.faire.com
| 866-247-0156 @ www.crossroadsfamily.com
G I F T S & D ECO R AT I V E ACCE SSO R I ES - SEPT E M BE R 2026 - 79
Contributor Content
PRODUCT PROFILES PEEPERS BY PEEPERSPECS
CLEO READERS IN GOLD OMBRE HORN There’s nothing shy about Cleo. This oversized square lifts at the corners in streaked horn acetate, melting from warm amber into a rosy base.
| 219-872-4413 @ wholesale.peepers.com
TINTE COSMETICS
PEPPERMINT TRIO KIT PRIMITIVES BY KATHY
Our trio kits contain a rollerball lip gloss, kissing stick flavored lip balm and slider tin lip balm. Many fun flavors to choose from.
CROCHET ACCESSORIES
| 305-793-0399 @ www.tintecosmetics.com
Stylish accessories with a handmade style! Shop our collection featuring a variety of nature-inspired crochet designs with functional details.
| 866-295-2849 @ primitivesbykathy.com
WORLD BUYERS GIFT & HOME DéCOR
AFFORDABLE GIFTS! BRAND NEW COIN PURSES! Big collection of nature-themed designs, plus fairies, celestial and novelty. Your customers will love the selections! Register online for wholesale account!
| 800-996-7531 @ www.worldbuyers.com
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I HEART EYEWEAR
MEET FELICITY, OUR NEW NECK HANGING READER Never misplace your readers again with these colorful neck hanging glasses. Designed with extended temples to hang securely and comfortably around your neck when not in use. Your customers will LOVE these!
| 800-247-7667 @ www.ihearteyewear.com
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.
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Turn to us throughout your day for news, information and more. www.giftsanddec.com
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HANDMADE HIGHLIGHTS
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.
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EST. 1975
A LIFESTYLE BRAND
Good design never goes out of style. Bold color, playful pattern and iconic shapes give our Mid-Century Modern Collection a fresh point of view. Designed to bring personality to every corner of the home and new energy to your shelves. Shipping now. 800.621.8350 | mail@tagltd.com | tagltd.com | Atlanta | Dallas | Las Vegas | Seattle | Toronto
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