At QY Crafts, many of our clients - from school supply brands to retail buyers - are already starting to plan their 2026 holiday collections. Based on what we've observed this year and what industry insights suggest moving forward, here are some key directions worth watching as we all look ahead to the next holiday cycle.
1. Mini Craft Kits Are Still Strong Performers
This year, we’ve continued to see strong demand for small-format kits,from festive mini ornaments to pocket-sized paper lanterns. According to industry data from earlier in 2025, low-price-point craft products including collectibles and mini DIY kits showed an 18% YoY increase in unit sales in several regions. Looking ahead to 2026, we expect this trend to remain steady, especially in back-to-school and holiday promotional and feature programs.
2. Heritage Techniques Continue to Resonate
One consistent request throughout 2025 has been for traditional craft formats made accessible to families and classrooms, such as needle felting, knotting, and embroidery. This isn't just nostalgia - it's about creating hands-on, meaningful experiences that feel personalized, calming, and gift-worthy. For 2026, we anticipate more buyers looking for these formats, particularly with updated designs and simplified, no-stress instructions.
3. Sustainability Is No Longer Optional
Across our 2025 production cycles, we've seen a noticeable increase in clients requesting eco-conscious kits, using recycled materials, natural textures, or low-plastic packaging. One recent study showed over 20% of craft consumers now actively seek holiday DIY ideas that feature sustainable themes or materials. As we head into 2026 planning, eco-aligned SKUs are becoming standard in many B2B assortments.
4. Paper Kits Remain a Reliable Category
Throughout 2025, paper-based craft kits continued to perform well, particularly in educational and promotional markets. We expect this category to remain essential in 2026, thanks to its:
Formats such as paper wreath kits, DIY cards, and printable garlands are still very much in demand.
5. Creative Reuse Kits Are Getting NoticedWe' ve had more clients in 2025 express interest in upcycling kits, especially for CSR initiatives or school programs with sustainability goals. Looking at 2026, we believe there's a growing opportunity here ,not just for environmental impact, but also as a creative exploration format that aligns with modern learning, "get messy" trends, and sustainably-minded parenting values.
2025 has given us a clearer picture of what customers respond to and what's worth investing in for 2026. At Paramont Group, we're ready to help you translate these insights into seasonal kits that are fresh, feasible, and production-ready, from custom sourcing to packaging design. Whether you're building out a classroom-focused activity line, a retail exclusive, or an affordably-giftable holiday program, our team can support your next launch. Ready to start developing your 2026 holiday line? Let's talk sample kits, materials, and timelines.
