This holiday season, shoppers are prioritizing human connections more than ever, and cherishing the communities and relationships that matter most to them. Through so much change over the last few years, these relationships have weathered the storm, making them all the more important to celebrate.

Which is why the gifts we give should come from someplace special – and Etsy’s community of five million independent sellers make for a one-of-a-kind shopping experience, filled with extraordinary gifts of all kinds, for all kinds.

To help us capture the magic of the season, Etsy sellers are here to make this holiday extra-special and on trend. From mood-boosting hues to après ski style and so much more, our global community offers so many ways to warm your home and the hearts of everyone on your list.

Merry & bright

Move over, dopamine dressing: dopamine gifting is the must-have trend this season. Bright colors can have a powerfully positive effect on our psyche—and if this year’s obsession with hot pink is any indication, I’m predicting that shoppers will be going all-out with joyful, vibrant colors when it comes to the festive season. There has been a 346% increase in searches for disco ball decor*, an 86% increase in searches for vibrant wall art*, a 34% increase in searches for hot pink fashion items* and a 24% increase in searches for colorful wreaths* on Etsy. This playful and mood-boosting holiday aesthetic represents a fresh start, reminding us to celebrate in ways that bring us happiness, and to spread cheer well beyond the new year.

Enchanted forest

The desire to connect with the natural world in recent years began as a form of escapism, and continues to influence our home decor, with natural, wild and foraged-inspired foliage taking center stage in this enchanted fantasy-meets-reality forest aesthetic. On Etsy, we’ve seen a 118% increase in searches for nature-inspired home decor*, a 37% increase in searches for enchanted forest-inspired decor*, and an 18% increase in searches for luna moth items*. To make this dark, moody, and magical trend story come to life, combine rich tones like emerald green (Etsy’s Color of the Year!) and midnight blue, with festive, shimmery touches—inspired by the iridescent wings of luna moths and beetles.

Pro tip: Layers of velvet and faux fur accents add an element of luxe, while dark serveware speckled with metallic flecks and trims infuses mystery and drama to your holiday tablescape.

Après ski

Nothing beats the ritual of sipping, snacking and socializing mountain-side after a long day on the slopes, and the relaxed luxury of après ski style is influencing our holiday homes and closets. There has been a 183% increase in searches for knit balaclavas*, a 163% increase in searches for puffer bags*, a 16% increase in searches for retro or vintage ski jackets*, and a 13% increase in searches for ski gear* on Etsy, and the sporty chic style can be interpreted as an extension of the athleisure trend that took off during the pandemic. Much like summer’s coastal grandma craze, the appeal of this alpine aesthetic is all about the lifestyle it evokes: more than just chunky knits and sporty jackets, après ski is a feeling.

Pearlcore

While pearls have been prized in fashion for centuries for their classic and timeless beauty, the ‘pearlcore’ trend takes this naturally occurring gemstone to a whole new level of glamour. On Etsy, there has been a 44% increase in searches for pearl shoes*, a 44% increase in searches for pearl bags or purses*, and a 31% increase in searches for pearl dangle or drop earrings*. And the fascination extends beyond jewelry and accessories—pearly, iridescent accents add an ethereal elegance to festive decor. Unsurprisingly, oyster motifs are also showing up everywhere as of late—an extension of this summer’s coastal and ‘crustaceancore’ obsession.

Kitchen kitsch

Shoppers have fallen in love with all things nostalgic, and in particular, retro kitchen accessories are having a major moment: there has been an 85% increase in searches for vintage mixing bowls*, a 26% increase in searches for retro decor*, and a 14% increase in searches for vintage pyrex* on Etsy. Sustainable and stylish, vintage home pieces add a healthy dose of personality to your space. From old-school cookie jars and coffee pots to whimsically-patterned mugs, tea towels and more—Etsy is a treasure trove of retro items that will infuse a kitschy, cozy, vibe to any kitchen (these pieces also make a great gift for the baking enthusiast in your life!).

New age rituals

After the turbulent last few years, a shift towards healing and introspection has come into focus, as shoppers connect with their deeper selves and tap into the power of the universe. Interest in spiritual practices and New Age rituals is on the rise, including items associated with astrology, tarot, meditation, manifestations, affirmations and moon phase tracking. On Etsy, there has been a 338% increase in searches for aura art*, a 90% increase in searches for affirmation items*, a 27% increase in searches for angel number items*, and a 16% increase in searches for tarot-inspired necklaces*.

For more holiday ideas, visit our 2022 Etsy Gift Guide.

*The year-over-year (YoY) increases were calculated by comparing search volume on Etsy from March to August 2022 to the same period in 2021.