Greeting Card Trends We've Spotted in 2026
We've been active in the greetings card world for 17+ years now, and I'd like to think that I've picked up a thing or two on spotting trends along the way.
Back when I was at university studying Textile Design, trends were a massive part of our studies. We spent about 30% of our time on the degree learning how to spot trends, interpret them, use them without being the same as everyone else, and even how to start trends. It was fascinating stuff.
Why are Trends Important?
Trends are more than just 'what's selling now'. They are a reflection of an overall mood - as social, consumer and cultural shifts occur, trends develop. For businesses, trends are essential for maintaining relevance, driving innovation, and gaining a competitive edge. They guide purchasing decisions, enhance engagement, and signal necessary changes in strategy.
2025 Design Trends
2025 was ALL about bold, warm colours, hand drawn lettering, chunky stripes, oh, and let's not forget- there were cherries and bows on EVERYTHING. 2025 felt bold, loud and rebellious.
Colours of 2026
As we moved from 2025 into 2026, Pantone announced their colour of the year as 'Cloud Dancer' - basically the softest, blandest, most neutral off-white non-colour. And I think it's safe to say that reactions were somewhat divided. Some called it a comforting, safe moment of calm, while others said it was boring, disappointing and, well, just a bit 'meh'.
My initial feelings on 'Cloud Dancer' were mixed. It reminds me of the metallic cream colour of our cards, which, obviously, I ADORE. But the thing that makes our cards so lovely is the combination of the warm neutral cream paired with the exact right colour. Alone, it would be boring, but when it is partnered with a dusky pink, peacock blue or sage green- that's when it really comes alive.
So I'm not against cloud dancer, but I do think it needs company.
Etsy also announced their colour of the year for 2026 - Patina Blue, and I must admit, I do love it. I also think that patina blue paired with cloud dancer would look completely gorgeous. It's giving Cornish cottages, Mediterranean summer, fresh sea air vibes. Now we're talking!
Two Months In To 2026 - Colour Trends We've Noticed
Lilac is HUGE this year.
Our lilac paper colour has become one of our most popular colours this year. It used to just sit there in the background, quietly ticking over, but this year it has EXPLODED onto the scene.
Why lilac?
Well, firstly, it's a beautiful colour! But there's more to it than that. Lilac feels optimistic, hopeful, warm and calm. Purple in general is thought to be a healing, creative, positive colour. Lilac is soft, gentle, soothing and romantic - the perfect vibe for 2026.
We've noticed a shift in mindset in recent months- a gentle rebellion against mass-produced, AI-generated, brash, bold, fast-paced, online instant-gratification and doom-scrolling habits, and a move towards of a softer, gentler, more analogue lifestyle. People are craving connection, calm and creativity. Lilac perfectly represents this slower pace with its feet planted firmly in nostalgia. If crochet, knitting, reading, tea drinking, blankets, net curtains and doilies were represented by a colour, I'm sure it would be lilac.
Other Popular Colours for 2026
We've actually noticed this softer, more romantic vibe across the board- our best sellers have been dusky pink, sage green, light blue and gold leaf. As above, these colours are elegant, romantic and luxurious (but not in a brash, showy sort of way). They don't shout; they whisper softly in a way that lets you know you are loved, appreciated and valued.
Personally, I blame the recent flurry of romantic period dramas like Bridgerton and Wuthering Heights for the "Regencycore" and "Romanticise your life" subliminal messaging, although it's something I'm ALL FOR - I love it!
Huge Design Trends for 2026
Sustainability
Not so much a trend anymore. Sustainability is more a lifestyle shift than a trend - a trend suggests an impermanent increase in popularity, but sustainability is going nowhere. If you want to run a successful brand in 2026, sustainability MUST be a priority. That means reducing (or completely ditching) plastic packaging, choosing more eco-friendly and ethically-sourced materials, streamlining processes to reduce waste and generally doing better. This is a 'trend' I can get on board with!
Whimsy and Wonder
Think maximalist style but more fun. We're talking dopamine décor, mixing of styles and patterns, creating your own rules and choosing things that bring you joy. I think people are generally quite bored of rule-following, keeping in line and only choosing the 'right' styles and colours. 2026 is all about playful freedom. That means combining stripes and florals, pinks and reds, geometric and hand drawn. Because, well, why not?!
This was actually our inspiration for our word of the year - "Whimsy", and our newest range of stationery. We are all about whimsy this year. Let's make the everyday stuff more fun. Check out our Whimsical Stationery collection here.
Perfectly Imperfect
Again, as a rebellion against the mass-produced, imported, low-cost, low-morals of global corporations and same-day delivery, there's a growing demand for hand made. People want unique, meaningful and hand-crafted. The thing with handmade, hand drawn and hand crafted goods is that they aren't perfect.- they do have their quirky charm and tiny flaws. That's the appeal.
How this translates to greetings cards
It's all about embracing the hand drawn. Things don't need to be a perfect representation. It's about not being afraid to let your own style in as an artist. After all, that's what makes you unique and human. Anyone can download a stock image or ask AI to create an image, but how you see the world is something that no machine can replicate. Hand lettering - yes please. Exaggerated features - of course. Doodle-y style - why not?!
Quality Over Quantity
Another 'Trend' that's becoming a new way of life is the rejection of unnecessary clutter. Consumers are opting to buy less, but buy better. This means using the best quality materials, not skimping or cutting corners, and not making sacrifices to save money. This is something we've always done here at Pogofandango, so we are loving this new way of shopping.
What this means for Greetings Cards
We've definitely noticed people are buying less cards for the less important occasions, but they want to buy something extra special for the bigger events.
Basically, it means ditch the landfill-fodder. Stop making cards that people throw away. We've never been big on throwaway cards- in fact, it's against our very core principles.
Instead, focus on creating cards for people's nearest and dearest, and for the most important occasions. Rather than creating cheap multipacks for Christmas, focus on the special cards that people buy for their partner, kids and parents.
Analogue Life and Slow Living
See above! Basically, getting offline is becoming the goal. People are fed up with being addicted to their phones. So, in true 2026 fashion, they are taking to social media to document their offline hobbies as a way to hold themselves accountable (Yes, really!)
What this means for Greetings Cards
Well, firstly, it means there's probably going to be a rise in people making their own greetings cards. People are craving opportunities to create.
But also, I think it means that shopping habits might change. Instead of popping to the supermarket for a card, I believe that buyers will turn to the little independent shops, the craft markets and the online small businesses run by makers and artists.
TL;DR - 2026 Greetings Card Trends in a Nutshell
Doing the right thing, being more human, embracing quirkiness and whimsy, romantic colours, dreamy imagery and hand drawn everything = in.
Cutting costs, importing, AI generated, brash, bold and big designs, and mass produced = out.
Creating with intention, purpose and morals are where it's at. We're embracing quiet rebellion, soft luxury and romanticising the everyday.
0 comments