The newly released Faire Forecast – created by online wholesale marketplace Faire in partnership with trend forecaster WGSN – has analysed thousands of product searches by independent retailers to reveal the three biggest consumer trends expected to drive demand in the run-up to Christmas.
The House Party
Faire’s report found that searches for fondues have increased by 277% year-on-year, martini glasses by nearly 150%, mocktails by 57%, and cake trays by 94%. Retailers are stocking up on party accessories and statement glassware as shoppers embrace hosting more dinner parties at home.
The Great Indoors
Searches for chunky knits are up 200% and fleece jackets by 184%, while board games have soared in popularity due to a growing preference for staying indoors and indulging in cosy hobbies – with a 138% increase in searches for Mahjong.
The New Romantics
Searches for lace shirts have risen by 163%, ruffle sleeves by 126%, and charms by 73%, inspired in part by the ongoing popularity of period dramas such as ‘Bridgerton’ and ‘The Gilded Age’.
The report follows on from the first Faire Forecast, released in January, which identified spikes in searches for dark, opulent décor; natural fibres like cotton and linen; and products that help shoppers prepare for adventurous holidays and spontaneous trips away.
Charlotte Broadbent, UK general manager at Faire, said: “Our latest Faire Forecast shows how shopper priorities have evolved as 2025 has progressed. The trends we flagged at the start of the year are still here but they’ve evolved, with retailers using Faire to find products that help customers build real-world connections, tap into a growing desire for affordable screen-free time, and create a fresh, romantic, and nostalgic aesthetic. Together, these trends show how retailers can build stronger loyalty and drive meaningful growth in the run-up to the all-important Christmas shopping season.”
Kate Tompsett, owner of Happy & Glorious gift shop in the Kent city of Canterbury, added: “There’s a real sense of nurturing, nesting and wanting to spend more time in the home right now – and my homeware category has seen good growth in 2025, with tableware and garden décor having a really strong time. Candles and fragrance diffusers, which usually dip over the summer, have been selling really well too.
“I can also understand why people are looking for softness, elegance and comfort in these turbulent times. We’ve sold more dried flowers than ever this year – they create a soft, romantic vibe, and customers love their longevity, vintage feel and sustainability. I’ve also just taken delivery of a range of sumptuously soft velvet cushions in rich jewel colours, which fit beautifully with The New Romantics trend, and have been very well received.”