Every year I tell myself “keep focussed Mel”… and every year, I’m like a kid in a gifting themed candy store.
If you’ve never been to the NEC Autumn Fair Retail Trade Show, imagine the most extra version of IKEA meets Selfridges meets your local boutique gift shop, and multiply that by about a thousand.
It’s fashion. It’s furniture. It’s toys. It’s homeware. It’s wholesale gifting galore. And for someone who lives and breathes emotional touchpoints and tangible connection? It’s like shopping on steroids, but for your business brain.
Now if you are not familiar with the buying patterns in retail then you might expect that I would be talking about lots of Christmas goodies at this one but no no no. That all happens earlier in the year, at the February show. The Autumn is more of a sweet spot where you start to see the longer tail trends, the products and patterns that are about to show up in shops, subscription boxes, and Pinterest boards in early 2026.
But this year? The real surprise wasn’t what was new as there wasn't much glaringly new this time around, it was more about what’s clearly still trending hard.
Let’s take a look, shall we?
🍋 1. The Fruit Bowl Is Having a Moment (Still!)
You couldn’t walk five metres without bumping into a cherry, orange or lemon motif whether it was on candles, kitchenware, or art prints.
We’re talking citrus central. Zesty little icons dancing across notebooks, tea towels, tableware, and home décor. No many strawberries in sight this time, cherries and lemons were clearly the queens of the fruit bowl.
The vibe? A playful blend of retro and modern. A little ‘70s sunshine, a little Italian summer. Nostalgic, but fresh.
Would I use them in gifting? Maybe in bespoke (if you’ve got a client obsessed with Amalfi lemons) but it says a lot about the mood we’re still craving: joy, colour, energy, and a bit of light hearted fun.
🧸 2. Jellycat Is the Blueprint (But Everyone’s Making Their Own)
You know those, squishy-soft Jellycat toys that are basically emotional support plushies for kids and apparently alot of grown-ups? Well, prepare for the Jellycatification of everything.
There wasn't an official Jellycat stand this year, but there were plenty of brands clearly riding that wave.
Think: soft plush keyrings, quirky animal notebooks, mini snuggly characters, small large and everything in between.
The copycats are coming in fast, and they’re not being subtle about it.
There’s clearly something about the Jellycat style, maybe it's the oversized eyes, the floppy limbs, the texture, that screams comfort and calm. It’s like your inner child and your inner Instagram aesthetic just high-fived.
From a gifting perspective I do get it. And there is clearly still a craving for softness, humour, and sensory reassurance. It’s a trend I’m watching carefully… because while it's cute, in premium gifting, it needs the right context to not feel novelty or mass-market.
🦍 3. Introducing the “Boss Animal” Trend… Yes, Really
Now, this one stopped me in my tracks.
Picture this:
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A Highland cow in aviators, astride a Harley Davidson.
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A gorilla looking like he’s about to close a six-figure deal from his mahogany desk.
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A lion in a velvet blazer giving off CEO energy like he runs a Soho House for safari animals.
These weren’t just prints, they were full blown ornaments. Animal figurines dressed to impress, ready to sit on your shelf and intimidate your houseplants.
Did I laugh? Absolutely.
Would I put them in a gift box? Not unless you specifically asked for “alpha hippo” vibes.
But what’s interesting is what they symbolise: strength, presence, self-leadership… with a tongue-in-cheek twist. And if your brand has a quirky, confident edge? This could land surprisingly well.
For me? It’s a no for now thank you... but a fascinating cultural breadcrumb about what kind of energy we’re all secretly craving.
🐮 4. Highland Cows Are Still Holding Their Own
Honestly, I feel like the Highland cow trend has been around for ages now, and it’s not looking like its going anywhere just yet!
They were everywhere again this year — in prints, on coasters, in soft toys, and more. There's something enduring about them: calm, slightly shaggy, kind-eyed… like the unofficial mascot for gentle resilience.
We'll see if this turns “adorable and charming” into “overdone”. (We all remember what happened to flamingos, right?)
So… what does this all mean for gifting in 2026?
Trends are fun but emotional connection will always outlast seasonal aesthetics.
Yes, cherries are cute. Yes, boss apes made me laugh. But when it comes to gifting that actually deepens loyalty, builds brand memory, and leaves someone feeling something you have to go deeper.
Trends might catch the eye.
But resonance? That’s what makes your gift unforgettable.
Need help filtering the faff from the meaningful?
If you're a founder who wants your brand experience to feel intentional, thoughtful, and emotionally on-brand, without spending hours scrolling through novelty mugs and lemon-scented candles.... that’s where I come in.
✨ Let’s make your gifting as unforgettable as your magic.