Each year brings a new opportunity to elevate your brand, and staying ahead of the latest design trends is the perfect place to start.
In today’s competitive market, design is more than just aesthetics – it’s a powerful tool for small businesses to connect with their customers, tell a story, and create a lasting impression.
This festive season, a new trend is taking over: Designing Your Own Gifting (DYOG). Our latest research reveals 81% of Aussie gift givers feel stressed about finding the perfect gift, but 70% say DYOG makes the process easier and more enjoyable.
As a small business owner, this is your moment to stand out by embracing personalisation and aligning your offerings with design trends that resonate with your customers. From nature-inspired aesthetics to minimalism and soft palettes, here are five key design trends you can capitalise on this Christmas to capture the DYOG momentum and create memorable offerings.
The rise of nature-inspired aesthetics
Australians’ deep-rooted love for nature shines through in their gift choices, with 31% drawn to designs inspired by the natural world. Think botanical prints, earthy tones, and organic shapes that evoke a calm feeling, making them a popular choice for personalised homewares, cards, and decor. For SMBs, integrating these natural designs into product designs can set your offerings apart while also appealing to the growing number of eco-conscious consumers.
Simplicity and minimalism for a refined look
Less is more this season, with 31% of Aussies preferring minimalistic designs. Clean lines, subtle textures, and understated colour schemes. Minimalism has a universal appeal and for small businesses, offering products with minimalist styles can strike the perfect balance between trendy and timeless. By embracing simplicity, SMBs can cater to customers looking for items that leave a lasting impression of quality and refinement.
Soft, calming colour palettes
This year, in terms of colour trends, softer hues are leading the way. Blue leads the pack as the most popular gift colour (47%), followed by classic festive shades including red, black, green, and white, all sitting at around 25%. Incorporating these colours into your product designs can make your offerings feel fresh, stylish, and in tune with customer preferences. Whether it’s a pastel-toned bag, a blue mug, or red phone case, these on-trend palette colours provide a versatile canvas for creativity.
Aussies are a sentimental bunch
Sentimentality and originality seem to be the name of the game when it comes to personalisation this season, with 66% of Aussies saying the primary reason for personalising gifts is to add a personal touch, while 41% do so to create lasting memories. This sentimentality presents an opportunity for SMBs to offer customisable products that go beyond mere practicality. From engraved keepsakes to photo prints, personalised items turn products into keepsakes.
Customisation made easy – embracing the DYOG movement
The DYOG trend is reshaping the way Aussies approach holiday shopping, with 49% planning to personalise gifts as much as or more than last year. For SMBs, it’s a time to showcase different product offerings that align with the latest design trends. At VistaPrint, our Christmas Shop is designed to help businesses bring these ideas to life – whether it’s through nature-inspired designs, minimalist packaging, or festive custom products. By embracing DYOG, small businesses can offer a stress-free, creative experience that lasts long after the festive season.
By understanding and adapting to shifting preferences – whether it’s the demand for convenience, bespoke experiences, or the growing interest in sustainability – SMBs can position themselves for long-term success. Embracing these trends can enable you to align your offerings with what customers value most, creating meaningful connections that drive growth and loyalty.
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