The Newsstand - October 2018

New Etsy Trends You Need to Know this Fall Season

Etsy is a still a major go-to for handmade or vintage accessories. And with the new school year about to begin, here’s all you need to know to stay on top of the trends. You’re welcome!

Back to school shopping

That’s right! School shopping is back, and parents are approaching it in refreshingly new ways this year.

A recent survey in four big Etsy markets (US, UK, Canada, and Australia) revealed that parents are increasingly looking for items for their children that:

• Express individualism (82% of respondents)

• Are picked out by the children themselves (83%)

• Are gender-neutral (42% for toys)

• Are environmentally friendly/sustainable (42%)

Moreover, nearly two-thirds of the parents said they want their children to be aware of social and political issues, and almost one-third are open to dressing their kids in clothes that support a cause.

Self-care for kids also emerged as a growing trend in back to school shopping, with 96% of the respondents saying their child’s mental health was equally as important as their physical health.

In the language of Etsy-crafts, this translates into more sales reflective of a dynamic, change-maker mindset.

In the past 12 months, Etsy searches related to “kids empowerment” increased by 440%, while searches for “inclusive products” (think dolls with hearing aids, multiple skin tones, etc.) went up by 50%. Products reflecting self-love and mental well-being are also in high demand.

90s fashion is back

Remember the good old days when fanny packs, butterfly clips, and chokers were the real deal?

Well, they are back, and with a BANG. Etsy has seen a spike in searches for 90s-inspired fashion items by as much as 5000%!

Say hello to scrunchies, square-toed shoes, shells (“handmade shell necklaces” saw a 4875% search increase!), and all those retro 90s-style jackets and chains for glasses. All of these are in reinvented, modern chic forms.

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