Stationery and Gift Trends 2026

At More Than Paper, we've long reported on the tie between pop culture, fashion, and the stationery and gift industry.  And we're not the only ones who do this -- there's an entire quarterly magazine dedicated to Stationery Trends.  Stationery and gifts often mimic the dominating colors, prevailing motifs, and overall vibe of our culture. It also often follows fads or "what's hot" right now. After all, the designers behind the paper and products are humans living and breathing in this era and are heavily influenced by the trends that surround us.  Fashion trends tend to lead first, then home decor, and paper and stationery trends follow thereafter. 

So what can we expect for 2026 in our industry? 

As we stride into late February, we're seeing themes of bold self-expression, sustainable craft, and playful nostalgia.  It seems like everyone wants to go back in time! Think bold color blocks, tactile textures, and the good ole days.  Let's look and see what is dominating and how it's reflected in the stationery that we carry at More Than Paper. 

Take this newly added selection of bags by CB Station.  This vintage floral motif has a nostalgic feel and pays homage to the past.  The "Vintage Rose" pattern is on the canvas tote bags and weekend travel bags alike.  Check them out! 

Color palette for 2026

Stationery trends often follow color palettes that are popular.  Lately, we are seeing: 

Vitamin Pop: Bright citrus yellows, electric limes, and punchy tangerines. Think high-saturation hues combined with neutrals and white, like this stationery set here. With this set, you’ll receive 40 flat cards 10 each of orange, turquoise, lime, and hot pink borders. These even come with a pink box to hold your cards. Many typestyles are available to make it your own style.

Oceanic Vibes: Deep teals, cobalt blues, and sea-glass greens. Such is the case with these flat stationery cards that are perfect to use as everyday stationery or thank you notes.

Teal. This vibrant hue is popping up everywhere including duffle bags and tote bags like this one here. 

Still trending are metallic accents: Copper, bronze, and brushed golds for accessories or statement pieces, adding a futuristic shimmer without overwhelming an outfit in fashion. These simple cards by Rytex reflect what we are seeing here in the fashion industry.  These flat cards come on a medium weight paper (100 lb) and have a metallic charcoal border. It’s just a hint and doesn’t overpower the design. 

Additionally, pop culture sayings, phrases, or hot trends often weave into stationery and desk products. We see this with popular cultural, trending activities like Mahjong and through our Mahjong products.   We love these squad notepads that have 200 sheets and are $24 each. 

Or this notepad, Mahjong Maven, with 50 sheets. 

In 2026, personal identity and customization continues to be big. Look and find monogram and custom options everywhere, especially at More Than Paper where thousands of our products are personalized. For personalized stationery options like this wardrobe set below (now 20% off) visit our website here. 

We find it fascinating how the trends in pop culture and fashion end up in stationery and love to see it continue.  What are you seeing as fashion trends and also stationery trends in 2026? We’d love to hear from you on our blog or on Facebook! 

 

 

Reflecting on 2025 and Planning for 2026

 As the calendar flips from 2025 to 2026, don’t just turn the page. Welcome a new chapter in your life with intention.  Over the next couple of days and weeks, make some space to reflect so you can be clear about what you envision for 2026.  

A thoughtful reflection on the past year sets the stage for intentional planning, momentum, and growth in the year ahead.  We’ve identified a 3-step process to help propel you into the new year. They are exercises mostly rooted in gratitude. We find that gratitude helps keep our mind focused on positivity and really helps to shape our perspective.  Using that reflection, you can more easily see what’s working and what’s not…. So, you can make 2026 your best year yet. 

 

Step 1: Reflection

During this time, reflect on:  

 

·       Wins 

·       Key lessons learned

·       Energy highs and drains

·       People who mattered

·       Skills you advanced

·       What you’re grateful for

 

Start with the wins

Make a list of 5-10 meaningful “wins in 2025.”  Consider categories of your life such as  personal, professional, health, relationships, learning, finances, hobbies, what are you proud of? Why did these things matter and how did they impact you? How did those wins impact others? 

 

Lessons learned

Without focusing too heavily on the negative, consider some of the year’s pitfalls. What lessons did you learn from them? Were there people or pursuits that taught you things you need to remember? They can also be positive lessons, too.  Do not underestimate the importance of small lessons as they often reveal broader themes.  For example, we missed out on registering for a summer camp and the lesson was to plan much earlier. Getting organized in advance was a priority for 2025 after that 2024 mistake! 

 

Energy audit 

What activities during 2025 energized you and which activities and pursuits drained you? Make a thoughtful list.  For us, travel baseball was exhausting not only for us parents and siblings, but also our player. When we carefully examined the time commitment for getting to practice and missing weekends as a family, we realized what a drain it was on everyone. We eliminated it in 2025 and never looked back! 

 

People who mattered

For some people completing this exercise, this may be the easiest part! Harder might be to prioritize and think about your circle as a hierarchy. Lots of people may matter to you but who matters MOST?  When time is a limited resource, how will you prioritize the people in your life? 

 

Skills you advanced 

Did you take an online class, earn a certificate, or perfect a recipe? Perhaps you took up gardening or painting.  Maybe you advanced your knowledge and use of AI.  How did you grow this year and what new skills did you pick up, or advance? (Also, it’s worth noting that you should not stress if you cannot recall anything you advanced skill-wise. This is not designed to make you feel inadequate or like you SHOULD be developing new skills all the time…. This may not apply this year and that’s perfectly okay.) 

 

What you’re grateful for

In this section, you might find that you are repeating themes, people, or events from your brainstorm above but that is to be expected. Take a few minutes to jot down a few things that you are grateful for.  From simple things to bigger, more elaborate things – you likely have a lot to be grateful for! 

 

 

Step 2:  Planning for 2026

 

With all this reflection and much gratitude for where you have come from, you can start seeing patterns.  Now spend some time thinking about what you want for the year ahead. Where will you take it?  We surmise you will start to identify themes or broad categories with your goals. 

 

For example, you might identify that you saw progress in your habits of getting outside and walking daily for 30 minutes – what a win!  You’d like to continue that but add a social element like walking with a friend once a week, or even going to the gym to lift weights and build lean muscle mass. The theme overall is physical health.  Improving your physical health in 2026 would be an excellent theme to focus on. 

 

Take the time to come up with 3 core themes to focus on in 2026.  Take stock of all the different areas of your life – from your career, family, personal life, finances, health and more. 

 

 

Step 3: Tactical Planning 

 

When you have identified your themes for 2026, experts agree that goals without tactics can be difficult to achieve, so you will need to get specific. Try to break down HOW you are going to get to your goals and achieve your themes in 2026 into small pieces. This is done bit by bit, day by day.  

 

We’ve fallen for these daily planners by Kelly Hughes Designs to help organize our day – one task at a time. One pad contains 50 sheets, and you can organize your appointments and schedule on the left, while adding your “top 3” for the day and to-dos on the right.  Here is a great place to add your daily goals that add up to your larger theme. 

Wishing you enjoyment as you take time to reflect on 2025 and plan out your 2026.  We know with a little bit of time and intention, you are certain to have a strong year ahead. 

Recipes and Serving Pieces for the Holidays

People seem to be preparing for the holidays this year by gift shopping and decorating earlier than ever. If the number of decorated homes on our street is any indication, it seems our community is craving and needing this holiday season. Maybe the early prep is reflection of our collective mental state and our desire to feel comforted, cozy, and… happy. Maybe commercialism has taken over.  Regardless – the holidays are clearly here (in fact, they’ve been here for weeks.)  

We’re finding with all the advanced planning we’ve done that, dare we say it -- we have extra time.  This rare feeling is allowing us space to enjoy a slower pace, but also we want to carry out traditions with excellence.  As the kids grow older, it feels like time is running out.  And since all too often we are rushed and just checking things off the list, these holidays feel like an opportunity (or maybe a necessity) to get things authentically right.  Not for the Facebook or Instagram post, but for the core memories we’re making.  

 

With the extra time and intent on doing things right, we’re planning holiday meals with more intention. (Also, not ordering pies and cakes…. This year, we’re making them!)  We are digging up family recipes that in years past felt too daunting to tackle. We’re dreaming up what the Christmas table will look like with refreshed creativity. Maybe the early birds have had it right all along. 

 

Below you’ll find our grandmother’s recipes for tomato pie, plus a few ideas for serving pieces and an inspired Christmas table-scape.  At More Than Paper, we hope you experience being in the moment and thoroughly enjoy this season. 

 

Tomato Pie Recipe

Yields: 8 servings Total time: about 1 hour 15 minutes (plus optional cooling)

 

Ingredients

For the crust (if making from scratch)

·       1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

·       1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

·       1/4 cup ice-cold water

·       1/2 teaspoon salt

·       Optional: 1 tablespoon (or 1 teaspoon) sugar if you like a slight sweetness

No shame short cut: use a prepared 9-inch pie crust.

 

For the filling

·       4–5 medium tomatoes (about 2 pounds), sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds

·       1 teaspoon salt (to draw moisture)

·       1/2 teaspoon black pepper

·       1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional); you can use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack

·       1/2 cup mayonnaise or light sour cream (for a creamy layer; you can use Greek yogurt for a lighter version)

·       2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (or 1 tablespoon dried, but fresh is best)

·       1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives or green onions (optional)

·       1/4 cup grated Parmesan or Gruyère (optional, for topping)

·       1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme

·       1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

·       2–3 tablespoons breadcrumbs (optional, for a crunchier bottom layer)

 

Instructions

1.     Prep the tomatoes: Slice tomatoes into 1/4-inch rounds. Lay slices on a layer of paper towels to drain for 10–15 minutes. Sprinkle lightly with salt and let rest to draw moisture, then blot dry.

2.     Prep the crust (if making from scratch):

3.     In a bowl, blend flour and salt. Cut in cold butter with a pastry cutter or two forks until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

4.     Drizzle in ice-cold water a tablespoon at a time, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.

5.     Gather into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

6.     Roll out on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie plate. Transfer, trim, and crimp edges. Chill for 15 minutes.

7.     Bake crust blind: line with parchment, fill with pie weights or dried beans, bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes. Remove weights and parchment, bake another 5–7 minutes until just starting to set. Let cool slightly.

 

Prepare the filling: In a bowl, mix mayonnaise (or sour cream) with basil, chives, garlic powder (if using), oregano, and pepper. Stir in half of the grated Parmesan if using. If you’re using a cheese layer, combine cheddar with a little Parmesan in another small bowl.

 

Assemble:

·       Spread a thin layer of the creamy mixture on the bottom of the baked crust.

·       Layer tomato slices in concentric circles or overlapping layers, slightly overlapping as needed. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper between layers to taste.

·       Dollop some of the remaining creamy mixture over the tomatoes and gently spread to cover (you don’t need to cover completely; it’s okay if some tomato peeks through).

·       If you want a cheese layer, sprinkle the cheddar mixture over the tomatoes.

·       Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for crunch (optional), then finish with a light dusting of Parmesan or Gruyère.

·       Top with a few small dollops of the remaining creamy mixture if desired.

Bake:

·       Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–35 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly and the crust edges are nicely browned. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil.

Rest and serve:

·       Let the pie rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This helps the filling set.

·       Slice pieces and place on a serving tray, if you are doing buffet style 

·       Garnish with extra fresh basil, if you like, and serve warm. 

 

 

 

Serving Pieces We Love 

 

 

We love this newer design of a personalized Christmas platter by Kelly Hughes Designs. These platters are made from Thermosaf® resin and are shatterproof, microwave safe, dishwasher safe, oven safe for warming up to 300°.  They are also BPA free, melamine free, and 100% Made in the USA. You choose the typestyle and ink color for your personalized text!  

You can also serve up your tomato pie or whatever you are cooking up in the kitchen with this personalized glass cutting board. The tempered glass not only looks great but it is heat resistant, so it may be used as a counter saver, preparing and serving food! 

 

 

Note that it also comes in a paddle shape! At $26.00, we think it’s priced exceptionally well, too. 

 

 

For the Table 

 

Our style is classic and cozy and filled with warm, white lighting. We also love a good Christmas (Tarleton) plaid! This décor find on Pinterest/Etsy (Photo credit found here: ) is part of our inspiration for decorating this season.  

 

These plates by Boatman Geller found at More Than Paper would certainly work with the décor and theme (though probably used for breakfast!)   

 

Once again, we hope that this season you truly ENJOY! Happy cooking and spending time with your family. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5 Often-Overlooked Times You Should Write a Thank You Note

5 times you should write a thank you note (but might have overlooked)

At More Than Paper, we believe that the art of a writing a thank you note is not a lost cause. Now more than ever, we need to slow down and take the time to acknowledge others for their kindness. Many people think to send a thank you note for large acts (such as when a gift is received or you were a guest), but there are plenty of times that acknowledging a smaller act of kindness goes a long way.  We’ve assembled 5 times when it’s appropriate to send a thank you note that tend to get overlooked. 
 
Volunteer Coaches 
Teachers are often celebrated during the holidays, Teacher Appreciation Week, and if they are lucky, a room parent will acknowledge their birthday. Often overlooked are our children’s coaches who are often volunteers in recreational leagues. These coaches have a tremendous impact on the trajectory of a young athlete and many character lessons are learned in sports. Coaches sacrifice evening time with their own family to hold practices, and time out of their weekend to coach at games. More than the time spent, Coaches are instrumental in your athlete’s self-esteem. They are building lifelong skills of resilience and teaching your child how to deal with defeat and how to be a gracious winner.  A coach that not only teaches them fundamental skills of the sport, but also lifts up your athlete and teaches them how to be a good winner and loser, deserves recognition in a formalized way. A thank you note is a great way to do that! 
 
How to acknowledge:  Don’t just say thanks – be specific!  Recall a couple of moments throughout the season that the Coach went above and beyond, or recount valuable skills and lessons that your child has learned. Sometimes humor is appropriate here! 
 
A Committee Member’s Contribution 
If you’re involved in volunteer work, you often run across hardworking individuals who put their heart and soul into an event or activity routinely.   Sometimes there are logical conclusions, such as an event fundraiser or an election of individuals to a Board of Directors.  During those times, take the time you need to reflect on all the people who helped make that event a success, or their commitment to the organization. Closing the gap and acknowledging the contributions of others – big and small – will go a long way to building relationships. 
 
How to acknowledge:  Talk about the impact that you witnessed the person make. Be specific about their contribution and how it contributed to the success overall or what the person means to the organization.  

Your Son or Daughter who did something RIGHT 
Sometimes parenting feels just like correcting behavior that isn’t quite right. Sit up! Use your manners! Stop picking on your brother!  Our job as parents is to point out what our kids need to do better to make them good humans. We’re guessing you also know that it is critical to tell your children what they are doing right to build their self-confidence and reinforce the behavior you want to see again.  No one likes to be told all the time that they are doing it wrong. 
 
Have you ever considered writing your son or daughter a thank you note or a written acknowledgement that you see how hard they are working? Have you recently observed something wonderful that they did? Putting your thoughts into writing, even after you may have commented, is a more formal way to express your feelings that really crystalizes in one’s memory.  The next time your child does something right, consider a quick note left on their pillow expressing how proud of them you are.  
 
How to acknowledge:  Keep it age appropriate with not only your vocabulary and sentiment, but also the length. Shorter can be sweeter for some. Only you know what will resonate with your child!  
 

Your Neighbor’s Small Act of Service 
Neighborly acts of service such as bringing you a piece of mistaken mail, bringing in a package from the rain, or moving your trash bins are very simple gestures. Do you need to acknowledge them with a thank you note? Not necessarily.  But doing so may help future goodwill and build relationships.  A small note to say hello and thank you is a touch point to create a stronger relationship and will make your neighbor feel seen and appreciated for something so small.  In a world that is so divisive and negative right now, small acts of kindness can mean so much. 
 
How to acknowledge:  Don’t just mention the tiny act of service but the bigger picture and how you appreciate being neighbors with someone like them. 
 
Your School Principal
Teachers are lucky enough to be celebrated regularly (though perhaps we could do more!) Principals and Heads of School rarely get much fanfare. They are tasked with the weight of finances, staffing and human resources, balancing education with athletics, clubs, and hearing the voices of many who often differ.  Many also must make disciplinary decisions that can be difficult. Celebrate the overall guidance and leadership that a Head of School provides. Consider sending a quick thank you note – not at the end of the school year – but perhaps at a more “random” time. If there is a milestone or achievement that is worth celebrating, that can be an appropriate time, too. In a non-self-serving way, building a relationship with your leadership can be valuable when you have concerns that you need to address.  It’s hard to listen to people that are always critical of your performance, so be sure to shed light on positive moments when you can.  It will make addressing the more contentious matters easier. 
 
How to acknowledge: Express overall gratitude and appreciation for their leadership. Recognizing a specific action is great but the overall sentiment showing approval of the direction of the school is the most critical message to convey. 

 

The stationery shown in this post can be found at More Than Paper with the following links. Shop thousands of ways to express your gratitude for moments big and small by visiting us at More Than Paper!