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!