How to Sell Your Stuff on Etsy

Host: Lizzie Smiley
Episode: 210 – The Hottest Etsy Trends for 2026
Date: December 4, 2025

Main Theme & Purpose

In this solo episode, Lizzie Smiley delivers an in-depth, research-backed trend report for Etsy sellers looking to anticipate and capitalize on the key aesthetic and product trends for 2026. Drawing from industry reports, her own expertise, and platforms like Pinterest, Lizzie breaks down colors, overarching style movements, and target customer mindsets—arming Etsy creatives and entrepreneurs with practical guidance for a standout new year.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Kicking Off: Community Updates & Calls to Action

[00:57-06:15]

• Lizzie shares personal updates, Thanksgiving stories, and her new animal-themed social experiment: a pet influencer account with her daughter (@talesof2homes on IG/TikTok).
• Call for podcast guests for 2026: Criteria include 100+ Etsy sales, no IP violations, and a willingness to share actionable insights.
• Reminder to submit questions for upcoming FAQ episodes through the form linked in the show notes.

2. The Trendspotting Membership & Upcoming Bonuses

[06:15-13:31]

• Lizzie introduces her Trendspotting Membership, emphasizing her journey from feeling intimidated by trends to mastering them.
• Weekly trend reports, detailed video breakdowns, SEO keyword suggestions, and a 250+ listing idea archive.
• Seven weeks of high-value bonuses, beginning Dec 15, including:
  • Evergreen niche list
  • 2026 goal setting guide
  • Hottest font guide for 2026
  • Ready-to-edit digital planner
  • Printable/digital mockup bundle
  • Design templates for top trends
  • SEO masterclass
• All for $17 first month with code KEEP20.

Notable Quote:
“I was always the girl who was intimidated by trends ... But I’m stubborn, and in true Enneagram 3 fashion, I decided a few years ago that I’m going to master it. ... Learning trends is figureoutable—you can be taught this!” — Lizzie [08:25]

3. The Hottest Etsy Trends for 2026: In-Depth Trend Report

[13:32-36:55]

Projected Colors of the Year

[13:55-17:32]

• Maximalism in Color: 2026 is “the year of picking what you like” with many companies choosing varying bold and mature shades—reflecting a form of trend rebellion and individualism.
  • Benjamin Moore: Silhouette AF655 — rich espresso brown in a charcoal direction.
  • Behr: Hidden Gem — smoky jade green (dark, mature teal).
  • PPG: Secret Safari — yellow-green with lime, very ‘70s.
  • Sherwin Williams: Four palettes including icy, mature pastels; bold/warm clays & yellows; moody, dark neutrals; and foundational (classic) neutrals.

Notable Quote:
“It’s kind of like ... stop telling us what the trends are, we’re all going to pick what we like. K, thanks!” — Lizzie [16:10]

7 Big Design Trend Movements for 2026

[17:35-36:55]

1. AI-Assisted Aesthetics

• AI now mainstream; designers use tools for speed and freshness, mixing human creativity with “AI precision” for new patterns, textures, and layouts.
• Customers still value human expression and can spot soulless AI art.

Notable Quote:
“AI has officially gone mainstream ... blending human creativity with AI precision to generate textures, patterns, and layouts that both feel futuristic and organic.” — Lizzie [18:14]

2. Naive Design (Doodle Style)

• Hand-drawn, playful, whimsical, and delightfully imperfect—think uneven lines, doodle art, and quirky fonts.
• Big in stationery, stickers, kids’ items, digital planners, and scrapbooking.

3. Heritage Revival / Modern Heritage

• Vintage motifs (chinoiserie, antique florals, Victorian frames), but rebuilt for digital with modern colors and “fresh, clean” layouts.
• Popular among “vintage romantics” and those loving elegant, old-soul design.

4. Neo-Minimalism (Minimalism 3.0)

• Intentional simplicity “with soul”—clean and uncluttered, but warm, authentic, and inviting (not cold or sterile).
• Appeals to fans of calm, gentle, organized visuals.

5. Maximalism

• The rise of bold, layered, energetic, and dramatic. Intense colors, patterns, expressive type.
• Perfect for sellers wanting to make a visual statement in wall art, apparel, and home decor.
• Quote from Hemisphere DM: “Think bold colors, layered patterns, expressive typography, and visual clutter that feels intentional.” [29:31]

6. Retrofuturism & Y2K

• Nostalgia with a digital edge. 70s and ‘80s shapes/textures, with neon, chrome, and dreamy “sci-fi” glows.
• For buyers who love comforting throwback blends with modern, imaginative twists.

7. Grandma Core

• Cozy, handmade craft-inspired (patchwork, knits, florals, embroidery) with updated colors and clean layouts.
• Appeals to those “craving warmth, comfort, authenticity after years of sleek minimalism.”
• Big in both physical goods and digital artwork mimicking craft textures like chunky knits.

Notable Quote:
“If I could summarize everything—it’s ... two worlds not colliding, but living harmoniously together. And inviting you and your shoppers to choose what feels most aligned to them.” — Lizzie [35:44]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Quote | Speaker | |-----------|-------|---------| | 08:25 | “Learning trends is figureoutable—you can be taught this!” | Lizzie | | 16:10 | “It’s kind of like ... stop telling us what the trends are, we’re all going to pick what we like.” | Lizzie | | 18:14 | “AI has officially gone mainstream ... blending human creativity with AI precision to generate textures, patterns, and layouts that both feel futuristic and organic.” | Lizzie | | 29:31 | “Think bold colors, layered patterns, expressive typography, and visual clutter that feels intentional.” | Lizzie (quoting Hemisphere DM) | | 35:44 | “...Two worlds not colliding, but living harmoniously together. And inviting you and your shoppers to choose what feels most aligned to them.” | Lizzie | | 36:55 | “My students in the trendspotting group ... are not saying Etsy is slow. They are saying, ‘Oh my gosh, it’s finally clicking!’... I’m going to be the first person to tell you if we need to jump ship, but I’ll come to you with a plan. That’s not the case!” | Lizzie |

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:57] – Lizzie’s personal update, pet influencer side project, calls for podcast guests
• [04:55] – How to apply to be a guest and FAQ submissions
• [06:15] – Trendspotting Membership introduction and Gold Star offer details
• [13:32] – Introduction to the 2026 trend report: research sources & methodology
• [13:55] – 2026 color trends breakdown
• [17:35] – Seven big trend movements, starting with AI-assisted aesthetics
• [36:55] – State of Etsy: Seller momentum and positive results from the community

Summary & Takeaways for Etsy Sellers

• 2026 is shaping up as a year of vivid individuality and stylistic duality—maximalism and minimalism, nostalgia and futurism, craft and tech can all thrive.
• Adopting trends is “figureoutable”—whether you’re a visual natural or need structure, Lizzie’s resources help bridge the gap.
• For product creation, lean into highly expressive styles or thoughtfully minimal, soulful aesthetics. Don’t be afraid to blend vintage motifs with new palettes or infuse modern formats with cozy, classic craft details.
• AI is an accepted tool but authentic, “heartfelt” creation will continue to win shoppers’ loyalty.
• Leverage color trends—mature teals, espresso browns, moody neutrals—either as dominant shades or accent highlights.
• Above all, Etsy’s opportunity is strong; Lizzie’s students report big leaps from studying, adapting, and applying trends early and intentionally.

Next Steps

• For weekly trend reports, live coaching, and exclusive digital bonuses, join the Trendspotting Membership (see show notes for details and promo code).
• Apply to be a podcast guest if you have 100+ sales and a story/tips to share.
• Submit questions for Lizzie’s upcoming FAQ episode via the form in the show notes.
• Watch for the next trend-focused episode in Q1 2026 for fresh examples and early marketplace results.

Closing Words

“Go make something awesome. Love you guys. Bye.” — Lizzie [37:55]