With the cost of living crisis continuing, and consumer habits changing rapidly. You may be asking what you can do as an independent retailer to adapt to your customer’s habits when their budgets have been forced to adapt. 

It’s a fact that people are going out less and staying in more, we spend a whopping 90% of our time indoors, and 3 hours on average daily dedicated to indoor hobbies and leisure activities. This means buying habits are changing, particularly when it comes to gifting.

5 UK Gifting Trends for 2025 and 2026

1. Cookware and bakeware is so hot right now - we recommend offering baking tools, pre-mixed ingredients and decorative accessories to accommodate those who are trying their hand at baking. As the cost of shop-bought and made-to-order cakes are increasing exponentially, consumers are trying their hand at home baking, particularly for those more special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries and even weddings.

2. Home is the hottest bar in town - with the cost of alcohol going up and up, and sodas and mocktails now becoming just as expensive as alcoholic options (who let that happen by the way?). Consumers are opting for a night-in rather than a night-out, where they can enjoy delicious drinks at a fraction of the cost. It's almost like the saying about fishing - give a man a cocktail and he’ll drink once, teach a man to make cocktails and he’ll be enjoying cocktails for all eternity - or something like that? Therefore, we recommend offering a wide variety of barware, bar tools and cocktail making accessories so people can get hands-on with cocktail making at home. 

3. Offer hobby and crafting ideas that don't involve a screen - try to stock a range of crafty and unique activities that people might not have seen anywhere before. With more people opting to stay indoors, people are keen to discover hobbies that avoid screen time. Crafting and art are gaining popularity, particularly crocheting and a new trend of ‘fancy’ paint by numbers. Trendy sunset backdrops with an Aperol Spritz in the foreground are proving popular right now rather than a bright neon panda or still fruit in a bowl.

4. Don’t forget group activities and games - we suggest stocking lots of unique board games and puzzles. After all, the new night-in is the new night-out, and when it comes to hosting you’re going to need something to keep the guests entertained. Card games, board games and interactive games are so hot right now, and they can be used over and over again.

5. Combine beauty gifts and personalisation - offer a taste of luxury pampering at home with face masks, hair care and beauty accessories. Rather than splashing out on luxury facials and spa treatments, people are opting to take the salon treatment home. Let customers create their own pamper boxes, choosing from mini pick-me-ups like face masks, bath salts, and maybe the occasional chocolate too. The personalised option makes a truly unique gift that helps to show they really care.

No matter the economic situation, people will always want to treat others and themselves from time to time. Take advantage of people spending more time at home and cater to their indoor habits. Experience-based gifts hit the nail on the head, providing the experience or tools needed to get creative, try something new or bond with others, in the comfort of their own home. 

Keep an eye on our blog page for more small business tips and support. Why not follow us on Instagram to check out the latest trending products in barware and gifting.