Published: November 12, 2024
Estimated Reading Time: 7 minutes
As we turn the corner into the new year, Etsy and other handmade sellers have an exciting opportunity to start planning for the first quarter holidays of 2025. This period is packed with celebrations and observances, both major and minor, that provide plenty of inspiration for new product ideas and seasonal promotions. Preparing early not only allows you to tap into specific themes and trends but also gives you a head start in appealing to customers who plan ahead.
Here’s a rundown of a few key holidays around the world that crafters and artisans should keep in mind for the first quarter of 2025.
Summary (TLDR)
- Start 2025 strong by planning handmade items around key holidays in the first quarter.
- January themes like fresh starts and winter warmth are popular.
- February holidays provide opportunities for products that bring people together and celebrate diverse stories.
- March highlights spring themes and includes popular holidays perfect for festive accessories and empowering gifts.
- eRank tools like the Compare Keywords Tool, Trend Buzz Report, and Calendar Tool can help identify trending products and keywords, giving sellers a competitive edge for the season.
January: Fresh Starts and Celebrations
January marks the beginning of a new year, a time when people seek fresh starts and make resolutions. For handmade sellers, it’s an opportunity to tap into the themes of renewal, self-care, and winter warmth. After the busy holiday season, January is a month of calm, yet it’s still filled with opportunities for sales as shoppers look for items to help them stay cozy and motivated in the colder months. From organizational products to winter-themed accessories, January provides a great chance to align your products with the spirit of new beginnings.
New Year’s Day (January 1)
Start the year with items that symbolize fresh starts, goal setting, and self-improvement. Consider creating planners, calendars, or vision boards for customers setting new goals. Personalized journals and gratitude notebooks are popular choices.
Orthodox Christmas (January 7)
People in Eastern Europe, Russia, and parts of the Balkans celebrate Orthodox Christmas. Handmade sellers can consider traditional Eastern European holiday items, winter-themed decor, unique ornaments, nativity sets, or religious items that resonate with those celebrating this special holiday.
Chinese New Year (January 29)
Communities worldwide, especially in China and Asian communities in other countries, celebrate the Chinese New Year. As 2025 is the Year of the Snake, handmade sellers can create products featuring snake motifs or symbols of luck and prosperity. Popular items include red and gold-themed decor, jewelry, festive wall art, red envelopes, and custom zodiac-themed jewelry that align with the holiday’s themes.
February: Love, Family, and Fun
Moving into February, a month that celebrates warmth and connection, Valentine’s Day takes center stage as the month’s main event. But February is more than just a celebration of romance—it’s also a time to recognize and honor Black History Month, celebrate the Lunar New Year, and find inspiration in smaller, niche holidays. For handmade sellers, February offers an array of themes to explore, from love-inspired gifts to culturally significant pieces. It’s the perfect time to create products that bring people together and celebrate diverse stories.
Valentine’s Day (February 14)
People worldwide celebrate Valentine’s Day as a prime occasion for gifting loved ones and friends. Artisans can go beyond traditional hearts and roses with unique, meaningful gifts like personalized jewelry, hand-painted cards, romantic home decor, and cozy self-care items such as candles and bath products. Don’t forget “Galentine’s Day” on February 13, which provides an opportunity to promote friendship-themed items like matching bracelets or quirky best-friend mugs.
Family Day (February 17)
In Canada, Family Day is a holiday dedicated to spending time with loved ones. Sellers can focus on family-themed items such as personalized family name signs, custom photo frames, or family game night bundles. These products make great gifts for those looking to celebrate family connections and quality time together.
Random Acts of Kindness Day (February 17)
Many countries observe Random Acts of Kindness Day to encourage thoughtful gestures. Small, easy-to-give items like kindness cards with positive messages, friendship bracelets, or mini tokens of appreciation are perfect for this day. Market them as ideal gifts for friends, family, or even strangers to brighten someone’s day.
March: Spring Celebrations Begin
March is the gateway to spring and with it comes a sense of renewal and growth. As winter fades, people begin looking forward to longer days, warmer weather, and fresh, new decor and accessories. March holidays provide a mix of festive fun and cultural significance, from St. Patrick’s Day to Women’s History Month and Easter preparations. Sellers on Etsy and other craft marketplaces can embrace the bright colors and uplifting themes that come with spring, creating products that bring joy and a sense of rebirth to their customers.
World Wildlife Day (March 3)
People around the world celebrate World Wildlife Day to raise awareness for wildlife conservation. Animal-themed jewelry, wildlife prints, and eco-friendly products resonate well with environmentally-conscious customers. Adding a donation to a conservation organization can enhance your product’s appeal and purpose.
Mardi Gras (March 4)
Known for its vibrant festivities, Mardi Gras is especially celebrated in New Orleans but recognized globally. Handmade items with purple, green, and gold themes are popular for this holiday, as are elaborate masks. Sellers might consider creating Mardi Gras bead necklaces, festive wall art, or intricately designed masquerade masks to capture the spirit of this lively celebration.
International Women’s Day (March 8)
International Women’s Day is a worldwide celebration that honors women’s achievements and advocates for gender equality. Popular product ideas include feminist-themed items like empowering jewelry, statement pins, or tote bags with inspirational messages. Consider creating art and gifts that celebrate women and support women’s causes.
St. Patrick’s Day (March 17)
Widely celebrated in the US, Canada, and Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day is a festive holiday embracing Irish culture with themes of luck, green decor, and shamrocks. Product ideas include shamrock jewelry, “lucky” home decor, green accessories, or drinkware like glasses and mugs for celebratory gatherings with friends and family.
First Day of Spring (March 20)
As spring officially starts in the Northern Hemisphere, people seek products inspired by nature and the season’s fresh bloom, which symbolize renewal and growth. Garden decor, plant hangers, and floral jewelry are excellent choices to capture the essence of spring and appeal to nature-loving shoppers.
First Day of Fall (March 20)
While those north of the equator celebrate the beginning of spring, autumn arrives in the Southern Hemisphere. These shoppers seek seasonal items that evoke warmth and coziness. For those embracing the season’s change, products like knitted scarves, rustic kitchen items, cozy blankets, and autumn-scented soaps or lotions can resonate well, capturing the charm of fall in Australia, New Zealand, and other Southern Hemisphere regions.
Mothering Sunday (March 30)
In the United Kingdom, Mothering Sunday is a day to show appreciation for mothers, similar to Mother’s Day in other regions. Ideal product ideas include gifts that celebrate motherhood, such as personalized necklaces, custom photo frames, or spa gift sets. Consider adding personalization options with children’s names or birthstones to make these gifts extra special.
Planning Ahead
Plan ahead for these holidays to stay ahead of demand, streamline marketing, and offer seasonally relevant products. Review past seasons, gather customer feedback, and watch for new trends. eRank’s Compare Keywords Tool and Trend Buzz Report are invaluable for researching keywords and spotting trends, as discussed in the recent blog article Holiday Strategizing.
Use eRank’s Calendar Tool to track upcoming holidays throughout the year. By aligning your products with each holiday’s unique spirit, you’ll not only attract more buyers but also build meaningful connections with customers who value creativity. Now’s the time to get started—so mark your calendar, start creating, and get ready to kick off 2025 with a strong start!
