It's hard to believe, but Christmas is right around the corner.  There are early indications by the experts in consumer marketing that nearly 20% of gifters have already started their Christmas 2006 gift shopping, and they have spent an average of $346.00 on those purchases.

There's no time like the present to start preparing gift items and crafts for sale and get them posted on Ebay to take advantage of the early shopping rush.

The following represents the prospective trends for this holiday season:

COLORS

The Greens - Shades of lime, acid, sage, spruce and ivy.
The Reds - Bright and bold, or wine-toned.  Bold reds paired with lime and acid green in contemporary decor.
Bronze and amber - Elegant when combined with rich metallic tones.
Purples - All kinds.
White - Vintage ivory across all categories except contemporary, where white rules as the neutral of choice.
Black - Black and white for Christmas looks fresh and modern; black combined with brights; pair it with silver, beads and crystals for extra pizazz.
Metallics - This season, metallics range from bright, fun and funky to light and elegant to deep and luxurious.  Silver teamed up with ivory and white.  Brights in shades of pumpkin, lime green, purple and red.

In addition, the range of blues, browns, greens, reds, pinks and golds seen in the fashion world today are also strong in home decor fashions.  The orange of last year has evolved into a burnt orange or bronze, paired with red and fuschia.  During the 2005 holiday season in Europe, one of the most dramatic color stories to emerge was black.  This trend will continue to evolve this year.

CHRISTMAS WORLD TRENDS

Three trend statements illustrate what next season's top trends will look like in design, color and material.  This look gives a seamless transaction between a Christmas theme and other seasons.  This trend demonstrates that products are no longer just seasonal, but there is potential for creative decoration throughout the year.  Whether it's candles, vases or bowls, the trend is moving from seasonal to year-round.

Blue is the link between classic Christmas and springtime festivals, such as christening, confirmation and marriage.  The mood is dominated by tradition and interpreted with cool materials such as glitter, ice crystals, silver, chrome, mirror glass and steel.

The color green in all it's nuances links summertime with modern Christmas.  White fir trees and artificial snow are bold eye catchers at Christmas.  Unembellished modern shapes characterize decorations for both the cold and hot seasons, as do materials such as glass, plastic, reed, rattan, silk and voluminous wool.

Gold is the link between a golden autumn and magical Christmas.  Materials that work well with this include: leather, velvet, crocodile and tortoise combined with brass, gold lame and brocade.

MERCHANDISE TRENDS

Religious-themed, spiritual merchandise are in this year.



The mystical magic theme which emerged last holiday season continues to be popular in 2006.  Fairies, elves, jesters and whimsical creatures are featured in every gift category.

Luxury items continue to spur sales.   The affordable luxury trend continues.

Pampered pets will be feeling the love this holiday season.  All types of products from affordable to high-end luxury available in every price range will do well in 2006.



Folk art designs will continue to be hot this year.

Nautical items continue to do well this year.  This includes shells, beach balls, sand, lighthouses, flip-flops, Hawaiian shirts, sunglasses, palm trees, umbrellas, coral, fishnets, boats, surfboards and buoys to name just a few.  The nautical trend has also sailed into the categories of gift and home decor.  Coastal Christmas colors are sunbleached shades of green, blue and sand.  Accents include faded purple, pinks, yellows, oranges, soft brown and glitter.

Anything memory related, regardless of whether it is scrapbooking, quilts, memory candles, pictures frames, plates, ornaments, jewelry or cards.  The memory theme will be a strong component.

Personalization and customization will continue to be hot this year.

Signs are everywhere - cute sayings, touching sentiments and funny comments whether it be embroidered, etched,  painted, needleworked, etc., this trend is everywhere from wearables to home decor.

Vintage, turn-of-the-century images of Santa Claus, angels, snowmen and more which emerged last year continue to be strong influences this holiday season.



Wit and whimsy such as fun and funky, girly, whimsical and retro, to name just a few.  Look for innovative style and form, saturated coloration and embellishment.

Polar bears, penguins and swans reign as important holiday characters.

Christmas ornaments geared toward children; Superman glass ornaments; Harry Potter blown glass ornaments and Disney-themed villages are expected to be extremely popular for the 2006 holiday season.




Whatever one decides to sell, it is sure to be a busy year considering that gas prices are up and more people than ever are doing their holiday shopping on the internet.

May you have a very happy and prosperous Christmas season.  :)