Early August, we had the pleasure of attending the Melbourne Reed Gift Fair, held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) from August 3-6. The Reed Gift Fairs provide an exceptional platform for retailers and buyers in the gift and homewares industry to connect with leading and emerging wholesalers, showcasing the latest trends and innovations in a vibrant trade fair experience.
Fruity Colours: A Summer Revival
This year’s Reed Gift Fair was a celebration of colour, with bright, summery hues dominating the scene. Drawing inspiration from Mediterranean summers, the fair featured a vibrant array of homewares adorned with citrus-inspired designs. Lemon-shaped fruit and salad bowls, quirky strawberry planters, and eye-catching green and orange glassware were just a few examples of how these fruity colours brought a lively, playful energy to the homewares on display.
But the trend didn't stop at home decor. Fashion and stationery collections also embraced these vivid tones, with cards and gift packaging showcasing flora and fauna in bright, eye-catching colours. The influence of this trend was widespread, signalling a clear shift towards more vibrant and expressive colour palettes in the upcoming season.
PaperPak’s coloured Duo Craft Bags can complement this lively trend, offering a perfect match for the bold and bright hues of summer. Whether fancy gifts or simple accessories, our bags are designed to bring a pop of colour to your customer’s purchase.
Organic Shapes
The move towards soft, organic shapes continues to gain momentum, replacing the structured, sharp lines that once dominated home decor. Mirrors and vases with rounded, curvaceous edges were a standout at this year’s fair, reflecting a growing consumer preference for designs that evoke a sense of calm and connection to nature.
With art prints also embracing organic forms, we saw a rise in 3D textures and abstract shapes inspired by nature, creating pieces that feel both modern and timeless. At PaperPak, we’re proud to introduce our new range of wrapping paper, featuring fresh organic shapes that capture the essence of this trend. Perfect for those looking to add a touch of natural elegance to their gift-giving.
Christmas Trends: A Return to Tradition
Over the years, we’ve witnessed a wide array of alternative colours and trends for Christmas decorations, ranging from bold purples and blues to soft pinks and whites. While these non-traditional palettes have their charm, this year marks a return to the classic Christmas colours of red and green.
However, these traditional colours are being reimagined in a rustic, natural style. Wooden and fabric ornaments were a common sight, bringing a homey, handcrafted feel to the festive season. This trend reflects a broader desire for authenticity and simplicity in holiday decor, with consumers gravitating towards pieces that evoke nostalgia and warmth.
On the PaperPak stand, our Nutcracker paper bag designs were a particular hit, capturing the festive spirit with their red and white Nutcracker motif and striped gusset feature. Our Peppermint Stripe Premium Tissue Paper also garnered plenty of attention, reinforcing the enduring appeal of classic Christmas reds.
Connecting with Our Community
We had a fantastic time meeting so many of you at the PaperPak stand and discussing the latest trends in gifts and homewares. Your enthusiasm and insights are what make these events so special, and we hope you enjoyed your visit to the Reed Gift Fair as much as we did.
For us, the standout trends this year were the vibrant fruity colours and the soft organic shapes. But we’re curious—what caught your eye? We’d love to hear about the top trends you noticed at the fair!
