Party Goods for Retailers - Trends and Insights 2022

It’s an exciting time in the party goods market, with lots of fantastic opportunities ahead for retailers. DIG is looking back at the top party goods trends of 2022, as well as gathering insights for the fruitful years to come. Find out what consumers are loving, and what’s set to continue being a party hit!

The Party Supplies Market report for 2022 states that the global market reached a value of US$ 12.1 Billion in 2021. Things are looking extremely promising, as various reporters, including IMARC Group, predict the market will exhibit a CAGR of around 8.2% between 2022-2027. 

In order to perfectly tailor party supplies to revelers and event planners, we’ve looked at some of the top trends and motivators across the last year.

Conscious Consumers

A significant rise in demand for events organizers, and the number of professional party planners, has resulted in a quickly growing industry. 2022 has seen environmental consciousness increase. Forbes has stated that “keeping up with sustainability is the key to holding onto brand relevancy”.

Biodegradable, recyclable cutlery has taken over from its single use plastic predecessors. Bamboo cutlery sets, in particular, have gained popularity in the party supplies space. Their natural, wooden appearance fits seamlessly into various event styles. They also provide a natural and warm feel - all without nasty chemicals!

Of course, balloons hold a significant chunk of the total market share when it comes to party goods. Demand for balloon displays certainly isn’t slowing down. However, many consumers are opting for paper alternatives with an eye-catching honeycomb texture. Spherical honeycomb paper balloons have proven particularly popular. These enable the eco-conscious party planner to create brightly colored displays without harming the environment and dampening spirits.

Paper has shown to be the favored eco alternative material for more than just balloons. Research suggests mini piñata party favors made from colored paper are on the rise. Paper piñata favors let organizers add a personalized touch to proceedings with minimal environmental impact.  

Bolder on a Budget

Providing good value, accessible party goods is a must. When hosting events, everyone wants their soirée to look unforgettable. This doesn’t necessarily mean they can always budget for high-end details.

2022 saw neon signs staying on trend and lighting up parties across the US. Adding attitude and pizzazz to gatherings, neon lighting is a brilliant budget-friendly decorative element. Evergreen messages make these luminous home wares reusable, so owners can get real value for money. The price range for these items is broad, however even smaller and more affordable signs add a pop of playfulness. Whatever the occasion, neon lighting guarantees effortlessly on trend, Instagrammable events.  

A party without balloons is like peanut butter without jelly. 2022 saw shoppers opt for metallic balloons of silver and gold. Especially a hit during the festive season, these party classics with a modern twist create instant glamour. Paired with natural backdrops like wood and greenery, the trendy clash of metallic balloons give the right kind of pop to an inflatable decorative piece!

2022 has seen balloon trends move from arches to clusters. This affordable centerpiece is accessible and easy to assemble, creating a multidimensional and convenient way to dress an event space.

Making Up for Lost Time

When forecasting trends for party goods, it’s impossible not to reflect on the recent pandemic. Affecting American households across the board, Covid-19 forced the delay of some major milestones in people’s lives. As a result, we’ve seen a trend in new or alternative milestones.

A significant opportunity has been created for unique and joyful party goods that celebrate more minor events, such as belated holiday get-togethers or less traditionally highlighted birthdays. Balloon arrangements of “30 + 1”, or similar, bring a humorous approach to the party, whilst simultaneously ensuring no special landmarks fall by the wayside.

Reports suggest that parents are making extra effort to throw big bashes for children who missed out on birthday parties during the pandemic. Trends for kids’ parties in 2022 highlight Encanto as a favorite. YouTube sensation, Cocomelon, is a hit for the really little ones. 

Nothing says “special occasion” quite like rolling out a banner. 2021 saw pennant flags take off as the big trend, whether on their own or as a bunting banner. Helping to give a super stylized look to an event, pennant flags create an eye-catching twist on a classic. 

Showing Off on Social Media

IMARC Group’s report pinpoints the influence of social media on the party goods market in recent years. The penetration of online community into everyday lives has resulted in an increase in the scale of celebration of special events, such as engagements and baby showers.

With social channels like Instagram and TikTok dominating the online world, everyone wants their party to look the best. More is more when it comes to making a splash online, which means over the top backdrops have been a big trend of 2022. Having said that, trends indicate party planners aim to create a big impact with fewer materials. Walls of colorful streamers to create a fantastically retro photo opportunity have proved popular. Equally, pairing this with giant balloon clusters, as well as light up marquee letters and numbers, has taken off with event planners.

The pandemic saw a serious rise in the number of outdoor events and gatherings. In line with creating impactful photo opportunities, the trend of dried floral arrangements has been consistently popular. A more affordable and convenient alternative to live flower displays, dried bouquets - particularly made up of baby’s-breath - last for years without care. All this makes for a long-lasting and perpetually chic photography area or pretty centerpiece.

Party Goods Trends Roundup 2022

Trends and insights demonstrate 2022 has been the year of lifting Covid restrictions, and the resurgence of social gatherings. Although the party goods market is due to grow over the coming years, US shopping trends are set to normalize in 2023 after disruption from the pandemic, as predicted by S&P Global Market Intelligence. 

Stalwart items such as balloons and banners remain popular, with trends favoring the affordable and easy to set up. A recognizable theme of less is more is clearly present, as consumers opt for bolder and brighter party goods, whilst keeping within