Michaels Releases First-Ever Creativity Trend Report. Here’s What It Found

Michaels has released its first-ever creativity trend report. The report unveiled interesting trends in the arts and crafts sector and featured some surprising results. Let’s look at what the crafts giant discovered in its research.

Michaels Says These 6 Craft Trends Will Shape the Future

For nearly 50 years, Michaels has developed with societal trends, adapting to them and impacting how, what, and why people create. It is also North America’s largest arts and crafts retailer, with over 71% of the population living within 10 miles of a store and millions of people purchasing on Michaels.com each day. This debut research investigates how, by 2025, creating is no longer just for those who consider themselves “artistic” — it is becoming a “mainstream part of everyday life.”

Per the company’s creativity report, the following trends will be defining crafting in 2025:

• Gateway Crafts: DIY projects and trendy TikTok crafting kits are making it simpler than ever for beginners to tap into their creative side.
• Emotional Support Crafts: Instead of endless scrolling, people are turning to hands-on, repetitive crafts as a way to unwind, reset, and recharge.
• DIY and Dine: Craft parties, weekend “Crafternoons,” and DIY nights are becoming the new alternative to traditional dinners and happy hours, bringing friends together over shared creative projects.
• Gifting With Love, Not Labels: More gift-givers are skipping mass-produced presents in favor of unique, handmade creations that carry personal meaning, tell a story, and strengthen connections — all while being budget-friendly.
• Manifesting With Miniatures: As manifestation culture takes off, people are using tiny crafts as a way to visualize their goals — turning small-scale creativity into a tool for bringing big dreams to life.
• Dupe-It-Yourself Décor: With rising costs and ever-changing design trends, more people are embracing DIY projects to recreate high-end home décor for less, putting their own spin on stylish, one-of-a-kind pieces.

“Crafting is no longer just a hobby—it’s self-care, a way to connect with friends, personalize your space, and even save money,” said Mandi Clark, director of trend and design at Michaels. “People are also embracing creativity beyond traditional crafting — turning hosting, gifting, and decorating into creative outlets. From curating tablescapes and balloon arches, to making gift wrap as thoughtful as the gift itself, more people are infusing creativity into everyday moments.”

The Company Became Partners With the Dallas Cowboys

Michaels also positions itself as a crafts company with a modern competitive edge, forming strategic partnerships to further its brand recognition. In August 2024, the company announced a three-year partnership with the Dallas Cowboys.

This agreement strives to improve the game-day experience for all Cowboys fans by providing a variety of creative products and services. Fans can expect game-day staples including team-themed decorations, party supplies, and bespoke framing options for mementos.

Michaels will also interact with fans through a variety of activities, including a DIY crafts project and unique promotions aimed at increasing overall team enthusiasm.

“Football fans have always been inherently creative in how they express their team spirit, and we’re thrilled to join forces with our home team in Dallas to help fuel the joy of that creativity for Cowboys Nation,” Mandy Rassi, SVP and chief marketing officer of Michaels, said at the time. “The Dallas Cowboys truly value the passion and creativity of their fans, and we’re excited to support them by offering everything they need to elevate their game day experience — this season and beyond.”

“Michaels offers our fans easy and fun ways to take their creativity to a higher level,” added Charlotte Jones, chief brand officer and co-owner of the Dallas Cowboys. “We love the unique ways they express their support of the team and we’re looking forward to seeing how this partnership can further inspire them.”