Evite's 2026 Pregame Report: What 86% Choosing Birthdays Means for Party Supplier

Evite's 2026 Pregame Report, based on a survey of more than 5,000 party enthusiasts, offers a useful look at how celebration habits are shifting—and what those changes could mean for the party supplies industry.

The headline number is striking: 86% of respondents said birthdays are the top occasion for throwing an intimate gathering. Holiday celebrations followed at 75%, and watch parties at 49%.

But the report is not just about rankings. It reveals deeper changes in consumer behavior that directly affect how party supplies are sourced, designed, and sold.

The Data in Context

The Evite report surveyed 5,000 users and identified several key trends:

Birthdays remain the leading occasion. The 86% figure confirms that birthdays are the most popular reason to gather. For party supplies suppliers, this suggests that birthdays should remain a core category—but the way consumers celebrate them may be changing.

Consumers are prioritizing smaller, more intimate gatherings. The report shows a preference for smaller, more meaningful gatherings. This is consistent with the broader micro‑celebration trend: gatherings are becoming smaller, more personal, and more connection‑focused.

DIY and affordability are priorities. 67% of survey takers prefer DIY and affordable options. The finding does not necessarily point to lower spending across the board. Instead, it suggests that consumers are placing greater emphasis on affordability, creativity, and personal involvement.

New occasions are emerging. Book clubs (43%) and pet celebrations (35%) also appear as emerging celebration formats. These are not replacements for birthdays—they are additions to the celebration calendar.

What This Means for Party Supplies Suppliers

Birthdays are still the anchor. The 86% figure confirms that birthday celebrations remain the core demand driver for party supplies. Suppliers should not assume that the rise of niche themes or micro‑celebrations is reducing birthday demand. The question is whether products are keeping up with how birthdays are being celebrated.

Smaller gatherings may favor different product formats. A birthday party for 10 people does not need the same products as a party for 50. Smaller gatherings may favor smaller pack sizes, more focused assortments, and products that are easy to use in home or intimate settings.

DIY is an opportunity, not a threat. The 67% preference for DIY and affordable options does not mean consumers are spending less. It means they are more intentional about how they spend. Suppliers that offer coordinated collections, party kits, and easy‑to‑use products may be better positioned to serve this demand.

New occasions create new demand. Book clubs, pet birthdays, and other emerging occasions are not large enough to replace birthdays, but they are large enough to matter. Suppliers can test these emerging occasions with small, focused assortments without committing heavily to new categories.

What This Means for Buyers

For buyers sourcing party supplies, the Evite data offers a clear direction:

First, prioritize birthday products. Birthdays remain the leading occasion in the Evite survey, making them an important category for buyers to monitor. Buyers should ensure their assortment covers birthday needs comprehensively—number candles, themed decorations, and products that work for both children and adults.

Second, think small. The shift toward smaller gatherings means buyers should consider smaller pack sizes, more focused product lines, and collections designed for intimate celebrations.

Third, support DIY. Products that enable consumers to create personalized, affordable celebrations will have a competitive advantage. Buyers should evaluate suppliers on their ability to offer customizable, easy‑to‑use, and budget‑friendly options.

Fourth, watch emerging occasions. Book clubs, pet birthdays, and other niche celebrations are not yet major categories, but they are growing. Buyers who test these segments early—with small, focused product lines—will be better positioned if they scale.

The Takeaway

Evite's 2026 Pregame Report confirms that birthdays are not fading. They are evolving.

Consumers are celebrating birthdays in smaller groups, with more intentionality. They want products that fit these new patterns—affordable, DIY‑friendly, and designed for intimate gatherings.

The 86% figure is not just a number. It is a signal. The question is not whether birthday demand will continue. It will. The question is whether suppliers and buyers are ready to meet it in its new form.

Kelaisi Candle has manufactured candles and party supplies since 1991, with facilities in Xingtai and Shijiazhuang, Hebei. We support international buyers with social‑compliance, product‑testing, and quality documentation covering requirements such as BSCI, SEDEX, CE, RoHS, EN71, and ASTM F963, where applicable.