From healing journeys to first homes, young adults are increasingly framing life stages as distinct eras rather than simple transitions. The phrase “in my_era” has become common shorthand for moments such as landing a promotion, buying a first home, starting therapy, or embracing a fresh start.
This is more than anecdotal. #InMyEra has generated more than 12,700 posts on TikTok, while searches for “new chapter” have increased by 110% over the past three months. The data suggests people are actively seeking ways to define the next stage of their lives.
Online greetings card marketplace thortful has examined the eras shaping adulthood in 2026, exploring why people define their lives through successive stages and celebrate them accordingly.
The Etsy Witch era has entered the chat
Some are taking the idea further by adding a touch of magic. Online sellers offer spells and rituals for sunshine on a wedding day, a new job, a house move, or general good luck, while manifestation practices are increasingly appearing alongside major milestones.
Vision boards and affirmations remain popular, but the playful Etsy Witch trend takes manifestation a step further. Searches for “Etsy witch” have soared by 500% compared with last year, while #EtsyWitch now has more than 16,200 posts on TikTok.
Sellers provide spells and rituals covering love, money, careers, and good weather, suggesting there is a little magic for almost every new era. Interest extends beyond Etsy, with #Manifestation attracting 10.3 million TikTok posts and the more niche #SpellTok reaching more than 6,200.
Entering a wedding era? There is a spell for keeping rain away. Starting a new job? Good luck manifestation is on offer. Finally got the keys? A new home blessing might follow.
Welcome to your homeowner era
Energy Tariffs Era Card
For those relying more on property sites than witchcraft, receiving the keys to a first home remains one of adulthood’s biggest milestones. The homeowner era extends beyond moving day, encompassing renovations, decorating, and the practical reality of discovering how much everything in a house costs.
On TikTok, #HomeownerEra has attracted more than 1,100 posts, while the broader #FirstTimeBuyer has more than 221,900. The volume of content points to sustained interest in becoming a homeowner and navigating the experience that follows.
A spokesperson from thortful says: “Describing these moments as ‘eras’ gives people a fun way to recognise how much their lives are changing. A new home, promotion, or fresh start might mark the beginning of a completely different chapter, and that deserves celebrating.”
Entering your career era
Got It Together Era Card
Promotions, new jobs, and professional qualifications can represent years of hard work paying off, while starting a business can signal an entirely new direction.
Career reinvention features heavily online. #CareerChange has attracted more than 201,500 TikTok posts, while #CorporateTok has 68,000 and #SmallBusinessOwner has amassed 8.9 million. People share experiences of climbing the corporate ladder or leaving it behind.
Whether marked with Champagne, a LinkedIn announcement, or an updated email signature, the moment often prompts an official declaration of a new career era.
Your healing era deserves celebrating too
Not every milestone involves keys, a ring, or a new job title. Starting therapy, setting boundaries, leaving something behind, or prioritising personal well-being can all mark the beginning of a new chapter.
The healing era is widespread online. #HealingEra has more than 386,300 posts on TikTok, while #TherapyTok has attracted over 380,500. A softer approach to life appears in related trends, with #SoftGirl amassing 1.2 million posts and #SoftGirlEra reaching more than 442,200. Content focuses on slowing down, self-prioritisation, and taking a gentler approach to daily life.
To mark big achievements, small wins, and different chapters of adulthood, thortful has created an “era” card range covering new homes, promotions, weddings, fresh starts, and more.
Whatever the stage of life, there is a card to help celebrate it, with the Etsy Witch trend offering a more unconventional way to mark a new chapter.