Get Ahead of the Rush: Start Designing Your Holiday Products Now

Avoid the last-minute rush and scramble

and focus on selling when the busy season hits!

We know, we know. It feels like you have plenty of time for holiday product design before the gift-giving season arrives. But here is the thing—if you want to be fully prepared for the busiest shopping period of the year, the time to start designing, planning, and strategising your product line-up is right now.

No one wants to be knee-deep in glitter, glue, and last-minute stress while everyone else is merrily selling out of their gorgeous curated, ready-to-go products. So, let us dive into why you should get ahead of the chaos, what is involved in product development, and how you can make the most of the end-of-year shopping frenzy.

So how to do you get ahead of the rush with your product design?

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Step One: Plan Your Product Line-Up

Before you start making anything, take a step back and plan what you actually want to sell. Here are some things to consider:

• Best-Sellers and Customer Favourites – Look at what sold well in previous years. Can you bring it back with a fresh twist?
• Gift-Worthy Items – Products that make easy, desirable gifts (think homewares, jewellery, or personalised pieces) are always a hit.
• Limited Edition and Seasonal Designs – Creating an exclusive collection just for the end-of-year period can drive demand.
• Bundles and Gift Sets – Packaging complementary products together makes for an easy purchase decision for busy shoppers.
• Customisation Options – Adding a personal touch (such as initials or custom colours) can make your products even more appealing.

Step Two: Think About Packaging and Presentation

The way you package your products can be just as important as the products themselves. Many shoppers appreciate gift-ready purchases, so offering beautiful packaging can make a big difference. Consider:

• Gift Wrapping Services – A ready-to-gift item is incredibly appealing for last-minute buyers.
• Eco-Friendly Packaging – Sustainable options are becoming more popular and can help attract conscious consumers.
• Branded Packaging – Custom tissue paper, stickers, or handwritten notes can elevate the experience and leave a lasting impression.

Step Three: Get Your Supplies in Order

There is nothing worse than running out of materials right in the middle of production. To avoid any unnecessary panic:

• Stock Up Early – Order materials in advance to ensure you have everything you need.
• Check Lead Times – If you are working with suppliers, ask about their turnaround times, as things can slow down towards the end of the year.
• Create a Production Schedule – Map out when you will make, assemble, and package your products so that you are not left scrambling.

Step Four: Create Your Marketing Strategy

Once your products are designed, it is time to get them in front of eager shoppers. Some ways to maximise your sales include:

• Tease Your Collection Early – Start sharing sneak peeks on social media and in your emails months before launch.
• Create a Gift Guide – Show customers how your products make perfect presents for different types of people (e.g. “The Ultimate Gift Guide for Stationery Lovers”).
• Offer Exclusive Early-Bird Deals – Encourage early purchases with special discounts or bonuses.
• Leverage Social Proof – Gather testimonials and reviews from past customers to build trust and excitement.
• Consider Limited-Time Offers – Flash sales, countdowns, or bundle deals can create urgency.

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Step Five: Set Yourself Up for a Smooth Selling Season

You have designed your products, stocked up on materials, and planned your promotions—now it is time to make sure everything runs smoothly. Some final things to check off your list:

• Update Your Online Store – Ensure product listings are live, descriptions are polished, and checkout processes are seamless.
• Sort Out Shipping and Delivery Timelines – Make sure you are clear on how long it will take to get products to customers, especially for last-minute buyers.
• Prepare for Increased Customer Service Inquiries – Expect more messages about custom orders, delivery times, and gift-wrapping options.
• Set a Cut-Off Date for Orders – Communicate when the last orders can be placed to ensure delivery before the gifting season.

Planning your holiday products now means you will be ready to sell when the shopping season kicks into high gear. You will have the products, packaging, and promotions all set, leaving you free to enjoy the busy season without last-minute panic.

The earlier you start, the smoother things will run—and the more sales you will make. So, grab a cup of tea, get your notebook out, and start planning your most successful selling season yet!

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