The holiday season is fast approaching, and with it comes the quest to find the perfect gifts for friends, family, and loved ones. While generic gifts are always an option, there’s something special about a custom gift that truly reflects the recipient’s personality or interests. Whether it’s a personalized mug, a custom T-shirt, or an ornament with a unique design, custom gifts have a way of making the holidays even more memorable.
However, as we head into the busiest shopping season of the year, it’s important to remember that custom gifts take time. There are a few key steps in the process, from deciding on the right product to finalizing the design and allowing ample time for shipping. Here’s how to make sure you’re not left scrambling at the last minute!
1. Decide on the Right Product Early
When it comes to custom gifts, there are endless options to choose from. Whether it’s a coffee mug with a meaningful message, a personalized blanket with family photos, or a T-shirt featuring a favorite quote or graphic, the possibilities are nearly endless. But the wide array of choices can make the decision harder.
To avoid stress later, start by considering the personality of the person you’re buying for. Are they a coffee enthusiast? Do they love cozying up in a warm hoodie or blanket? Or maybe they’re all about home decor? Think about how they’ll use the item and what would bring them joy. Once you’ve narrowed down the product type, you can move on to the fun part—customizing the design!
2. Give Yourself Time to Design or Select a Graphic
One of the best parts of buying a custom gift is the ability to personalize it. Whether you’re creating something from scratch or choosing from a library of existing designs, it’s important to allow yourself plenty of time to make decisions.
If you’re designing your own product, you’ll want to ensure the colors, fonts, and images are just right. Many platforms and designers allow you to tweak the layout or add text, so take your time experimenting with different combinations to find what speaks to you (and the person you’re gifting).
Alternatively, if you’re selecting a design, browse carefully! The right graphic can make all the difference, and rushing through the process might lead you to miss out on something perfect. Take the time to find a design that reflects the recipient’s hobbies, interests, or personal style.
3. Allow for Ample Shipping Time
Once your custom gift is ordered, you’re at the mercy of shipping schedules—and holiday shipping can be notoriously slow. Keep in mind that custom gifts generally take longer to process and ship than standard items, as each product is made specifically for you. This is especially true for print-on-demand items that need to be individually created after the order is placed.
To avoid disappointment, make sure you place your order early. Many experts recommend allowing an extra two to three weeks for processing and shipping around the holidays, especially for custom items. Factor in production time, any potential shipping delays, and even a little buffer in case things don’t go perfectly.