Hey there, fellow print-on-demand enthusiasts! It’s that time of year again when the air is filled with the scent of cinnamon and pine, and our POD businesses are gearing up for the most wonderful (and profitable) time of the year. I’ve been in the print-on-demand game for over a decade now, and let me tell you, Christmas is when the magic really happens. So, grab a cup of hot cocoa, and let’s dive into the top 10 print-on-demand items that’ll make your holiday sales soar higher than Rudolph on Christmas Eve!

Understanding the Christmas POD Market

Before we jump into the good stuff, let’s take a sec to chat about why Christmas is such a big deal for us POD sellers. I remember my first holiday season in this biz – I was totally unprepared for the avalanche of orders that came rolling in. It was like trying to catch snowflakes with a tennis racket!

The thing is, people go absolutely nuts for personalized gifts during the holidays. There’s something special about giving (or receiving) a unique item that’s been created just for you. And that’s where we come in, my friends. Our print-on-demand products are the perfect solution for folks looking to give meaningful, one-of-a-kind presents without breaking the bank.

But here’s the kicker – you gotta be smart about what you offer. Not all POD products are created equal, especially when it comes to the holiday season. You want items that scream “Christmas!” louder than your neighbor’s over-the-top light display. Trust me, I’ve learned this the hard way. One year, I thought it’d be a great idea to push summer-themed beach towels in December. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t.

So, without further ado, let’s unwrap the top 10 print-on-demand items that’ll have your customers (and your bank account) feeling merry and bright this Christmas!

Top 10 Print-on-Demand Items for Christmas

1. Personalized Christmas Ornaments

Alright, let’s kick things off with a classic – personalized Christmas ornaments. These little beauties are the bread and butter of holiday POD sales, and for good reason. Everyone loves to see their name or a special message hanging on the tree, and ornaments are the perfect way to commemorate the year.

I remember the first time I added custom ornaments to my store. I was skeptical, thinking, “Who’s gonna buy a boring ol’ ornament?” Boy, was I wrong! These things flew off the virtual shelves faster than hot cocoa at the North Pole.

Here are some tips to make your ornaments stand out:

• Offer a variety of shapes: round, star, heart, and even quirky options like animals or food items.
• Use high-quality materials: ceramic, wood, and metal are all great choices.
• Create designs for different themes: family, pets, first Christmas, new home, etc.
• Don’t forget to include the year – people love dated ornaments for keepsakes.

Pro tip: Create bundles of personalized ornaments for families. I once had a customer order a set of 15 ornaments, one for each family member. Ka-ching!

2. Festive Sweaters and Hoodies

Ugly Christmas sweaters aren’t just a trend anymore – they’re a holiday tradition. And let me tell you, people go absolutely bonkers for festive apparel during the holiday season. I’m talking sweaters, hoodies, and even t-shirts that are louder than your aunt’s Christmas caroling.

When I first started offering Christmas sweaters, I thought I’d just slap a reindeer on a red background and call it a day. Big mistake. The key to success with holiday apparel is to get creative and a little bit crazy. Here’s what I’ve learned:

• Embrace the “ugly”: The more outrageous, the better. Think 3D pom-poms, LED lights, and designs that make people do a double-take.
• Offer personalization: Let customers add their names or create matching family sets.
• Don’t forget about comfort: Use high-quality, soft fabrics. Nobody wants an itchy Christmas sweater.
• Cater to different tastes: From classy and elegant to downright silly, offer a range of designs.

One year, I created a sweater design that featured a cat riding a unicorn through a galaxy of Christmas cookies. It sounded ridiculous, but it ended up being my best-seller that season. Sometimes, the weirder, the better!

3. Holiday-Themed Phone Cases

In today’s digital age, our phones are practically extensions of ourselves. So why not dress them up for the holidays too? Holiday-themed phone cases are a fantastic POD item that often gets overlooked.

I’ll admit, I was late to the phone case game. I thought, “Who needs another phone case?” But then I noticed how people were constantly changing their cases to match their outfits or the season. That’s when the lightbulb went off.

Here’s how to make your holiday phone cases a hit:

• Create designs for popular phone models: iPhone, Samsung, Google Pixel, etc.
• Offer a mix of cute, funny, and elegant designs to appeal to different tastes.
• Use high-quality, durable materials that can withstand holiday mishaps.
• Consider adding personalization options for that extra special touch.

My personal favorite? A case that makes your phone look like a wrapped present. It’s a conversation starter and a great way to hide your phone from nosy relatives during Christmas dinner!

4. Custom Christmas Stockings

Ah, Christmas stockings – the OG of holiday decorations. These festive foot-shaped fabric holders have been a Christmas staple for generations, and they’re not going anywhere anytime soon. As a POD seller, custom Christmas stockings are like finding a golden ticket in your chocolate bar.

When I first added stockings to my product line, I was blown away by the response. Families love having matching stockings with each member’s name, and let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of seeing a bulk order for a dozen personalized stockings come through.

Here’s how to knock it out of the park with custom stockings:

• Offer a variety of styles: traditional red and white, modern patterns, rustic burlap, etc.
• Provide personalization options: names, initials, or even pet names (yes, Fluffy needs a stocking too!)
• Use high-quality materials that can hold up to stuffing (and unstuffing) year after year.
• Create themed sets for families, couples, or friend groups.

Pro tip: Don’t forget about stocking holders! These can be personalized too and make for a great upsell.

5. Seasonal Home Decor Items

‘Tis the season to deck the halls, and boy, do people love their Christmas decorations. Seasonal home decor items are a goldmine for POD sellers. From throw pillows to blankets, wall art to shower curtains (yes, even bathrooms get the Christmas treatment), the possibilities are endless.

I remember the year I decided to expand my holiday decor offerings. I was nervous about investing in so many new products, but it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made for my business. People go absolutely wild for anything that can make their home feel more festive.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Throw pillows with festive designs or personalized messages
• Fleece blankets with holiday patterns (perfect for snuggling up by the fire)
• Customizable doormats to welcome holiday guests
• Festive shower curtains for those who really commit to the Christmas theme
• Table runners and placemats for holiday dinners

The key is to offer items that are both decorative and functional. One of my best-selling items is a personalized family name sign in the shape of a Christmas tree. It’s a decoration that can be used year after year, making it a cherished keepsake.

6. Customized Gift Wrap and Tags

Now, here’s something that might surprise you – customized gift wrap and tags are a hot commodity during the holiday season. I know what you’re thinking, “But isn’t gift wrap just going to be torn apart and thrown away?” Well, my friend, you’d be surprised at how much people are willing to pay for that extra special touch.

I stumbled upon this niche by accident. A customer asked if I could create custom wrapping paper to match the personalized ornaments they had ordered. At first, I thought it was a bit much, but I decided to give it a shot. Lo and behold, it was a hit! Now, custom gift wrap and tags are some of my most popular holiday items.

Here’s how to make the most of this often-overlooked category:

• Offer a variety of designs: from classic Christmas patterns to modern and minimalist options
• Create matching sets of wrapping paper, gift tags, and even ribbons
• Allow for personalization with names, photos, or special messages
• Don’t forget about eco-friendly options – reusable fabric gift wrap is gaining popularity

One of my favorite success stories is a customer who ordered custom wrapping paper with their family photos all over it. Imagine the look on Grandma’s face when she gets a present wrapped in paper covered with pictures of her grandkids!

7. Christmas-Themed Mugs and Drinkware

Let’s face it, the holiday season is fueled by hot beverages. Whether it’s cocoa, coffee, or a sneaky bit of eggnog, people love sipping their favorite drinks from festive mugs. And as POD sellers, we can cash in on this cozy tradition.

I’ll never forget the first Christmas-themed mug I designed. It was a simple “Dear Santa, I can explain” message with a cute cartoon. I thought it was clever, but I wasn’t prepared for how popular it would become. That mug design is still one of my best sellers, years later.

Here’s how to create mugs and drinkware that’ll fly off the shelves:

• Offer a variety of styles: classic mugs, travel tumblers, wine glasses, and even beer steins
• Create designs for different personalities: funny quotes, elegant patterns, and personalized options
• Don’t forget about color-changing mugs – they’re always a hit
• Consider creating sets for families or couples (like “His and Hers” Santa mugs)

Pro tip: Create bundle deals with hot chocolate mix or coffee. It’s an easy way to increase your average order value and give customers a complete gift option.

8. Festive Pet Accessories

Okay, let’s talk about a market that’s often overlooked but has some serious potential – pet owners. Trust me, people love dressing up their furry friends for the holidays, and we can help make their pets the stars of the Christmas card photo.

I’ll admit, I was skeptical about adding pet accessories to my POD lineup. I mean, do dogs really need Christmas sweaters? Turns out, the answer is a resounding yes! The first year I offered personalized pet bandanas and sweaters, they sold out faster than you can say “Jingle Bells.”

Here are some ideas for festive pet accessories:

• Personalized pet bandanas with holiday designs
• Christmas-themed pet collars and leashes
• Pet sweaters and jackets with funny or cute holiday messages
• Customized pet bowls with Christmas designs
• Pet bed covers with festive patterns

One of my favorite orders was for a set of matching family and pet pajamas. The customer sent me a photo of their Christmas morning, and seeing the whole family (including the dog and cat) in matching PJs was absolutely priceless.

9. Holiday-Inspired Wall Art

When it comes to decking the halls, walls often get overlooked. But let me tell you, holiday-inspired wall art can be a game-changer for your POD business. From canvas prints to posters, there’s a whole world of festive wall decor waiting to be explored.

I remember the first time I decided to offer Christmas-themed canvas prints. I was worried they might be too niche, but boy, was I wrong! People love adding a touch of holiday cheer to their walls, and many of these pieces become cherished decorations that are brought out year after year.

Here’s how to make your holiday wall art stand out:

• Offer a variety of styles: from classic Christmas scenes to modern, abstract interpretations of holiday themes
• Create personalized family prints with names and special dates
• Design holiday-themed typography prints with festive quotes or song lyrics
• Don’t forget about religious-themed art for those celebrating the spiritual aspect of Christmas
• Consider offering framed options for a more polished look

One of my most popular wall art pieces is a customizable family rules canvas with a holiday twist. It includes things like “Believe in the magic of Christmas” and “Leave cookies for Santa,” along with personalized family names. It’s a hit every single year!

10. Personalized Christmas Cards and Stationery

Last but certainly not least, let’s talk about personalized Christmas cards and stationery. In this digital age, you might think traditional cards are a thing of the past. But trust me, there’s still a huge market for beautiful, custom-designed holiday cards.

I’ll be honest, I was hesitant to jump into the Christmas card market. It seemed saturated and old-fashioned. But then I started getting requests from customers who wanted cards to match the other personalized items they were buying. That’s when I realized there was a real opportunity here.

Here’s how to make your Christmas cards and stationery stand out:

• Offer a range of designs: from traditional to modern, funny to elegant
• Provide options for photo cards, allowing families to showcase their yearly portraits
• Create matching sets of cards, envelopes, and address labels
• Don’t forget about thank-you cards for after Christmas
• Consider offering digital options for those who prefer to send e-cards

One of my favorite success stories is a customer who ordered personalized cards, gift tags, and wrapping paper all with a coordinated design. They said it made their gift-giving feel extra special and put together. It’s those little details that can really make a difference!

Tips for Successful Christmas POD Sales

Alright, now that we’ve covered the top 10 print-on-demand items for Christmas, let’s talk strategy. After years of trial and error (and more than a few face-palm moments), I’ve picked up some tips that can help you maximize your holiday sales:

1. Start early: I can’t stress this enough. Start preparing your Christmas designs and products in the summer. It might feel weird to think about snowflakes when you’re sweating, but trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.
2. Offer bundles: People love a good deal, especially during the holidays. Create themed bundles that combine several of your products for a discounted price.
3. Emphasize personalization: The more personalized options you can offer, the better. People are willing to pay extra for that special touch.
4. Use high-quality mockups: Your product images are crucial. Invest time in creating realistic, festive mockups that show your items in a holiday setting.
5. Be responsive: During the holiday rush, customer service is key. Be prepared to answer questions quickly and handle issues promptly.
6. Set realistic shipping expectations: Nothing ruins the holiday spirit like late deliveries. Be clear about your shipping times and cut-off dates for Christmas delivery.
7. Leverage social proof: Encourage customers to share photos of their purchases and leave reviews. User-generated content can be a powerful sales tool.

Marketing Strategies for Holiday POD Products

Now, having great products is only half the battle. You’ve gotta get the word out there! Here are some marketing strategies that have worked wonders for my Christmas POD sales:

1. Create a gift guide: Put together a curated list of your products that would make great gifts for different types of people (moms, dads, kids, pets, etc.).
2. Run holiday-themed social media contests: Engage your audience and increase visibility with fun, seasonal competitions.
3. Offer early bird discounts: Encourage early shopping by offering special deals to those who buy before a certain date.
4. Use email marketing: Build your email list throughout the year and send out targeted holiday promotions.
5. Collaborate with influencers: Partner with social media influencers who align with your brand to showcase your products.
6. Optimize for holiday keywords: Update your product titles and descriptions to include seasonal search terms.
7. Create urgency: Use countdown timers and limited-time offers to encourage quick purchases.

Wrapping Up: Making the Most of Your Christmas POD Business

Whew! We’ve covered a lot of ground, haven’t we? From personalized ornaments to festive pet accessories, the world of Christmas print-on-demand is vast and exciting. But remember, success in this business isn’t just about having great products – it’s about understanding your audience, providing excellent customer service, and continuously adapting to trends.

I’ve had my share of ups and downs in the POD world. There was the year I accidentally ordered 1000 “Merry Christmas” mugs with a typo (pro tip: always double-check your designs), and the time I stayed up for 48 hours straight trying to fulfill last-minute orders. But you know what? Every mistake has been a learning opportunity, and every success has been incredibly rewarding.

As you gear up for the holiday season, remember to stay flexible, keep an eye on trends, and most importantly, have fun with it! Christmas is a magical time, and as POD sellers, we get to be a part of making people’s holidays special. That’s pretty cool when you think about it.

So, go forth and create! May your designs be merry and bright, and may all your Christmas POD sales be through the roof. Here’s to a successful holiday season!

1. Printful – Popular Print-on-Demand Platform
2. Etsy – Marketplace for Handmade and Custom Items
3. Canva – Design Tool for Creating POD Graphics
4. Shopify – E-commerce Platform for Online Stores
5. National Retail Federation – Holiday Sales Forecasts