There's a moment in early December when my inbox fills up with messages that all sound the same. "Can we still get mugs in time?" "What's left in stock for holiday gifts?" If you've been there, you know the stress.
Here's the thing: the companies with the best holiday swag and the calmest teams placed their orders in September. It's not a secret, it's just a habit — and one that's easy to build with a little planning.
Why September Is Prime Time
By early fall, holiday production schedules begin to tighten. The most popular items start going on backorder, and shipping timelines get longer every week you wait. Ordering in September gives you full access to the best product selection, more time for personalization and custom packaging, and no rush fees eating into your budget.
The Risks of Waiting
Clients who wait until November often run into sold-out items, limited decoration options because suppliers are overwhelmed, and higher costs for fast production. I've seen great gift ideas get completely derailed simply because they were ordered three weeks too late.
What to Order Early
The most time-sensitive items include apparel like quarter-zips, jackets, and embroidered fleece; drinkware like custom tumblers, mugs, and gift sets; tech accessories; and curated gift boxes with packaging and inserts. These items need more lead time, especially if you're shipping to multiple locations.
A Simple Timeline
- August: Start brainstorming and confirm your budget
- Early September: Finalize products and place orders
- Late September: Review proofs and go to production
- October: Receive items and prepare for distribution
- November: Distribute with time to breathe
Add a Personal Touch
Ordering early also gives you room to add the details that make a gift memorable. A signed card from leadership, custom wrapping, a QR code to a holiday message. Those are the touches that turn a standard gift into something people actually remember.
Want to stay ahead of ordering deadlines all year? I put together a planning tool built for exactly this. Learn more about the Planning Window.
Ready to Get Started?
Email me at trish@digitalhula.com or fill out the contact form and we'll figure out your holiday plan together.