50+ hot holiday gift product ideas to sell in 2023

Bruno Veberis
50+ hot holiday gift product ideas to sell in 2023

Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la, ka-ching – that's you, happily singing holiday carols – seeing how your sales soar because your customers love the products in your store.

Now, how do you get there? It's a lightbulb moment – you read this article and discover incredible holiday gift-worthy product ideas. Now, you're wondering if it's really that easy. The answer is yes, it is – all you have to do is read this blog post.

Experts predict that ecommerce holiday sales in 2023 will likely grow by 10.3% to 12.8% compared to last year. Getting in on this trend – by selling sought-after holiday gifts – is a great idea.

So, without further ado, let’s look at the best holiday gifts that you can sell in your store this season, guaranteed to fly off the shelves. All that's left is stocking up!

Stock up for the season: 9 categories that will be in demand

The products in this list are guaranteed to sell on your online store and make your customer’s gift scouting easier. From exciting experience gifts to useful hobby gifts, you won’t need to look elsewhere for product recommendations to list in your store.

1. Unique surprise gifts

Surprise gifts can be a hit or miss, but when done right, they're unforgettable. These are random, unexpected, and entertaining presents that can bring joy to anyone. Consider products like:

  • Cocktail-making kit
  • Quirky recipe book
  • Mystery subscription box
  • Vintage-style compass
  • Funny garden sculptures

To spark creativity, search for unusual items related to your market niche and offer them as additions to your store. For example, if you run a skincare shop, you could offer a "Pamper Yourself Mystery Box" containing a mix of skincare products, bath bombs, and scented candles.

2. Practical gifts

Practical gifts that people can use daily are always in demand. However, this doesn't mean you should sell something like toilet paper, which is indeed practical – but hardly gift-worthy. For example, you could sell these kinds of practical things:

Kitchen gadgets

Consider offering various gadgets, such as multi-purpose cutting boards, precision knives, ergonomic can openers, or innovative cooking tools.

Drinkware

Insulated mugs and tumblers make for very on-trend, practical gifts. There are plenty of coffee lovers, tea enthusiasts, and those who enjoy smoothies on the go. Google Trends confirms this, showing that, for example, insulated mugs have been steadily gaining popularity among people in recent years:

Travel essentials

Travel-related practical gifts are perfect for adventurers and jet-setters. You could sell items such as travel pillows, durable luggage tags, travel adapters, and packing organizers.
Reusable bags: Reusable shopping bags are ideal practical additions to your store – especially if you have an eco-conscious or sustainability-focused niche.

These practical gifts make life easier, and when recipients are thankful, your customers will be happy too.

3. Cozy apparel & linen

The winter season presents an ideal opportunity to present cozy gifts in the form of apparel and linens. As the temperatures drop, there's nothing quite like wrapping oneself in layers of warmth and comfort.
And because clothing and linen naturally wear out over time, people are always looking for new additions. Here are some soft and snuggly product ideas for you:

Apparel:

  • Sweaters and hoodies
  • Scarves, mittens, and beanies
  • Fluffy socks and thermal undergarments

Linens:

  • Plush blankets and throws
  • Bed linens and duvet covers
  • Cushion covers and decorative pillowcases

If your store specializes in knitted goods or custom-sewn products, these items will seamlessly complement your inventory. Plus, these products will remain in demand not only during the holiday season but throughout the entire winter.

4. Gift cards

Ah, gift cards... the go-to present for lazy gifters. Sometimes it can be challenging to pinpoint a specific item that your recipient might need.

Actually, lots of people like getting gift cards more than a particular item. It makes sense – gift cards let them choose what they like.

Here are some ideas to consider:

  • Gift cards for your own online store products.
  • Collaborative gift cards with other complementary brands (for example, if your store offers guided tours, you could include a gift card for a wine-tasting experience at a nearby winery).

Create your own digital gift cards and promote them to last-minute shoppers. They're the perfect gift option – quick and easy to order, arriving just in time to print out and slip under the tree.

5. Experience gifts

In a time when many people can say, "I don't really need anything," gifting experiences is the way to go. Generally, it involves gifting an activity-based experience. This could range from something adventurous like bull riding to something more serene like cherry-picking. For example:

  • Theater, cinema, or concert tickets – a great idea if you run a review blog.
  • A relaxing day at the spa – a perfect match if your store already offers wellness and beauty products.
  • Camping or overnight trips – ideal for travel blogs or sites offering tours.
  • Masterclasses in cooking, sewing, or art – an excellent addition to your range of self-made products.

If you're considering including experience gifts in your store, it's a good idea to provide both relaxing and adventurous options, if possible – to help you better meet different preferences.

6. Luxury gifts

During the holidays, when we prioritize family and loved ones, it's only natural to treat each other with generous gifts.

Although people may feel the impact of inflation, substantial holiday season gift spending is certainly a common thing. For example, in 2022, holiday shoppers in the USA planned to spend an average of $823 on gifts.

Featuring high-end luxury gifts in your store gives your customers a chance to indulge in lavish presents for their loved ones during the holiday season. Your choice of luxury holiday gift-worthy products may include:

  • Jewelry
  • Holiday trips
  • Perfume
  • Designer goods
  • Fine wines and spirits
  • High-end electronics

If these suit your niche market, consider adding them to your store.

However, if they don't quite fit, that’s not a problem. You can enhance the perceived value of your existing products through creative means such as unique packaging, personalized handwritten gift cards, or by incorporating higher-quality materials into the products themselves. By doing so, you'll provide your customers with a sense of luxury and thoughtfulness, regardless of the price tag.

7. Wellness gifts

The wellness market worldwide keeps on growing because more and more people are realizing what makes them feel better and healthier.
For example, men's skincare has been gaining popularity, according to Google Trends:

Overall, when considering wellness gifts, you have a wide range of choices – ranging from beauty and healthcare products to relaxing treats, such as:

  • Beard oils
  • Bath bombs and shower jellies
  • Salt lamps
  • Face masks
  • Scented candles
  • Aromatherapy diffusers
  • Herbal teas and infusers
  • Nutritional supplements

These items are a great fit for a beauty store or fitness-focused blog. When deciding what to offer in your store, consider the price range. It's a smart move to have products for different budgets – from affordable to more high-end. That way, everyone can find something in your store that fits their budget and wellness goals.

8. Personalized gifts

When it comes to gift-giving, it's easy to run out of ideas. But giving a personal touch to even the most basic items can make them gift-worthy.

The best part is – you can customize almost anything, from pet bowls to notebooks. The possibilities are endless:

  • Engraved jewelry: Necklaces, bracelets, or rings with initials, names, or special dates.
  • Monogrammed accessories: Bags, wallets, or phone cases with monogram initials.
  • Personalized clothing: Custom-made T-shirts, hoodies, or aprons with names or slogans.
  • Home decor: Personalized wall art, engraved wooden signs, or custom-made candles.
  • Customized pet products: Pet tags, custom pet portraits, or pet name embroidery on accessories.
  • Amusing items like personalized bobbleheads or caricature portraits of family and friends.

To maintain a tidy and consistent look for your store, think about which of the items you already sell can be customized to match customer preferences.

In general, you have two options: you can either create them yourself or collaborate with third-party fulfillment providers. They can use the designs you supply and handle the printing and shipping of products as per your customers' orders.

9. Hobby gifts

People often splurge on hobbies because they know their value for personal growth. When they give someone a gift related to their hobby, they're ready to spend more because they're confident the person will love and use it.

By offering hobby-related products, you can tap into the passions and interests of such customers, providing thoughtful and unique options for gift-giving and personal enjoyment.

These gifts could include items like:

For art lovers:

  • Paint sets, brushes, and canvases.
  • Customizable sketchbooks with options for personalized covers.
  • Accessory kits containing tools for specific art techniques.

For gardeners:

  • Rare or specialty plant varieties with detailed care instructions.
  • Personalized gardening tools and equipment, such as engraved trowels.
  • Gardening-themed subscription boxes featuring seeds or bulbs.

For culinary enthusiasts:

  • Cookware sets and utensils.
  • Personalized aprons, oven mitts, and cutting boards.
  • Online cooking courses or downloadable recipe collections.

Think about what your customers might want to buy as gifts for their loved ones who share similar hobbies and interests. And don't forget, your customers might treat themselves to these items as well!

Bonus: 3 Worst-selling products as holiday gifts

Urgh, there’s nothing cringier than watching someone unwrap your present and see a pretend smile on their face. They look at you to say—thanks—and you realize your gift was a fail. That’s not how you want your customers to feel.

We’re sharing 3 products that you shouldn’t bother adding to your store and boost as holiday gifts—no one really wants to receive them anyway

1. Regifted and used gifts

Selling and gifting used goods is tricky. First off, you don’t have a guarantee the used product is fully functioning and without any visual defects. Second, how can you put a price on something that has already been used? And third, gifting a used gift is not considered appropriate for the holidays. Unless, of course, that’s the theme for gifts.

As for regifted presents… Americans spent $13 billion on unwanted gifts in 2018. Woah, right? That’s not it—22% of the unwanted gift recipients regifted their presents—that’s $2 billion in regifts only. How likely would you say those second gift recipients appreciated their gifts?

Unless you’re running an online thrift store, we don’t recommend adding second-hand products to your store. Most people don’t appreciate them as gifts for the holidays.

2. Home cleaning products

Home cleaning products take practical gifts to a whole new level. Cleaning products are not gift-worthy and can potentially spark negative assumptions.

Just imagine gifting your mother a 12-pack of Fairy dishwasher soap. Thoughts? She’d probably look at you in a weird way and assume you think badly of the dish cleanliness. No dessert for you!

Again, you don’t want your customers to feel that way (and don’t get their dessert), so don’t push cleaning products for holiday sales.

3. Decorative knick-knacks

Ceramic angels, wooden snowflakes, mini vases, and rustic tin cans—not a desirable holiday present for most people.

The holidays are about gifting something meaningful or, at least, useful. Decorative knick-knacks just feel like a last-minute gift that nobody asked for. And in a time where people try to buy less and think more about minimalism, knick-knacks are the complete opposite. So don’t bother adding those to your store.

Prepare your store for the shopping season

The holiday season is that time of the year when people are willing to splurge. You don't want to miss the opportunity to sell items that people would love to gift to their friends and family.

Take the time to understand your audience. Look at what you're already selling, check out the list above, and think about how you can add new products or elevate existing ones into fantastic gift choices. The holiday season is your chance to become an online Santa and share some joy around!