The holiday season is the busiest, and most profitable, time of the year for decorators. Whether you’re creating gifts for family and friends, fulfilling custom orders for clients, or stocking your online shop for the holiday rush, now is the moment to start planning.
With demand at its highest and buyers actively searching for personalized products, even a single well-timed project can turn into a repeat order or a best-seller. Here are 10 holiday projects that are simple to make, high in demand, and full of profit potential.
1. Personalized Christmas Stockings (Embroidery + Sewing)
Whether you’re sewing custom stockings from scratch or adding embroidery to premade ones, this is a simple and profitable project, especially since customers usually order more than one.
Why they sell: They’re a holiday staple and one of the easiest products to personalize.
Ideas:
- Embroider names, monograms, or pet names.
- Add decorative patches or appliqué elements.
- Offer matching family sets with different themes (modern, farmhouse, kids, luxury, vintage).
Custom Stocking Profit Breakdown
Materials:
- ½ yard for the main stocking body
- ½ yard for the inner lining
- ½ yard for the trim
✅ Total material cost: ~$21
Selling Price (with personalization): $45 per stocking
Profit per stocking: $24
Profit margin: ~53%
Example: For a family order of 5 stockings, that’s $120 profit from just one sale — and many customers order multiple sets for gifts, extended family, or matching holiday décor.
What You’ll Need:
2. Custom Holiday Apparel (Sweatshirts, Tees, Hoodies) (Transfer, HTV or DTF)
Why they sell: Apparel is always the top-selling holiday category, especially matching sets.
Ideas:
- Create one design that you can put on a variety of garments as a simple, cost-effective, approach.
- Offer bundled sets for families or businesses (e.g., staff Christmas party tees “Family Christmas 2025” shirts or “Elf Squad” designs.
- Combine HTV slogans with embroidered accents for a premium touch.
Custom T-Shirt Profit Breakdown
Materials:
- Blank t-shirt: $4
- Printing supplies (transfer paper, ink, or toner): ~$2
(Bulk materials keep your per-shirt cost low!)
✅ Total material cost: ~$6
Selling Price (customized): $25 per shirt
Profit per shirt: $19
Profit margin: ~76%
Example: For a family order of 5 shirts, that’s $95 profit from just one order — and custom tees are among the easiest, fastest-selling items for both beginners and experienced decorators alike!
What You’ll Need:
Be the first to get a head start on our biggest sale of the year, Black November!
Sign up now for exclusive early access, a sneak peek at upcoming deals, and a $10 OFF coupon for any order of $100 or more when you buy in October.
Don’t wait, these offers will go fast once Black November begins. Get on the list today and shop before everyone else!
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3. Custom Holiday Apparel (Sweatshirts, Tees, Hoodies) (Embroidery)
Why they sell: Apparel is always the top-selling holiday category, especially matching sets.
Ideas:
- Create “Family Christmas 2025” shirts or “Elf Squad” designs.
- Offer bundled sets for families or businesses (e.g., staff Christmas party tees).
- Combine HTV slogans with embroidered accents for a premium touch.
Custom Holiday Sweater Profit Breakdown
Materials:
- Blank sweater: $8
- Thread and embroidery materials: negligible (just cents per design!)
✅ Total material cost: ~$8
Selling Price (customized): $45 per sweater
Profit per sweater: $37
Profit margin: ~82%
Example: For a family order of 5 sweaters, that’s $185 profit from just one order — and custom holiday sweaters are top sellers during the festive season, making them a perfect project for decorators looking to cash in on holiday demand!
What You’ll Need:
4. Pet Bandanas & Apparel (Embroidery, HTV or Heat Transfer)
Why they sell: Pet owners love including their furry friends in the holiday fun.
Ideas:
- Embroider names on pet bandanas.
- Create themed sayings like “Santa’s Favorite” or “Bark the Halls.”
- Sell matching pet + owner sets for holiday photos.
Custom Pet Bandana Profit Breakdown
Materials:
- Blank bandana: $1
- Ink or embroidery supplies: ~$1
✅ Total material cost: ~$2
Selling Price (customized): $14 per bandana
Profit per bandana: $12
Profit margin: ~86%
Example: For just 3 dogs, that’s $36 profit from one quick project — and since pet owners love matching sets or seasonal styles, these bandanas sell fast and keep customers coming back for more!
What You’ll Need:
5. Personalized Tree Skirts(Embroidery + Sewing)
Why they sell: High-value, giftable, and often purchased as keepsakes.
Ideas:
- Offer custom embroidered family names or “The Johnson Family Christmas.”
- Add sewn appliqué or quilted patterns for a premium finish.
- Upsell with a matching stocking set.
Custom Christmas Tree Skirt Profit Breakdown
Materials:
- Fabric and materials (felt, trim, backing): ~$40
✅ Total material cost: ~$40
Selling Price (customized): $69 per tree skirt
Profit per tree skirt: $29
Profit margin: ~42%
Example: Sell just 10 custom tree skirts and that’s $290 profit — from one cozy, festive project that families love to personalize with names, dates, or holiday designs. A perfect way to turn your creativity into holiday income!
✨ Quick Tip: You can also purchase a pre-made tree skirt and simply embroider the family name, lowering your material costs and cutting your production time in half!
What You’ll Need:
Be the first to get a head start on our biggest sale of the year, Black November!
Sign up now for exclusive early access, a sneak peek at upcoming deals, and a $10 OFF coupon for any order of $100 or more when you buy in October.
Don’t wait, these offers will go fast once Black November begins. Get on the list today and shop before everyone else!
Get Early Access
6. Holiday Home Décor (Pillows, Table Runners, Towels) (DTF)
Why they sell: Home items are top sellers during December — people want to refresh their holiday look.
Ideas:
- Embroidered throw pillows with names, quotes, or festive designs.
- DTF-printed table runners with holiday phrases or dates.
- Personalize decorative kitchen towel sets.
Custom Holiday Hand Towel Profit Breakdown
Materials:
- Hand towel: ~$2
- Washaway stabilizer & thread: ~$0.50
- Embroidery design: ~$3 (one-time cost, reusable)
✅ Total material cost per towel: ~$2.50
(After the first set, your cost drops even lower since you can reuse the same design!)
Selling Price (customized): $12 per towel
Profit per towel: ~$9.50
Profit margin: ~79%
Example: Each family usually buys at least 2 towels — and if you sell just 10 pairs (20 towels), that’s $190 profit from one adorable, repeatable project!
✨ Quick Tip: You can download free holiday embroidery designs on sites like Hoopmade.com to make these even more profitable and fast to produce!
What You’ll Need:
7. Custom Mugs & Drinkware (Sublimation)
Why they sell: Small, affordable, and ideal for gifts or stocking stuffers.
Ideas:
- Offer matching mug sets.
- Create bundles with hot cocoa packets or gift boxes.
- Pair with matching apparel or tote bags for upsells.
Custom Holiday Mug Profit Breakdown
Materials:
- Blank poly-coated mug: ~$3
- Printing materials (paper, toner, ink): ~$2
✅ Total material cost per mug: ~$5
Selling Price (customized): $15 per mug
Profit per mug: $10
Profit margin: ~67%
Example: Sell just 12 mugs from one case and you’ll earn $120 profit — and every design can be made unique for each customer, making them perfect for gifts or holiday bundles.
✨ Quick Tip: Use ChatGPT to create free, personalized mug designs that go beyond just a name — you can easily generate creative, high-resolution designs ready for printing with your Luminaris White Toner Transfer & Sublimation Printer!
What You’ll Need:
8. Personalized Tote Bags & Gift Sacks (Embroidery + HTV + DTF)
Why they sell: People love reusable packaging and custom gift bags.
Ideas:
- Embroider names or holiday phrases on canvas totes.
- Offer DTF-printed designs like “North Pole Express Delivery.”
- Sell premium versions as keepsake Santa sacks for kids.
Custom Christmas Gift Sack Profit Breakdown
Materials:
- Blank Christmas sack: ~$0.60
- Printing materials (DTF or white toner transfer): ~$0 (included with your Luminaris printer)
✅ Total material cost per sack: ~$0.60
Selling Price (customized): $10 per sack
Profit per sack: ~$9.40
Profit margin: ~94%
Example: Sell just 10 personalized Christmas sacks and that’s $94 profit — from a project that’s quick, easy, and takes only minutes to make! These are perfect for kids, family gift sets, or even pet presents under the tree.
What You’ll Need:
9. Matching Pajama Sets (Embroidery + HTV + White Toner Transfer + DTF)
Why they sell: Always a top trending product for family photos and Christmas morning.
Ideas:
- HTV designs on shirts with embroidered monograms on pockets.
- Offer family sets with personalization options.
- Create pet-matching pajamas as an upsell.
Custom Christmas Gift Sack Profit Breakdown
Materials:
- Blank pajama set (top + bottoms): ~$12
Option 1: White Toner Transfer (Luminaris Printer)
✅ Total cost per set: ~$12
Selling Price: $25 per set
Profit per set: $13
Profit margin: ~52%
Example: A family of 4 brings in $52 profit from just one order — and matching PJs are one of the hottest holiday trends every year!
Option 2: Embroidered Pajama Set
Blank pajama set: ~$12
Thread & backing: ~$2
✅ Total cost per set: ~$14
Selling Price: $35 per set
Profit per set: $21
Profit margin: ~60%
Example: For a family of 4, that’s $84 profit from a single order — and customers love paying more for premium embroidered personalization.
✨ Quick Tip: Whether you use the Luminaris printer for fast transfers or embroidery for a premium look, this project is a holiday favorite that can easily become a seasonal best-seller!
What You’ll Need:
Be the first to get a head start on our biggest sale of the year, Black November!
Sign up now for exclusive early access, a sneak peek at upcoming deals, and a $10 OFF coupon for any order of $100 or more when you buy in October.
Don’t wait, these offers will go fast once Black November begins. Get on the list today and shop before everyone else!
Get Early Access
10. Holiday Patches & Ornaments (Embroidery + White Toner Transfer)
Why they sell: Low cost, quick to produce, and great impulse buys.
Ideas:
- Embroider custom ornaments with names or dates.
- Offer iron-on holiday patches people can add to jackets, bags, or stockings.
- Bundle multiple designs for higher order values.
Freestanding Lace Ornament Profit Breakdown
Materials:
- Water-soluble backing: ~$0.50
- Embroidery thread: ~$0.50
✅ Total material cost per ornament: ~$1
Selling Price (customized or pre-made): $10 per ornament
Profit per ornament: $9
Profit margin: ~90%
Example: Offer these as a collection — customers love buying sets of 3–5 for their Christmas trees, which could earn you $27–$45 profit per order. You can even offer custom name ornaments for an extra charge, perfect for families, couples, or pets!
✨ Quick Tip: You can embroider multiple ornaments in one large hoop, allowing you to complete several at once — saving time and increasing your profits for every batch you make.
Bonus Idea! Custom Wood Ornaments with the Luminaris Printer
Turn simple balsa wood circles or holiday shapes into high-profit, personalized ornaments using the Luminaris White Toner Transfer Printer.
Material cost: ~$1 or less per ornament
Selling price: $10–$15 each
Profit margin: Up to 90%
💡 Perfect for names, photos, quotes, or business logos — these make great custom gifts, corporate giveaways, or upsells alongside other holiday items.
✨ Quick Tip: Use the Luminaris printer to transfer full-color designs directly onto wood using standard printer paper. It’s fast, mess-free, and lets you create beautiful, professional-quality ornaments in minutes!
What You’ll Need:
Be the first to get a head start on our biggest sale of the year, Black November!
Sign up now for exclusive early access, a sneak peek at upcoming deals, and a $10 OFF coupon for any order of $100 or more when you buy in October.
Don’t wait, these offers will go fast once Black November begins. Get on the list today and shop before everyone else!
Get Early Access
Bonus: Custom Gift Bundles (Mix of All Methods)
Why they sell: Bundles increase perceived value and average order size.
Ideas:
- Combine a mug, embroidered stocking, and personalized shirt into one package.
- Offer “Family Night” sets (blanket, mug, shirts) with both HTV and embroidery touches.
- Use DTF for detailed graphics and embroidery for premium personalization.
Tips to Optimize Your Etsy Listings and Boost Holiday Sales
- Personalization = Profit: Adding a name or date can increase perceived value by 50–100%.
- Bundle strategically: Offer sets (like stocking + ornament + mug) to raise your AOV.
- Promote early: Shoppers start buying holiday personalized items by mid-October.
- Offer Bulk Discounts: Incentivize larger orders for families, teams, or group gifts by offering discounted pricing on multiples.
- Show Close-Up Material Images: Whether you’re embroidering or printing, highlight fabric quality, print clarity, and texture details with close-up photos to build buyer confidence.
- Display All Color Options: Include one clear image showing every fabric, thread, or print color available so customers can easily make their selection.
- Show All Font Options: Provide a single image of all available font styles — including built-in machine fonts or those in your digitizing or design software — that you know stitch or print beautifully.
- Include Size Charts and Reference Images: Add a detailed size chart and a photo of the product next to a ruler or everyday object. This helps buyers understand dimensions clearly and prevents returns.
- Display Thread or Ink Color Choices: Present a chart or image of all your available colors for embroidery thread, inks, or transfers to make customization simple and transparent.
- Create Free Product Mockups with AI: You can now make realistic mockups for free using ChatGPT’s image generator. Simply photograph your finished product, upload it here, and ask to generate an image of a similar model holding, wearing, or using it. This boosts perceived value and helps buyers visualize the product in real life.
