Holiday Prep Starts Now
- Brianna Reagan
- Aug 5
- 4 min read
Here’s the wild thing about being a product-based small business: while the rest of the world is sipping iced tea and soaking up the sunshine, we’re over here staging snowy scenes, developing festive packaging, and trying to remember all the holiday prep that has to happen right meow.
I’m currently deep in development for a new holiday product launch, and I’ve already had to shoot seasonal photos, create Christmas-themed pattern designs, and think through packaging timelines -- and it’s only August.
It messes with your brain a little, but the reality is: the holiday season starts now if you want to be ready (and not totally overwhelmed) when Q4 hits.
So, I pulled together a month-by-month guide of things to consider -- from product planning to packaging to marketing -- to help you prep for your most wonderful (and busiest) time of the year.
JULY–AUGUST: Dream, Plan, Design
You’re not behind if you’re just starting. But now is the time to get clear on what you’re launching, how you’ll package it, and what needs to happen behind the scenes.
Review last year’s sales, feedback, and inventory.
Decide what’s coming back, what’s getting a refresh, and what new products or bundles you’re adding.
Finalize new product ideas or limited-edition holiday items.
Begin designing holiday packaging (especially if you’re doing seasonal branding).
Start writing product copy and begin drafting graphics for social, email, and web.
Book or schedule time for branding and product photography -- whether DIY or hiring out.
Begin sourcing packaging supplies, shipping materials, and display props.
✨ Pro Tip: Think backward from your desired launch date. If you want product in-hand by mid-November, you may need to order packaging by early September, especially if you need proofs or prototypes, and custom or speciality printing.
SEPTEMBER: Order Everything + Start Creating
Finalize and place orders for packaging, shipping materials, and any seasonal print collateral.
Order extra dry goods (labels, bags, tissue, ribbon, hang tags, backing boards, etc).
Print signage for in-person events or craft markets.
Start production on handmade goods or prep for fulfillment.
Begin creating content for marketing: reels, stories, graphics, emails, web banners, etc.
Schedule your photo shoot of final product mockups.
OCTOBER: Promote, Promote, Promote
Launch pre-orders or early access to your list or VIP customers.
Send your first round of holiday emails and update your website for the season. Consider creating a specific landing page for your new item.
Start teasing on social media and build anticipation.
Pitch to holiday gift guides or submit to press if applicable.
Schedule social posts, blog content, and paid ad campaigns.
Finalize booth setup or display signage for in-person events.
Prep holiday packaging assembly, like box building, tissue stuffing, ribbon tying.
✨ Pro Tip: Consider offering early-bird bundles or shipping incentives to encourage early shopping.
NOVEMBER: Launch + Fulfill
By now, your holiday products should be ready to ship, display, or sell in-person. This is the time to shift into customer service mode and fulfillment rhythm.
Officially launch your holiday collection.
Fulfill early orders quickly and efficiently.
Monitor inventory and reorder supplies as needed.
Share gift guides, restock alerts, and holiday shipping deadlines.
Continue email marketing and social media engagement.
Add in-person event dates and reminders to your online channels.
✨ Pro Tip: Prepare templated responses to FAQs about shipping, restocks, and gift wrapping—it saves time when inboxes start filling up.
DECEMBER: Last Push + Gratitude
Offer local pickup or last-minute bundles to maximize late sales.
Post gift card options and digital download ideas for the last-minute shopper.
Celebrate your wins and share behind-the-scenes gratitude with your audience.
Begin drafting your post-holiday inventory check and restocking plan.
Take notes on what worked and what you’d tweak for next year.
✨ Pro Tip: Stock up on dry goods in bulk before year’s end. You’ll lower your taxable income, take advantage of quantity discounts, and head into the new year already prepped.
Ready to get a jump on your holiday prep?
Grab the free printable checklist and start mapping out your season now -- month by month, task by task. Whether you're launching a new product or just want to stay ahead of the chaos, this guide will keep you grounded (and sane) through all the fa-la-f*cking-la.
👉 Download the Holiday Prep Checklist:
Wrapping It All Up
Yes, it feels weird to be thinking about snowflakes when it’s still summer. But trust me, starting early is the best gift you can give your future self. From product development and packaging to content creation and customer experience, the holidays are a marathon, not a sprint. Lay the groundwork now so you can actually enjoy the season while staying present and profitable.
And don’t forget: rest is part of the plan. It’s easy to ride the momentum straight from holiday hustle into the new year without stopping to breathe, but your creativity and well-being deserve a reset. I personally chose to close up my online shop the first week of December and take the rest of the month off. I encourage you to block out time after the rush to decompress -- even it it's just a few quiet days in the studio, a slow morning with tea and a good book, or straight-up doing nothing for a bit. You’ve poured your energy into making the season magical for others; give yourself permission to recover before diving headfirst into Q1.
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