Attract New Customers with Holiday Giftables

The holiday season is a prime opportunity to attract a wider audience to your quilt shop. Not everyone on your customers’ lists is a quilter, and that’s where giftables come in. By offering unique, locally-made products and ready-to-go DIY kits, you can appeal to non-quilters, increase foot traffic, and position your shop as a go-to destination for thoughtful gifts. 

Supporting local artists strengthens community connections, while beginner-friendly craft bundles give customers an easy way to make something special themselves.

Two Ways to Capture Holiday Shoppers

1. Support Local Creators

• Feature handmade or locally-sourced products that highlight the work of artists and makers in your community. These can include:
  • Handmade Accessories: Scarves, tote bags, keychains, or small sewn items
  • Home Décor: Ornaments, table runners, or seasonal wall hangings
  • Artisan Collaborations: Jewelry, ceramics, candles, or other unique items

Showcase the story behind each creator. Customers love learning who made their gift and why it’s special. Arrange these items in a visually appealing “holiday boutique” section to invite exploration.

2. Grab-and-Go DIY Gift Bundles

Offer beginner-friendly craft or sewing kits that make creating a gift fun and accessible. Examples include:

• Pre-cut fabric kits for ornaments, small pillows, or holiday décor
• Simple sewing projects like table runners, mug rugs, or stuffed animals
• Quick DIY kits beginners punch needle, cross stitch, or embroidery

Label kits clearly, include step-by-step instructions, and provide materials needed for completion. These bundles are perfect for customers who want a personal touch but may not have extensive crafting experience.

Display and Marketing Tips:

• Dedicate a prominent in-store or online section for holiday giftables
• Create themed bundles such as “Stocking Stuffers” or “Holiday Hostess Gifts”
• Highlight local artists and DIY kit stories in signage, emails, and social posts
• Offer gift-wrapping or festive packaging for an added incentive
• Promote early-bird specials or small incentives to encourage quick purchases

Engaging Non-Quilting Customers

Giftables are a gateway to introduce non-quilters to your shop. Suggest items for different recipients, provide easy-to-follow DIY kits, and encourage trying a small project as a first step into sewing or crafting. The goal is to make shopping enjoyable, easy, and memorable, turning new visitors into repeat customers.

Quick Action Checklist

• Curate a selection of holiday giftables: handmade items and locally sourced products
• Offer grab-and-go beginner-friendly DIY craft or sewing bundles
• Create a festive, inviting display in-store or online
• Highlight artist stories and DIY kit instructions
• Promote giftables through social media, email newsletters, and signage
• Offer gift-wrapping or seasonal packaging to enhance the shopping experience

Industry Insight

Gary Rurup – VP of Sales at Riley Blake Design and former shop owner

“Holiday giftables are an excellent way to attract new faces to your shop. Supporting local artists gives customers unique, meaningful products, while easy DIY gift bundles provide a creative option for beginners. 

These two strategies together let you appeal to a wider audience, build community, and create a fun holiday shopping experience. Thoughtful displays, themed bundles, and clear instructions make it easy for anyone to participate—even if they’ve never sewn or crafted before. Both approaches encourage repeat visits and give customers a reason to explore your shop beyond just fabrics and patterns.”