The leaves may only be starting to change, but every apparel decorator knows it’s the signal to start planning for the holidays. Prepare your gift offerings early so you have time to create samples and gift guides that keep your business top of mind when customers start their shopping.

And don’t forget the power of personalization! Custom pieces carry a higher perceived value and offer a smart way to boost seasonal revenue.

For heat printers, this is the perfect opportunity to move beyond standard apparel and craft memorable, giftable items. Keep reading to learn how to download a 2025 Holiday Lookbook, packed with fresh inspiration and practical ideas to expand your product lineup, delight customers, and maximize holiday profits.

Why Think Outside the Box?

Many decorators focus primarily on apparel, overlooking high-margin gift items that shoppers are eager to purchase. Personalized home goods and small accessories, such as oven mitts, jewelry boxes, and ribbons, offer the chance to command premium pricing while standing out in a crowded market.

In the following sections, we’ll provide practical tips, step-by-step guidance, and expert insight to help you create these unique holiday gifts.

Gift Idea No. 1: Custom Oven Mitts

A custom oven mitt makes a thoughtful gift for bakers, hosts, and foodies alike. Start with a blank cotton mitt and place your transfer on the side that won’t be exposed to hot pans — typically the outer panel or an area closer to the wrist. This helps protect the design from heat damage.

For this project, we used CAD-CUT Soft Flock HTV to create a soft, velvety holiday texture, but plastisol or direct-to-film (DTF) transfers are also great options.

Step-by-Step How-To

  1. Place the oven mitt on the lower platen of your heat press.
  2. Pre-press briefly to remove any moisture and smooth the fabric.
  3. Position your design in a heat-safe location.
  4. Press at the manufacturer’s recommended temperature and time.
  5. Peel carefully and admire your finished mitt.
Peel the transfer carefully. All tutorial/heat printing images courtesy STAHLS'
Oven mitts make great personalized gifts.

Gift Idea No. 2: Custom Jewelry Boxes

Custom jewelry boxes make elegant holiday gifts and cherished keepsakes. Choose boxes with a smooth, flat surface for printing and consider the material. Faux leather, fabric, wood, or other porous finishes usually work well, but always test your heat transfer on the material before committing to a large run.

For this example, we used DTF transfers, which apply at a low temperature, to avoid damaging the box. You can also experiment with glitter HTV or other specialty effects for extra sparkle. Because jewelry boxes aren’t laundered, wash durability isn’t a concern.

Step-by-Step How-To

  1. Choose your design: think monograms, holiday motifs, or special dates.
  2. Secure the transfer to the box using heat-resistant tape.
  3. Cover with a protective sheet and press using a handheld heat press or carefully press the surface against the upper platen of your heat press. (Watch those fingers!)
  4. Gently remove the carrier sheet and tape to reveal your creation.
Secure the transfer to the box .
Cover with a protective sheet.
Carefully press the surface against the upper platen of your heat press.
Gently remove the carrier sheet.
A jewelry box laying on top of ribbon on a gold and white plate
The finished, customized product.

Gift Idea No. 3: Custom Gift Wrap and Ribbons

Don’t stop at gifts — elevate the gift wrap, too! Use your heat press to create custom gift bags and ribbons that make holiday packages, party favors, or corporate gifts feel extra special. It’s a simple way to add a personal touch and an easy add-on to holiday orders.

When decorating ribbons, choose polyester and avoid delicate or balloon-style ribbons that can melt. Wired or gauze ribbons work well, but place a protective cover sheet underneath to catch any adhesive that seeps through.

For our sample, we used CAD-CUT Glitter Flake HTV for a festive sparkle.

Step-by-Step How-To

  1. Cut the ribbon to your desired length.
  2. Lay it across the lower platen of the heat press.
  3. Position your transfer at the end (or wherever you want your design).
  4. Cover with a protective sheet and press according to the manufacturer’s settings.
  5. Peel the carrier sheet as recommended. (CAD-CUT Glitter Flake is a cold peel, so let the ribbon cool completely before removing.)
  6. If you notice light scorching, press the entire ribbon once more to blend and even out the finish.

 

 

 

When decorating ribbons, choose polyester and avoid delicate or balloon-style ribbons that can melt.
Lay it across the lower platen of the heat press.
Peel the carrier sheet as recommended.
Don't forget to personalize the gift wrap, too.

Marketing and Selling Your Holiday Gift Line

Before the holiday season kicks off, create some sample holiday gifts you can print and share them on social media to spark interest. Offer early-bird discounts or pre-orders to gauge market demand before purchasing blank materials. Look for local opportunities such as holiday craft fairs, pop-ups, or collaborations with businesses like bakeries or flower shops. By offering small but unique items, you can attract repeat customers and build buzz.

Download the STAHLS' 2025 Holiday Lookbook

Consider creating a holiday gift guide to help shoppers who aren’t sure what to buy. Custom gifts provide something truly special, and they’re a great way to bring in extra revenue before the new year.

These oven mitts, jewelry boxes, and ribbons are just the beginning of what you can create with your heat press. For even more inspiration, download the 2025 Holiday Lookbook, packed with custom gift ideas and practical decorating tips to help you wow customers and boost seasonal sales.