In December, a large share of orders are gifts. Gift buyers have specific needs: delivery on time, nice presentation, a message for the recipient and easy exchanges. Stores that answer these needs sell more and get better reviews.
1. Gift options at checkout
Offer gift wrapping and a gift message. It reassures buyers who ship directly to the recipient. See how to offer gift wrapping in WooCommerce.
2. A gift guide
Organise products by recipient and budget, see how to create a gift guide.
3. Clear shipping deadlines
Show the last order date for delivery before Christmas, see Christmas shipping deadlines, and an estimated delivery date on product pages.
4. Gift receipts and prices
When an order is a gift, remove prices from the parcel. Mention it in the gift wrap description so buyers know.
5. Easy exchanges
Extend the return period for December purchases (for example until mid-January) and say so clearly. Recipients may need another size, see how to reduce returns.
6. Last-minute options
Gift cards and local pickup keep sales going after the shipping deadline, see last-minute Christmas sales.
7. Packing capacity
Prepare boxes, wrapping paper, cards and extra help for the busiest weeks. Gift orders take longer to prepare.
Checklist
- Gift wrap and gift message enabled.
- Gift guide published.
- Shipping deadlines in an announcement bar.
- Extended returns announced.
- Gift cards available.
- Packing materials ready.
Gift wrap and message: Giftly, see the demo.
Frequently asked questions
When should I enable gift options?
From mid-November, before Black Friday, and keep them all year if they are used.
Should I extend my return period for Christmas?
Many stores do, so recipients can exchange gifts in January.
How do I handle gifts shipped directly to the recipient?
Remove prices from the parcel and include the gift message on a card.