Christmas is the busiest season for most small online stores. These nine features answer what gift buyers need: on-time delivery, gift options, ideas and reassurance. See also the Christmas gift orders checklist.
1. Gift wrap and gift message
Buyers who ship directly to the recipient need it. Giftly.
2. Estimated delivery date
“Order today, delivered Thursday” matters more than ever before the 24th. Shipdate, and Christmas shipping deadlines.
3. Announcement bar
Show the last order date for delivery before Christmas on every page. Topbar.
4. Wishlist with share links
Families share wishlists before the holidays. Wishly.
5. Frequently bought together
Gift sets and matching items raise the order value. Pairly.
6. Sale countdown
Real deadlines for Black Friday and last-minute offers. Dealclock.
7. Free shipping bar
Gift buyers often add one more item to reach free shipping. Shipbar.
8. Back in stock alerts
Best-sellers sell out in December; capture emails instead of losing the sale. Restockly.
9. Email popup
Holiday visitors who do not buy today can come back for the January sales. Popsy.
Prepare early
Set everything up by mid-November, before Black Friday traffic, and test checkout on a phone. Read last-minute Christmas sales for after the shipping deadline.
Frequently asked questions
When should I prepare my store for Christmas?
By mid-November, before Black Friday traffic arrives.
Which feature matters most for gift buyers?
Clear delivery dates, then gift options.
Do I need all nine?
No. Start with delivery dates, gift wrap and an announcement bar.