Promo Harbour Team ·
Every year the same thing happens: a great Christmas merchandise idea lands in the second week of December and the only question left is whether it can physically be made in time. Here is the timeline that avoids that.
October: decide the idea
Pick one hero item and one filler. Popular UK choices:
- Gift tags - cheap, seasonal and useful for any retailer wrapping orders
- Bamboo coasters or slate coasters - laser engraved, they feel like a present rather than a promo
- Playing cards - the one giveaway that gets used on Boxing Day
- Ceramic mugs - the office favourite
Early November: artwork and proofs
Get artwork finished and proofed while there is still slack in the schedule. Supply a PDF or high-resolution PNG and use the free file check so any resolution or bleed issues surface now, not on the 12th of December.
Remember that seasonal reds vary between screens and print - a physical proof is worth the extra day.
Mid November: place the order
This is the sweet spot. Standard turnaround still applies, courier networks are not yet at peak load, and you are not paying for speed.
Early December: the last safe window
From here on, express and urgent turnaround become the only realistic routes, and courier delays outside anyone control get more likely as the network fills.
If you have already left it late
Tell us the date you need items in hand rather than the date you want to order. We print in the UK, so we can often work backwards to something achievable - ask for a bespoke quote with your deadline in the first line.
Browsing for ideas? Start with the full product range.