The holidays are a time for gift-giving, and gift sets can be the ideal present for many people on your list. Gift sets allow you to give a coordinated collection of products centered around a theme, brand, or product category. With some planning and research, you can find gift sets that offer great value, suit the recipient’s tastes, and make gift-giving easy. Here’s an in-depth guide on how to shop holiday gift set like a pro.
Step 1: Make a Gift List
Start your holiday gift shopping by making a list of who you need to buy for. List out family, friends, coworkers, teachers, or anyone else you want to give a gift to. Include pertinent details like their relationship to you, age, gender, interests, and hobbies. This gives you a helpful reference point when shopping so you can zero in on gift sets tailored to each recipient.
For instance, your gift list may include:
- Mom – likes pampering gifts, floral scents, watches
- Brother – young adult, into streetwear brands and sneakers
- Coworker – male, golfer, loves craft beer
- Aunt – middle-aged, enjoys cooking and baking
- Teacher – female, has school-aged kids, into natural beauty products
Step 2: Browse Gift Set Options In Advance
Once your list is made, start researching potential gift sets for each person. Browsing options in advance allow ample time to find just the right item. So where do you look?
Department Stores
Department stores like Nordstrom, Macy’s, and Dillard’s have entire holiday gift set sections to browse online or in person.
Find gift sets based on factors like:
- Brand – Sets from popular brands like Clinique, Nike, Godiva
- Interests – Cooking, golf, craft beer sets
- Price – Luxury, mid-range, budget-friendly options
- Gender – Sets marketed toward men, women, or unisex
- Age – Kids, teens, adults
Specialty Retailers
Specialty retailers like Sephora, Yankee Candle, Harry & David, and Godiva have curated gift sets specific to their products. You can find pre-arranged beauty products, candles, food, and chocolate gift sets across a range of prices.
Online Marketplaces
Websites like Amazon, Target, and Walmart offer a wide range of gift sets from various brands at different price points. You can easily filter and compare options by brand, product type, gender, age range, and price.
Brand Websites
Check out brand websites of their favorite cosmetics, clothing, toy, or food companies. Many have online gift shops with pre-selected gift sets and bundles that feature their products.
Step 3: Factor In Likes, Dislikes, and Needs
Gift-giving is all about the recipient. Once you’ve explored possible options, narrow down your search by keeping the person’s likes, interests, and needs in mind.
Think about:
- What brands and stores do they like to shop at? Find related gift sets.
- What colors, scents, flavors, and textures do they prefer? Seek those out.
- Do they have any allergies or ingredient sensitivities? Avoid those.
- What products and items do they use regularly? Replenish those.
- What hobbies or activities are they into? Choose relevant themes.
- Do they entertain or cook for others? Pick party or kitchen sets.
- Are they really busy or overwhelmed? Pick pampering or relaxation sets.
- Do they have kids or pets? Opt for family or pet-oriented gifts.
Step 4: Comparison Shop
Retailers often sell gift sets with the same or very similar items at vastly different price points. Do some comparison shopping before pulling the trigger to score the best value.
You can compare:
- Across retailers – maybe Walmart sells a beauty gift set for $10 cheaper than Macy’s.
- Against individual items – would it be cheaper to buy the five items separately? Calculate it out.
- Bundle discounts – Cosmetics sets may value each full-size item at $25 but sell together for $50 (50% off).
Online shopping carts and apps like Honey that find coupon codes can help you score additional discounts on gift sets.
Step 5: Evaluate Quality and Value
When comparing gift sets, also evaluate the quality and value beyond just price.
Some questions to ask:
- Are the items full-size or mini/travel-size? Full size is usually a better value.
- Are the item’s latest versions or old merchandise unloaded in bundles? Seek current items.
- Are the products high-end salon brands or cheap drugstore knockoffs? Pay for quality.
- For food, is everything fresh, or are some items packaged and shelf-stable? Maximum freshness.
- Does the set have versatility for using items individually or only as a bundle? Individual use gives more value.
- Are the items ones the recipient would actually use? Useful relevance adds value.
- Could you buy higher-quality versions of each item separately? Don’t overpay for mediocre bundled goods.
Step 6: Timing and Availability
Popular gift sets tend to sell out as the holidays approach. If you have specific sets in mind, shop early while selection is best.
When shopping end of the season:
- Shop early – Many gift sets start hitting shelves as early as October. Popular ones sell out weeks before the holidays. Shop through November for the best selection.
- Be flexible – If a set you want is no longer available, look for alternatives in the same brand, theme, or price point.
- Use preorders – Some retailers let you preorder holiday gift sets in advance to ensure availability.
- Use alerts – Set up in-stock alerts on brand or retailer websites so you’re notified when a sold-out item is available again.
Step 7: Add Something Extra
Consider giving an additional small gift along with the gift set to make it feel even more special.
You can include a:
- Gift receipt – Let them easily exchange or return gift set items if needed.
- Gift card – Give them extra shopping money to buy other products from the same brand or store.
- Extra accessory – For a beauty set, include makeup brushes. For a snack set, add a cute mug.
- Personalized item – For instance, a monogrammed spa towel with a pampering set.
- Handwritten note – Express why you chose that gift and what it means to you.
Step 8: Present the Gift Set Creatively
Part of gift giving is presentation. Elevate a basic gift set with creative packaging and decorative touches.
You can:
- Use coordinating wrapping paper, ribbons, and bows that complement the gift theme. A bright print for a fun kids’ gift or sleek metallics for a luxury spa set.
- Place the set in a decorative box, fabric sack, reusable shopping tote, or basket.
- Make it feel extra indulgent by adding tissue paper, and confetti, or including it in a wrapped gift box.
- For food gift sets, arrange items in a recipe crate, mini crates, or wooden serving trays.
- Add festive holiday elements like sprigs of evergreen, pinecones, Christmas ornaments, gold ribbons, or poinsettias.
With a personalized touch, you can turn a simple pre-packaged gift set into a memorable present.
Conclusion
Holiday gift sets take the guesswork out of shopping by bundling complementary items around a theme or brand. By starting your search early, keeping the recipient in mind, comparing options thoughtfully, adding personal touches, and taking care in presentation and shipping, gift sets can be a go-to choice for all the special people in your life. The gifts inside will be sure to delight you, but the thought and effort you put into selecting the perfect ready-made set for each person makes it even more memorable.
FAQs
What are some top-selling holiday gift set themes?
Some perennially popular gift set themes include:
- Pampering – With bath, body, and beauty products
- Indulgence – Chocolate, cookies, coffee, wine, spirits
- Relaxation – Candles, lotions, oils, scented pillow mist
- Cozy Home – Throws, socks, mugs, candles
- Holiday Baking/Cooking – Baking mixes, aprons, utensils, cookbooks
- Christmas Traditions – Ornaments, decorative tins, advent calendars
- Family Memories – Photo books, customized frames, photo calendar
- Kids Activities and Crafts – LEGO sets, art supplies, science kits
When do holiday gift sets go on sale?
Retailers start marking down gift sets right after Christmas, typically starting at 25% off and increasing from there. The best discounts on holiday-themed gift sets are usually in the range of 50 to 75% off and happen in late December into early January.
Are gift sets better value than individual items?
Gift sets can offer savings compared to individually buying each item, but it depends on the specific set. Calculate the value of all the pieces sold separately to see if the bundle price offers a worthwhile discount. Also evaluate if the bundled items are ones the recipient will truly appreciate and use.
What are fun ideas for DIY holiday gift sets?
You can create custom gift sets tailored to the recipient.
Some DIY ideas include:
- Movie night set: Soft blanket, popcorn, candy, movie gift card
- Coffee lover set: Unique coffee beans or grounds, coffee mug, chocolate-covered espresso beans
- Beer lover set: Assortment of craft beer or homebrew kit with beer glass
- Sports fan set: Team t-shirt, mug, hat, keychain
- Spa set: Bath bombs, loofah, candles, face mask, spa socks
- Baking set: Mixing bowls, baking utensils, potholders, cookie cutters, sprinkles
- Arts and crafts set: Coloring books, markers, crayons, glitter glue, stickers
- Game night set: Deck of cards, dice, snacks, cocktail mixers
- Cocktail set: Cocktail shaker, mixer, olives, ornamental glasses
- Garden lovers set: Garden gloves, seeds, gardening tools, sunhat
- Golf lovers set: Monogrammed golf balls, tees, club brush, divot tool
- Work-from-home set: Lap desk, blue light glasses, coffee tumbler, planner
The options are endless! Use your creativity and really personalize DIY gift sets for the recipient. Thoughtfully curated items show you put care into selecting each piece.
What are some tips for shipping holiday gift sets?
When mailing gift sets, keep these tips in mind:
- Use sturdy shipping boxes and plenty of cushioning to prevent breakage.
- Ship early – ideally before December 10th to avoid holiday shipping delays.
- Ensure high-value gift sets in case of loss or damage.
- Remove batteries from electronics to prevent fire hazards.
- Write “Fragile” on the box.
-Pack food in airtight containers to avoid spills and include ice packs.
- Place unsealed liquids like soaps, lotions, and shampoos in sealable plastic bags.
- Weigh packages at home first to calculate needed postage.
- Retain the tracking number and shipping receipt as proof of delivery.
With some care taken during packing and shipping, gift sets can safely arrive intact ready to enjoy!