Print-on-Demand Trends for Late 2025: U.S. Holiday Season Outlook

If you’re in the print-on-demand (POD) business, the second half of the year is where things get hectic and exciting. The back half of 2025 brings fall sports, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and, of course, the holiday gift rush. The sellers who prepare now will be the ones packing orders, not scrambling at the last minute.

Below, we’ll break down the latest data, trends, and marketing ideas for U.S.-based POD sellers heading into the busiest shopping months of the year.

The Data: Why This Holiday Season Matters

• Steady Growth: The U.S. POD market continues to grow year over year, with many sellers reporting double-digit increases in Q4 sales compared to the rest of the year.
• Gift-Driven Purchases: Around 60–70% of U.S. POD sales in Q4 are gift items, meaning personalization and seasonal designs are king.
• Fast Shipping Expectations: Over 70% of U.S. shoppers expect delivery within a week when buying gifts online, so using domestic production and fulfillment centers is a huge advantage.
• Early Shoppers: More than half of U.S. consumers now start holiday shopping before November, but the most significant spike in orders still comes between Black Friday and the second week of December.

The Trends: What Shoppers Will Want in Late 2025

1. Personalization at Speed: Names, dates, and photo-based designs still dominate, but buyers expect a fast turnaround. If you can customize and ship from within the U.S., you’re already ahead of many overseas competitors.

2. Cozy & Functional Gifts: Think personalized blankets, embroidered hoodies, monogrammed mugs, and kitchen items. Functional + sentimental = a guaranteed win.

3. Holiday Home Decor: Custom ornaments, doormats, and wall art are easy wins. Buyers love decorating for the season with something unique.

4. Matching Family & Pet Items: Coordinated holiday pajamas, pet bandanas, and owner/pet matching sets are on the rise, especially for family photo shoots and Christmas morning traditions.

5. Seasonal Limited Drops: Short-run holiday designs (like a “2025 Christmas Collection”) create urgency and drive repeat buyers who want this year’s exclusive.

Marketing Ideas: How to Stand Out

Start Early, but Launch in Waves: Release a fall-themed collection in September, a core holiday line in October, and special “limited edition” drops in November. This keeps your shop fresh and gives buyers a reason to come back.

Showcase Speed & U.S. Production: Highlight phrases like “Made in the USA” and “Ships from U.S. within 3 days.” Buyers who leave gifts to the last minute will choose you over overseas sellers.

Use Gift Bundles: Bundle items (like a mug + ornament + gift wrap) for a higher average order value and an easier “ready-to-give” gift option.

Feature Real Customer Photos: Social proof sells. Show buyers how your products look in real homes, on real people, and under the tree.

Promote Shipping Cutoffs: Make your last order date clear and turn it into a marketing event. “Last Day for Christmas Delivery!” often drives a big surge in orders.

For U.S.-based POD sellers, the second half of 2025 is all about speed, personalization, and seasonal storytelling. By focusing on domestic production, you can promise faster delivery, better quality control, and a shopping experience that keeps customers coming back, not just for this holiday season, but for every one after.