Every holiday season, distributors face the same crunch: orders pour in through September and October, deadlines hit hard in November, and by December many clients are out of options. But in 2025, things are changing. With new consumer expectations, evolving promotional product trends, and on-demand fulfillment technology, distributors can extend their selling season into what MOQ1 calls “The 13th Month.”
That means capturing last-minute December orders, impressing clients who thought they missed the window, and driving extra revenue when competitors are saying no.
The State of the Industry in 2025
The promotional products industry continues to grow steadily, surpassing $26 billion in sales last year with forecasts pointing even higher in 2025. At the same time, the print-on-demand (POD) market is experiencing explosive growth, expected to expand at more than 20% annually over the next decade.
The takeaway is clear: while traditional bulk orders remain important, flexible, fast-turn solutions are now a must for distributors who want to stay competitive.
2025 Holiday Promo Trends to Watch
1. Sustainability First
Corporate buyers increasingly want eco-friendly products that align with responsible brand values. From apparel made with recycled materials to reusable drinkware, sustainable options are expected to remain top of mind this holiday season.
2. Personalization at Scale
Custom gifts feel more thoughtful, and clients know it. On-demand decoration methods now make it possible to add names, teams, or departments to apparel and accessories without bulk commitments.
3. Apparel, Bags, and Drinkware Still Lead
These core categories continue to dominate orders because they’re practical, gift-friendly, and easy to brand. Seasonal kits that combine them, like a cozy hoodie + tumbler gift set, create a higher perceived value.
4. Holiday Kits and Bundles
Themed gift sets are trending as companies look to create experiences rather than one-off items. A curated Holiday Shop allows employees to choose from multiple options, making gifting more engaging.
5. Wellness-Driven Gifts
Items that support well-being, like journals, hydration products, or comfort apparel, are on the rise. Clients want to show they care about recipients’ health and lifestyle.
6. The “13th Month” Advantage
Historically, distributors have been forced to shut down holiday sales by late November. But with on-demand fulfillment and fast turnaround times with MOQ1, December becomes a new opportunity. “The 13th Month” means you can capture incremental sales from last-minute orders other suppliers can’t fulfill.
How MOQ1 Fits In
MOQ1 shines in the areas that matter most this holiday season:
- Speed: Average fulfillment in 1–2 business days, even during peak season
- No Inventory Risk: Products are printed on demand, so distributors can say yes without requiring bulk commitments
- Curated Holiday Shops: Launch a fully branded shop in under a minute, stocked with 10,000+ SKUs and seasonal gift bundles
- Personalization Options: Quickly apply new holiday designs or branded refreshes to existing shops without rebuilding products
- Extended Selling Season: Keep accepting orders through December, The 13th Month, instead of turning clients away
What “The 13th Month” Means for Distributors
- More Revenue: Capture late-season sales that competitors miss
- Happy Clients: Solve the “we missed the deadline” problem and earn loyalty
- Competitive Edge: While others stop, you keep selling
- Stress Relief: No late-night kitting or frantic rush orders – MOQ1 handles (rapid) production
Holiday 2025 isn’t just about hitting deadlines, it’s about creating opportunities. By leaning into sustainable products, personalization, and curated holiday experiences, distributors can stay on trend. And by embracing “The 13th Month” you can transform December into your most profitable time of year.
Ready to unlock your 13th Month of holiday sales? Create your online stores today!
