Holiday Gift Ordering Starts Now
Quick answer: Custom gifts run about 7 to 10 business days after proof approval — and that clock doesn't start until your order, artwork, and approved proof are all in. Add art prep, sizing collection, and December shipping, and the math is simple: order in October or early November and the holidays are stress-free. Embroidery and DTF gifts start at just 12 pieces; personalized wall art takes no minimum at all.
Every December, the same two customers walk through our door in Carrollton. One ordered embroidered quarter-zips for her crew back in October and is picking them up with a coffee in hand. The other needs 30 custom hoodies by Friday and is discovering what "production calendar" means the hard way. This post exists so you can be the first one.
Why do custom gifts need lead time?
Because they're made, not pulled off a shelf. Every custom order walks through the same steps: artwork gets prepped (or digitized, for embroidery), you approve a proof, your garments get ordered in everyone's sizes, and then production runs — about 7 to 10 business days after proof approval. None of that is slow; it's just real. The trap is that December compresses everything: blank inventory tightens, shipping slows, and everybody else's rush order is in line with yours.
When should you actually order?
| You Order… | Your December Looks Like… |
|---|---|
| October | Full garment selection, relaxed proof rounds, gifts done early |
| Early November | Still comfortable — the sweet spot for most orders |
| Late November | Doable, but size changes and reorders get tight |
| December | Call us first — some things are still possible, many aren't |
What makes a great custom gift?
- Embroidered quarter-zips and jackets ($35–$75 finished) — the premium team gift that actually gets worn all winter. Make sure the logo embroiders well first.
- Custom caps and beanies ($14–$22) — one size fits all, no roster of shirt sizes to chase. Full pricing in our custom hats cost guide.
- Embroidered polos ($30–$50) — the client-gift classic.
- Personalized wall art — no minimum. Canvas from $12.99, posters from $17.99, art prints from $5 — including that AI art you've been making in ChatGPT. One-of-one gifts nobody can duplicate.
- Custom 5×7 holiday cards from $1.16 each — upload your design (family photo, AI artwork, your own layout) and we print the stack.
Apparel minimums are friendlier than most people think: embroidery, DTG, and DTF start at 12 pieces — small enough for a tight-knit team or one big family — and screen printing at 25. Price any garment instantly with the Add Decoration tool on our apparel collection.
How do you make the order go smoothly?
- Lock your art first. Logo, monogram list, or design — art in hand is the #1 schedule-saver. (New logo? We digitize it once and reuse it forever.)
- Collect sizes before you order. The roster that "will be done tomorrow" is the most common two-week delay in the business.
- Approve the proof fast. Production starts at approval, not at order. Same-day approvals keep your spot in the queue.
- Order the extras now. One or two spare pieces beats a 12-piece minimum reorder in December.
Frequently asked questions
How long do custom holiday gifts take?
About 7 to 10 business days after proof approval, plus time for artwork prep, size collection, and shipping. Ordering in October or early November leaves comfortable margin for December delivery.
What's the minimum order for custom gift apparel?
12 pieces for embroidery, DTG, and DTF; 25 for screen printing. Personalized wall art, prints, and cards have no minimum at all.
What's the last date to order for Christmas?
It depends on the product and the December calendar, so the honest answer is: contact us with your date and we'll tell you straight whether it's comfortable, tight, or not possible. Earlier is always cheaper stress.
Can I mix garments in one gift order?
Yes — polos, quarter-zips, caps, and beanies with the same logo count toward one embroidery run, so you can match the gift to the person instead of buying 30 identical pieces.
Do personalized one-off gifts work for the holidays?
Yes. Canvas, posters, and art prints are made from your uploaded file with no minimum — including AI-generated portraits and artwork — and they're among the fastest items we produce.
Can you print our family photo or AI art as holiday cards?
Yes. Upload your design to our 5×7 card product from $1.16 each, and we proof it before printing so names and dates are right.
Beat the December scramble. Tell us who's on your gift list and we'll spec it, proof it, and have it wrapped-and-ready early — browse custom apparel or, if your design's already made, upload your art and order in minutes. Three-time Times-Georgian Readers' Choice winner for Best Print Shop (2024, 2025, and 2026) — get in touch and let's make you the relaxed one this year.