Small Gifts, Big Opportunities

by Stephanie S.
Ivystone Marketing Manager

The holiday season is a time for thoughtful gifting — and this year, smaller holiday gift items are more important than ever.

From stockings to “BRR baskets” (or any festive container you can imagine — bowls, mugs, even decorative boxes), these items are a perfect way to add a personal touch without stretching budgets. For independent retailers, this trend is more than just a seasonal opportunity — it’s a chance to showcase curated, unique products and highlight the personal touch that big-box stores can’t match.

Why Smaller Gifts Matter

Shoppers love small, easy-to-gift items for several reasons: they’re perfect for stockings, hostess gifts, office exchanges, and holiday baskets, and they allow consumers to purchase multiple items without a huge investment. With consumers increasingly creating themed BRR baskets — think “cozy night in,” “coffee lover,” or “pamper yourself” — the possibilities for curated collections are endless. The container can be anything: a mug, a small basket, a decorative bowl — just fill it with thoughtfully chosen goodies.

Small Gifts Big Opportunity Blog

Ivystone

Examples of Easy-to-Gift Items

Mini Candles & Votives

Always a favorite for setting cozy ambiance

Hand Lotions, Lip Balms, & Travel-Size Toiletries

Practical and pampering

Gourmet Gifts

Sweet treats that delight

Ornaments

Adds a festive touch to any space

Notebooks, Pens, & Stationery Sets

Great for those who love to write

Holiday Socks & Cozy Accessories

Warm and stylish additions to anyone’s winter wardrobe

Festive Mugs

Practical gifts with a holiday flair

FUN IDEA

Create a “Build Your Own BRR Basket” station in your store. Display these smaller gift items as options for customers to include, letting them mix and match to create their own personalized basket. This interactive setup not only encourages shoppers to explore and purchase multiple smaller items, but also makes it easy for them to build popular BRR baskets, combining convenience with a fun, hands-on holiday shopping experience.

Beatriz Ball Basket

The Market Reality

Availability at larger box retailers may be more limited this year, as companies brought in less inventory due to tariffs, trade issues, and overall supply constraints. Many companies not only reduced inventory but also raised prices by roughly 10%, passing some of the cost onto consumers. While most shoppers can manage the increase, those at the lower end of the economic spectrum may feel the pinch. As a result, offering accessible price points on smaller, giftable items is an important part of your holiday strategy—helping you capture sales from value-conscious shoppers while meeting the demand for thoughtful, affordable gifts.

 

What This Means for Independent Retailers

This presents a unique opportunity for local shops to shine. With larger retailers carrying less stock, consumers will turn to independent stores for unique and well-curated holiday gifts. And if customers are able to find what they want, they may even be willing to pay a premium — creating the perfect environment for thoughtful merchandising and storytelling.

Pairing these small gifts with holiday events — like in-store gatherings, tasting nights, or gift-wrapping workshops — can help bring your community together while driving sales. These moments foster loyalty and connection, making your store more than just a place to shop, but a holiday destination.

Blog: Holiday Event Ideas

 

Get Ahead of the Curve

If your customers are in the market for Christmas goods this year, the time to act is now. Stock up early, create creative gift bundles, and highlight your small-but-meaningful items for stockings and BRR baskets. By doing so, you can offer shoppers exactly what they want — while showcasing the personal touch that only independent retailers can provide.

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