Business ideasMaking
Start a personalised gift business.
People want gifts that feel chosen, not grabbed. You make each one with a name, a date or a face on it. Your team builds the shop and brings the orders.
- Where
- From home
- Sells
- Online, across the country
- Busiest
- November and December, and Mother’s Day
- You do
- Make and post each gift
- Your team
- Shop, photos, posts, email, orders
Why it works
Shoppers are buying fewer gifts and choosing ones that mean more. On Etsy, more than a quarter of November and December sales include a personal touch, and searches for personalised gifts for friends have grown many times over this season.
What you need to start
- A way to make: a cutter, engraver, printer or just a steady hand
- Blanks: mugs, prints, wood, ornaments or cards
- Clear examples to show buyers
- A simple order form for names and dates
- Gift wrap and boxes
- A proofing step before you make
Always send a proof of the name or photo before you make it. Mistakes can’t be resold.
Who does what
You
- Choose what you personalise
- Make each order
- Pack and post
- Decide in your Review
Your team
- Name, logo and labels
- The website and shop
- Photos and posts
- Emails and orders
A sample launch plan
- Day 1You send one line about your personalised gifts.
- Week 1You pick a name and a look from three.
- Week 2The shop opens with your first three gifts and an order form.
- Week 4Your first Review: what sold, and what to try next.
Things to watch
Spelling mistakes.Ask buyers to confirm every proof before you make anything.
The December rush.Set a last order date for Christmas and say it everywhere.
Your one line could be
Change it to your own words. That is all your team needs to begin.