How To Plan Your School Holiday Shop Timeline

By on February 13, 2025   /   Holiday Fundraising  
virtual holiday shoppe

Planning Your School's Holiday Shop Timeline

Like any large, school-wide event, a school holiday shop takes planning and time to be successful. While school holiday shop companies like Kids’ Kastle make it easy to dive in with packages and product samples, the more time you give yourself, the better your school holiday shop can be.

Putting together a school holiday shop takes time, teamwork, and a little bit of magic. But don’t worry—it’s totally doable, and the results are worth it!

With our holiday shop timeline guide, get a complete breakdown of when to start planning, what tasks need completed, how to ask volunteers, where to host your holiday school shop, and how to market this holiday shop event.

With the right plan in place, your holiday shop will be a fantastic event full of smiles, surprises, and holiday cheer. Let’s dive in and make it happen, see the best timeline for planning a school holiday shop and what items to check off your to-do list each week.

secret santa gift shop

3-4 Months Before The School Holiday Shop

The best events don’t just happen overnight—they take a little planning! That’s why, even though the holidays may seem far away, the start of the school year is the perfect time to begin preparing for your school’s holiday shop.

Getting these big pieces in place now will make the rest of your holiday shop planning a breeze. Stay ahead of the game, and your school will be ready for a magical and successful event!

  1. First things first: find a holiday shop provider. Companies like Kid’s Kastle make it super easy to host your own school holiday shop by offering no-count inventory (which means you only pay for what you sell). They also provide a wide selection of gifts that students will love and aren’t just clutter clogging up the house. Plus, the price is right, at most gifts under $10!
  2. At the start of the school year, you also want to decide where your holiday shop will be set up. Will it be in the library? The gym? A classroom? Picking the perfect location now helps avoid last-minute scrambling. You can appropriately order any tables, banners, or any other accommodations and ensure the space is available for use.
  3. It’s never too early to start recruiting volunteers. A holiday shop is way more fun (and much easier) with a great team! Parents, teachers, and even older students can help with setting up, running registers, and assisting shoppers. By promoting the need for volunteers ahead of time, parents are more able to free their schedule and be involved.
Decorative gourmet display at a fundraiser event

4-5 Weeks Before the School Holiday Shop

The holiday shop is getting closer and you want to finalize some of the larger details to ensure a smooth experience. Now is the time to start bringing all the pieces together so your event is a big success with as little stress the day of as possible.

Now is the time to get the location set, volunteers lined up, and start promoting the buzz around school.

Step 1: Confirm Your Location & Time – Double-check where your holiday shop will be set up. Will it be in the gym, library, cafeteria, or a classroom? Decide if the shop will be open during school hours, after school, or both! Having this all set now helps everyone plan ahead and you can reserve the space so no other events overlap.

Step 2: Round Up Volunteers – It’s time to reach out to parents, teachers, and even older students to help run the shop. You’ll need people to set up, assist shoppers, handle checkout, and clean up. Send reminders so everyone knows their role! Now is when to gather confirmations from everyone you talked to at the start of the school year.

Step 3: Start Promoting! – Now’s the perfect time to build excitement! With all the details in place, you can begin promotion. Many holiday shop providers, like Kid’s Kastle, provide posters, banners, and flyers to help spread the word. Hang them in hallways, classrooms, and near the front office so every student knows when and where to shop! Make sure to send them home with students so parents are prepared.

elementary school holiday gift shop

2-3 Weeks Before the School Holiday Shop

Your holiday shop is just around the corner, and things are getting exciting! Now it’s time to focus on logistics—making sure everything is set up so the event runs smoothly and every student gets a chance to shop.

With a solid plan in place, the holiday shop will be a magical experience for students, parents, and staff. The countdown is on!

To-Do:

Plan Classroom Visits – Work with teachers to create a schedule for when each class will visit the shop. This helps avoid crowding and gives students plenty of time to pick out the perfect gifts. Decide if students will visit during class time, recess, or another designated period.

Set Up the Shop Layout – Think about how gifts will be displayed. Will there be sections for different price ranges? A checkout station? A gift-wrapping area? Arranging the shop in an organized and easy-to-navigate way will make shopping fun and stress-free for students.

Spread the Word – It’s time for the final round of promotions! Send take-home flyers with students so parents know about the event. Post reminders in school social media groups to get families excited. Make announcements during morning messages or assemblies to build up the hype!

virtual holiday fundraisers

1 Week Before the School Holiday Shop

The holiday shop is almost here—just one more week to go! Now’s the time to double-check everything so the event runs smoothly and everyone is ready to shop. Get ready for a week full of holiday cheer, happy shoppers, and an unforgettable event!

Remember!

Finalize the Classroom Visit Schedule – Make sure every class has a set time to visit the shop. Share the final schedule with teachers so they know when to bring their students. If parents are allowed to shop too, confirm after-school hours so families can plan ahead.

Confirm Volunteer Assignments – Check your volunteer list and make sure each person knows their role. Some helpers will be at the checkout station, others will assist students at the school holiday shop, and some may be in charge of restocking gifts or wrapping presents. Send out reminder emails or texts to keep everyone on track!

Daily Reminder Events — Morning announcements are a fun reminder each day to build anticipation. Social Media Posts can share countdown posts, sneak peeks of gifts, or reminders about pricing. And include emails to families with details on when and where to shop. 

virtual holiday shoppe

Let Kid's Kastle Help Your Next School Holiday Shop Be a Success

With the right planning, a great team of volunteers, and plenty of excitement, your school’s holiday shop is sure to be a huge success! By following this timeline, you’ll create a fun and stress-free shopping experience where students can find the perfect gifts for their loved ones.

To make your holiday shop even easier, choosing the right provider is key! Kid’s Kastle offers everything you need for a smooth and successful event: no count inventory, wide variety of gifts, the right price point, and promotional materials.

By partnering with Kid’s Kastle, you’ll have all the tools and resources to make your holiday shop the best one yet. Now, let’s bring on the holiday cheer and make this event unforgettable!

Back to Top

9 Easy Ways to Promote Your School Holiday Shop

By on November 15, 2024   /   Holiday Fundraising, School Fundraising Tips  
elementary school holiday gift shop

9 Easy Ways to Promote Your School Holiday Shop

At Kids’ Kastle, we know how exciting (and a little overwhelming) planning school holiday shops can be! Whether you’re a seasoned PTA member or new to organizing school fundraisers, promoting your holiday shop is key to its success.

Don’t worry— promoting your school holiday shop can be simple, effective, and achievable for every school. Dive in to 9 ways to promote your school holiday fundraiser that will make it the talk of the school!

elementary school holiday gift shop

1. Spread the Word About Your School Holiday Shop Early

The earlier you promote your school holiday shop, the better! Start sharing details 4–6 weeks before the event, if not sooner. Send home flyers in backpacks, include announcements in your school’s newsletters, and post updates on the school’s website.

Early communication ensures parents and students can mark their calendars and get excited about shopping for gifts! Get the hype going on social media and with posters on the windows so no one can miss it when they come to visit or pick up their child.

2. Leverage Social Media for the Best School Holiday Shop Promo

Social media is one of the easiest ways to promote your school holiday shop in 2025. Use platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X to share posts, countdowns, and sneak peeks of the items students can buy.

You can also create a Facebook event for your holiday shop to keep everyone in the loop. Encourage parents to share posts with friends and family to spread the word even further. Make your posts sharable, have easy to read graphics, and don’t be afraid to tag people who are interested.

Bonus: partner with local businesses so they will cross-promote your school holiday shop fundraiser on their feeds.

3. Send Reminders Regularly with School Holiday Shop Details

Life gets busy, and sometimes parents need a little nudge. About a week before the holiday shop, send a friendly reminder email or text blast. Mention the dates, times, and location of the shop, and include a brief list of the items available. Make this a weekly reminder during the final month countdown – we all know how easy the holidays can distract us!

Tip: Attach a budget envelope or shopping checklist for students to bring to the event. Parents will appreciate the extra help in planning.

kids holiday shop

4. Promote Your Holiday Shop with Eye-Catching Posters

Bright, colorful posters are a great way to capture attention in hallways, classrooms, and common areas. Include the shop’s name, your theme for the year, dates, times, and a brief description, like: “Find the perfect gifts for family and friends at affordable prices!”

You can even make this a fun project by involving students in designing the posters. The more involved students and the PTA are, the more word of mouth your holiday shop will get. Plus, local businesses may be willing to pitch in supplies or help promote the shop.

5. Host a Kickoff Event to Get the Holiday Shop Started

Why not start your school holiday shop with a little fanfare? Host a kickoff event or assembly to build excitement. You could show off some of the gift items, explain how the shop works, and highlight how this school fundraiser supports the school.

A kickoff event is a fantastic way to answer questions and get everyone looking forward to the big day. Plus, it gives everyone a chance to ask their questions and prepare so there are fewer hiccups or confusion the day of – win-win!

6. Holiday Shops Should be Reminded During Morning Announcements

Morning announcements are perfect for quick reminders about your school holiday shop. In the days leading up to the event, share fun facts about the shop, highlight popular gift ideas, or give a shoutout to volunteers helping to make it happen. Mix it up so students and faculty don’t just tone it out, but find new reasons to get excited.

For example:
“Good morning! Don’t forget, the Kids’ Kastle Holiday Shop opens this Friday! Come pick out amazing gifts for your family and friends! Our theme is ‘winter wonderland’ so dress your winter best while you shop!”

school santa shop gift

7. School Holiday Shops Should Be Festive

Set the scene by decorating the holiday shop area in your theme of the year. Festive decorations like string lights, garlands, and holiday music can make the shopping experience feel extra special for students.

Parents and volunteers can also dress up in holiday attire to add to the festive atmosphere. When students have fun, they’ll want to spread the word to their friends. Pick a theme to easily get attention and one that is friendly for every winter holiday celebration.

8. Engage Volunteers - They Are the Magic Behind the School Holiday Shop

Your school holiday shop will shine with the help of parent and teacher volunteers. Ask for their support early, and encourage them to help promote the event. Volunteers can talk it up during parent-teacher meetings, sports events, or even while chatting in the carpool line.

More buzz means more shoppers, and more shoppers mean a more successful school fundraising promotion! Ask your volunteers what they need and make it easy for them to get involved.

9. Partner with Local Businesses As an Added Bonus to School Holiday Fundraiser

Team up with nearby businesses to promote your school holiday shop. Ask local coffee shops or stores to hang up posters or include your event in their community bulletins. Some businesses may even donate small items or services to support your school fundraiser. It’s a win-win situation that benefits everyone in the community!

Need more ideas? Check out how to promote your school holiday shop entirely online: How to Promote Your Virtual School Fundraiser

virtual school fundraising

Make Your Holiday School Fundraiser a Success

Promoting your school holiday shop doesn’t have to be complicated. With these nine tips, you’ll create excitement, boost attendance, and maximize your fundraiser’s potential. At Kids’ Kastle, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Together, let’s make this year’s holiday shop one to remember!

Promoting your school holiday shop may seem like a big task, but with these easy steps, success is within reach. Kids’ Kastle is cheering you on—happy planning!

FAQs About Promoting Your School Holiday Shop

How far in advance should we start promoting our school holiday shop?
We recommend starting 4–6 weeks before the event. This gives everyone plenty of time to plan and get excited.

How can I get parents more involved in promoting the event?
Involve parents by asking them to volunteer, share social media posts, or spread the word at school events. Sending emails and providing flyers can also encourage participation.

What if our school doesn’t have a large budget for promotions?
No problem! Many promotion strategies, like social media posts, morning announcements, and DIY posters, are completely free. Focus on creativity and enthusiasm to make a big impact.

How can I make our shop stand out from others?
Make your shop festive and fun! Decorations, music, and friendly volunteers create an inviting atmosphere. Highlight unique or popular gifts in your promotions.

What if parents ask about the quality of the gifts?
Reassure them that Kids’ Kastle carefully selects affordable, high-quality items that kids and parents will love. Share sneak peeks of the products to build excitement.

Can we promote the shop during other school events?
Absolutely! Mention your holiday shop during PTA meetings, parent nights, and school assemblies to reach a wider audience.

What should I include in social media posts?
Share the shop’s dates, times, and highlights. Include photos of the gift items or past events. Be friendly and engaging—let your enthusiasm shine!

How can we make students excited about the shop?
Host a kickoff event, show sneak peeks of the items, and let students decorate the posters. When students are excited, they’ll encourage their parents to participate.

What’s the most important thing to remember when promoting a holiday shop?
Keep it simple and fun! Enthusiasm is contagious, and a well-promoted holiday shop can be a highlight of the school year.

Back to Top

Top Trends for School Holiday Shops in 2024

By on October 14, 2024   /   Holiday Fundraising  
secret santa gift shop

Top Trends for School Holiday Shops in 2024

Are you excited for this year’s school holiday shop? We are too! School holiday shops are one of the most fun ways to help schools raise money while giving students a chance to buy gifts for their families.

In 2024, we’re seeing some cool trends that are making holiday shoppes even more exciting and successful for schools with all grade levels. If you’re helping to organize your school holiday shop this year, these trends could help get the kids and families even more excited.

Want more info? Request free info from Kids Kastle for school holiday shoppes near you!

Close-up of beautifully decorated gourmet cupcakes

What is a Holiday Shoppe Fundraiser?

A holiday shoppe fundraiser is an event where elementary schools set up a shop for a few days where students can come and buy small gifts for their family and friends. The cool part? Most of the gifts are affordable and perfect for young shoppers, with prices as low as $0.50 to $10!

The school benefits by keeping a portion of the sales, which goes toward fun things like field trips or new school supplies. It’s a win-win! 

Kids Kastle offers easy school holiday shops for elementary schools that cuts back on worrying about planning, inventory, and ordering, so all you need to focus on is the latest trends to help promote your school fundraiser.

School Holiday Shop Trends for 2024

Personalized Gifts

In 2024, the kids holiday shoppes are buzzing with personalized gifts. Kids love picking out gifts that feel special, and nothing says “special” more than a customized item. From keychains with their mom’s name on it to water bottles with their sibling’s initials, these personalized items are flying off the shelves. Plus, it’s a thoughtful touch that makes the giver feel proud.

Eco-Friendly Merchandise

Our planet is important, and more and more schools are taking that into consideration when planning their elementary school holiday shop. In 2024, eco-friendly merchandise is a big hit at school holiday shops. Think reusable bags, bamboo keychains, or even plant kits! 

These gifts not only make the earth happy but also show students how they can help the environment while giving awesome presents. Plus, schools and parents can even teach students a bit about going green while shopping.

More Budget-Friendly Options

One of the key trends this year in school holiday shop fundraisers is making sure everyone can join in on the fun. In the past, some kids might have felt left out if they didn’t have enough money to buy gifts. But in 2024, school holiday shops are making a point to offer even more affordable gifts without sacrificing quality.

Items like friendship bracelets, fun stickers, and cute bookmarks are some examples of gifts that cost under a dollar. These small but meaningful items let every student participate and feel like a superstar when they pick out presents for their family.

KK Brochure cover 2023

Fun Gift Wrapping Stations

Wrapping a gift is just as fun as buying it, right? Schools are starting to embrace the magic of gift-wrapping with special stations set up inside the school holiday shop. Students can choose from colorful wrapping paper, ribbons, and stickers to decorate their gifts.

Some schools are even making this into a separate fundraising opportunity, charging a tiny fee for the wrapping station. The wrapping area becomes an exciting final stop where students feel like real holiday helpers as they package up their treasures!

Teacher and Volunteer Involvement

A holiday shop isn’t just for students—it’s a community effort! More teachers and parent volunteers are jumping in to help with the holiday shoppe fundraiser. Schools are realizing that having familiar faces guide students through the shopping process makes everything smoother.

Teachers might create fun wish lists or even offer recommendations based on what they know about their students’ families. Plus, volunteers can help at the gift-wrapping stations or guide the younger kids so they feel more confident in their gift choices. This teamwork makes the whole experience even more memorable for the kids.

Online Shopping for Parents

For 2024, many schools are introducing a modern twist: an online holiday shop for parents. While kids can still enjoy shopping at school, parents can now also order some of the same school holiday shop merchandise online. This is great for parents who want to sneak in some extra holiday shopping while supporting their school fundraiser!

Plus, it’s super convenient, especially if schools are trying to reach families who can’t make it in person. This online option means more money raised for the school while making sure everyone can join in on the holiday spirit.

Shop Themes that Spark Creativity

Imagine walking into your school’s holiday shop and feeling like you’ve stepped into a magical world! Many schools are using themed decorations to bring their holiday shops to life. Whether it’s a “Winter Wonderland” theme with snowflakes and sparkly trees or a “Santa’s Workshop” theme with elves and toy-making tools, themed shops are a big hit with the kids.

Themes make shopping extra fun, and they also encourage students to dive deeper into the holiday spirit. Plus, who wouldn’t want to shop in a winter wonderland?

Winter wonderland

Exclusive School Spirit Merchandise

Another growing trend for school holiday shop fundraisers is the inclusion of school spirit items in holiday shops. Students love showing off their school pride, and what better way than with items that feature their school’s name or mascot? From water bottles to beanies and scarves, these items are a great way to mix school pride with holiday cheer.

These exclusive items also give students a chance to buy gifts for themselves, while still contributing to the fundraiser. And of course, every time they wear or use these items, they’ll be reminded of their school and the fun holiday shop experience.

Inclusive Holiday Merchandise

Schools today celebrate many different holidays, and the 2024 trend is making sure everyone feels included. Instead of just focusing on Christmas items, holiday shoppes are featuring gifts for Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and even non-religious options. This inclusive approach makes sure that every student can find something that feels right for their family. By offering a wide range of gift options, schools can celebrate diversity and help teach kids about different cultures while still raising money.

Interactive Shopping Experience

Finally, holiday shops are becoming more interactive in 2024. Schools are incorporating games, holiday music, and even scavenger hunts to make the shopping experience more engaging. Kids don’t just shop—they get to explore, play, and have fun while picking out gifts for their families.

This interactive approach makes the holiday shop feel like more than just a fundraiser. It’s an event kids look forward to, where they can make memories with their friends and feel proud of the gifts they buy.

Dates to Remember for 2025 School Fundraising Year-Round

Change Up Your School Holiday Shop This Year with Fun New Trends

School holiday shops are full of exciting new trends that make fundraising easier and more fun than ever before. From personalized gifts and eco-friendly merchandise to fun gift-wrapping stations and online shopping for parents, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a student, a teacher, or a parent volunteer, these trends will help make your school holiday shop a huge success!

So, if you’re ready to set up your own holiday shoppe fundraiser, remember—it’s all about making the experience enjoyable for the kids while supporting your school. Get in touch with Kids Kastle today to see how we can help your bring school holiday shop to life.

Holiday shoppe USA

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a holiday shoppe fundraiser?
A holiday shoppe fundraiser is a temporary store set up at schools where students can buy affordable gifts for family and friends. The school earns a portion of the sales to help with things like school supplies, events, and trips. It’s a fun way for kids to learn about giving and for the school to raise money at the same time!

How much do the items at the holiday shop cost?
Items at a holiday shop are budget-friendly, with prices typically ranging from $0.50 to $10. There’s always something for everyone, no matter the budget, which helps all students feel included in the shopping experience.

What kinds of gifts are sold at the holiday shop?
The holiday shop offers a wide variety of gifts, including items like jewelry, toys, mugs, stationery, and even personalized gifts. Some shops feature eco-friendly products, school spirit merchandise, and holiday-themed gifts for Christmas, Hanukkah, and other celebrations.

Can parents get involved in the holiday shop?
Yes! Parents can help in many ways, from volunteering to set up and run the shop, to assisting kids with gift selection. Many schools also offer online shopping options so parents can purchase gifts too, even if they can’t come to the in-person event.

Do schools offer gift-wrapping services?
Many school holiday shops now feature gift-wrapping stations where students can wrap their presents after buying them. This is often a small additional fundraiser, and it’s a fun way for kids to feel extra special about the gifts they’re giving!

How can we make our holiday shop successful?
To make your holiday shop successful, focus on offering a variety of affordable and thoughtful gifts. Make the experience interactive with decorations, games, or gift-wrapping stations. Involve teachers, parents, and volunteers to create a smooth and exciting event. Most importantly, keep it fun and inclusive for all students! Contact us for more info and browse our catalog.

Back to Top