The Holidays: A Promo-Friendly Field Guide
It feels like every aisle has a season—hearts in February, shamrocks in March, pumpkins in October, twinkle lights everywhere by December. Use this guide as a quick reference for each holiday, including its history, updated statistics, and promotional plays that help distributors pitch smarter and faster. Celebrate!
Valentine’s Day has some seriously murky origins. Some trace it back to Lupercalia, a Roman festival all about fertility and springtime. Later, the church swapped it for a feast day honoring a Christian martyr named Valentine. By the 1500s, folks were swapping love notes, and by the 1800s, the first printed Valentine’s cards hit the U.S.—cue the candy, roses, and heart-shaped everything. Valentines 27.5B Valentine’s industry impact 189 Avg. person spends $ $ Source: National Retail Federation, 2025 Valentine’s Day Spending.
Love is in the air Client Ideas Key Industries Hospitality, Retail, Spas, Wellness, Florists, Candy Makers, Jewelry Stores Date-Night Kits Branded Chocolate Gifts Galentine’s Bags Gift Wrapping Sour Pucker Up Gummy Lips Item # BB432BG SugarSpot SAGE # 52284 Belgian Chocolate Bar Item # BMNL-HRM Midnite Snax | SAGE # 56349 Plush Big Paw Bear Item # 1200 Hit Promotional Products SAGE # 56780 20 Oz. Himalayan Tumbler Item # 5153 Hit Promotional Products SAGE # 56780 12 Piece Gift Box of Chocolates Item # TR8-K NC Custom SAGE # 52303
Mardi Gras Mardi Gras is one big pre-Lent party with roots in ancient Roman feasts, like Saturnalia. French explorers brought the celebration to Louisiana in 1699, and New Orleans has been owning it ever since. Think parades, masks, beads, and the famous ‘throws.’ Purple, green, and gold rule the day—standing for justice, faith, and power. 891M in local economic activity 28M fiscal benefit $ $ Laissez les bons temps rouler Client Ideas Parade Throws King Cake Partner Boxes Float Sponsor Kits Themed Drinkware Key Industries Food & Beverage, Bakeries, Tourism, Corporate, Entertainment & Events
Medallion Bead Necklace Item # MEDSCB WOWLine SAGE # 52510 Plastic Costume Masks Item # AWCR15291 Awesome Sourcing Inc SAGE # 51709 16 Oz. Stadium Cup Item # SC16 Garyline SAGE # 51291 Multi Color LED Light Up Foam Cheer Glow Stick Item # PX68231113 Hi Logo Promos Inc SAGE # 51452 Source: University of New Orleans, 2023 Economic Impact Study.
St. Patrick’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrates Ireland’s patron saint, who was kidnapped as a teen, escaped, then came back to spread Christianity— supposedly using a shamrock to explain the Trinity. Irish immigrants brought the party to the U.S. in the 1700s, and it quickly turned into a sea of green parades, music, and pints. 61 of U.S Consumers celebrate % Key Industries Local Businesses, Bars, Event Venues & Party Planners Day 7.2B Total U.S Consumers spend $ 44 Avg. person spends $ Source: National Retail Federation
Client Ideas Parade Throws Irish Themed Apparel Event Sponsor Signage Shamrock Sunglasses Item # 01341TL Nolwenn LLC SAGE # 50933 16 Oz. Light-Up Drink Stein Item # LIT889LZ Brighter Promotions SAGE # 50681 St Patrick’s Day Crew Neck Unisex T-Shirt Item # PX68240119 Hi Logo Promos Inc SAGE # 51452 kiss me i’m irish St Patrick’s Day Hat Item # HAT040B Brighter Promotions SAGE # 50681
Easter Easter is one of the biggest Christian holidays, marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ—but many of its traditions date back to spring folklore. Eggs symbolized new life forever, and the Easter Bunny hopped over from German tales in the 1700s. In 1878, the White House egg roll became a U.S. staple. 23.6B Total Spent 189 Avg. Spending $ $ Key Industries Retailers, Churches, Bakeries, Venues Hunt-Day Kits Brunch Sets Client Ideas Garden Grow Boxes Source: National Retail Federation, 2025 Easter Spending. He is Risen
Easter Bunny Ear Basket Item # GGLLSX0072 Great Lake Images Inc SAGE # 52368 “I AM” - Sayings of Jesus Christian Calendar Item # MG26 Blue Mound Graphics, Inc. SAGE # 64482 Spring Candy Chocolate Foil Eggs Item # CPBM-3 Midnite Snax SAGE # 56349 Easter Eggs Painting Kit Item # SBY361 Lifeel Inc SAGE # 53099 Bunny Plush with Basket of Toys Item # DXBAXTER Royal Crest Promotions SAGE # 50070
Passover, or Pesach, tells the story of the Israelites’ escape from slavery in Egypt. At the center is the Seder meal, where symbolic foods—like matzah for unleavened bread and bitter herbs for hardship—bring the story to life around the table. Passover 100-250 Avg. household spends $ Sources: Jewish community orgs, 2024. Key Industries Synagogues, Kosher Caterers, Jewish Community Centers, Retailers Chag Pesach Sameach
h h Client Ideas Seder Essentials Pantry Totes Eco Wraps Kippot Jewish Yarmulkas Cap Item # S101 Great Idea Promotion SAGE # 52693 Prayer Shawl Item # TWS0598WD TSRI Trading Corp SAGE # 69704 Foldable Canvas Slingbag with Snap Closure Item # QSB60 Superior Promotional Bags SAGE # 67080 Placemat Table Mat Item # ASJL032 AKM Promos Inc SAGE # 53133
Fourth of The Fourth of July marks the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. A year later, Philadelphia celebrated with fireworks, parades, and thirteen cannon blasts—one for each colony. Today it’s fireworks, cookouts, and red-white-and-blue everything. 86 plan to celebrate the holiday % Event Planners, Outdoor Brands, Restaurants, Community Organizations July Sources: NRF Independence Day Report, 2025. Key Industries 29 of those plan to purchase additional patriotic items %
Client Ideas Sponsor Tents Picnic Packs Glow-and-Go Kits BBQ Tool Sets Patriotic Captain Folding Chair Item # SYUS-FLAG Golden Lion International Co SAGE # 66090 Patriotic Sunglasses Item # JK-9955 Jornik Manufacturing SAGE # 50219 let freedom ring RTIC® Insulated Ultra-Light Hard Cooler Ice Chest Item # RTICB52 imprintID | SAGE 69609 Koozie® britePix® Can Cooler Item # 46215 Koozie Group SAGE # 57550
Halloween Halloween started as Samhain, a Celtic harvest festival when the veil between worlds was said to be thinnest. The church later reshaped it into All Hallows’ Eve, and by the 20th century, it had evolved into a celebration marked by costumes, pumpkin carving, and trick-or-treating. Now it’s a full spooky season. 72 celebrate the holiday Key Industries Retailers, Bars, Schools, Fitness, Neighborhood Associations Source: National Retail Federation, 2024 Halloween Consumer Survey. 12B Total spent $ 104 Avg. person spends $ Safe-Night Kits Party Boxes Client Ideas Merch Capsules % trick-or-treat
Luminous Halloween Tote Bag Item # HL325807 Hi Logo Promos Inc SAGE # 51452 Pumpkin Wand with Spinning Lights Item # 11722-5 ALightPromos SAGE # 67465 Ghost Emoji Squeezies® Stress Reliever Item # 26667 Alpi International Ltd SAGE # 50313 Chocolate Covered Halloween Treat Gift Box Item # CCGD-HWN Midnite Snax SAGE # 56349 t
Día de los Muertos blends Aztec rituals honoring the Lady of the Dead with Catholic All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days. Families create ofrendas with marigolds, candles, and food, while parades and art celebrate skeletons and sugar skulls. Día de los 67M Hispanic population in the US 32 Hispanics believe that all brands and companies should celebrate the Dia de los Muertos % Source: Collage Group and United States Census Bureau. Muertos
La Noche de Duelo Client Ideas Key Industries Restaurants, Bars, Boutiques, Museums, Retailers Ofrenda Kits Café Capsules Parade Packs Ceramic Day Of The Dead Mugs Item # *70 Custom Ceramix LLC SAGE # 52361 Day of the Dead Squeezies® Stress Reliever Ball Item # 26655 Alpi International Ltd SAGE # 50313 Papel Picado Banner Item # HL62250310 Hi Logo Promos Inc SAGE # 51452 Day of the Dead Mexico Flower Wreath Item # HPDD02 Teemway Gifts SAGE # 52781 Silicone Skull Ice Lattice Mold Item # SMMEL328 Mamba Promotional Gifts Inc SAGE # 53064
Diwali Diwali comes from the Sanskrit dipavali, meaning ‘row of lights.’ It’s all about light conquering darkness, celebrated with diyas (oil lamps), colorful rangoli art, fireworks, and plenty of sweets. 56 of Indian consumers plan to increase their spend % Key Industries Retail, Banks, Hotels, Fast-Moving Consumer Goods Companies Diya/LED Sets Rangoli Kits Client Ideas Luxury Hampers Sources: PwC India Festive Spending Report, 2024. Oil Diffusers
Shubh Diwali Serene Reed Diffuser Item # WE02RD Mixie SAGE # 63952 Scented Candle Set 4 Pack Item # GBLY107 Great Lake Images Inc SAGE # 52368 Artisan Truffles Item # AT09-1 Midnite Snax SAGE # 56349 My Diwali- Lights of Virtue Item # *68 The Promotional Gift Store SAGE # 52125
Thanksgiving Thanksgiving has roots in harvest festivals. In the U.S., the story of the 1621 Plymouth feast became a national symbol, although it wasn’t officially recognized until President Lincoln proclaimed it in 1863. Today, it’s turkey, pie, football, and parades. 80M people will travel during the holiday Grocery, Restaurants, Hospitality, Nonprofits Source: AAA and National Retail Federation Key Industries 197M people will shop on Thanksgiving weekend Client Ideas Brunch & Pie Kits Leftovers Totes Donation Drives
thankful Pumpkin Spice Candle with Wood Lid Item # CND11D Unique Custom Products SAGE # 50478 Heat ‘N Eat Microwaveable Container Item # WKA-HE24 Ariel Premium Supply Inc SAGE # 60462 Non Woven Apron Item # 1492 Evans Manufacturing SAGE # 50018 11” x 17” x 3/4” Walnut Cutting Board Item # C1056 Calico Promotional Products SAGE # 69170 Heat Resistant Cooking Gloves Item # LPG156 Loyal Promos Inc SAGE # 52554
Hanukkah Hanukkah celebrates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after the Maccabean revolt. The miracle? A small amount of oil lasted eight nights instead of one, inspiring the tradition of lighting the menorah. 7.5M American Jewish population in the US 96 celebrators plan to make a holiday-related purchase % Key Industries Synagogues, Kosher Markets, Retailers, Jewish Community Centers Light-The-Night Kits Latke Boxes Client Ideas Gelt & Games Sources: Numerator, Jewish Federations & JCC event planning guides, 2024 and Pew Research Center
Hanukkah Sameach Reed & Barton Roseland Collection Menorah Item # 872552 CPI Design Group SAGE # 67811 Jewish Traditions Spiral Bound Calendar Item # J27 Blue Mound Graphics, Inc. SAGE # 64482 Happy Hanukkah Soy Candle Item # HANUKKAHCAN Groline SAGE # 66887 Hanukkah Chocolate Coin Item # 325002 Chocolate Chocolate SAGE # 50687 Dreidel Milk Chocolate Item # 7342 Winfield’s Chocolate Bar SAGE # 52883
Christmas Christmas marks the birth of Jesus Christ, but also weaves in solstice traditions and the story of St. Nicholas. Over time, trees, stockings, and carols joined the mix, making it both a sacred and cultural tradition. 994B in sales for Christmas Key Industries Retail, Restaurants, Nonprofits, Hotels, Churches Sources: NRF Holiday Survey 2024; PwC Holiday Outlook 2025. Ornament Workshops Holiday Table Bundles Client Ideas Family Games $ joy to the world
Customizable Hardwood Ornaments Item # OW06A Unique Custom Products SAGE # 50478 Peppermint Delight Cookies Item # 600PMC-K NC Custom SAGE # 52303 Soft Knitted Woven Scarf W/ Tassel Item # SCF002 imprintID SAGE # 69609 Custom Ugly Sweaters Item # C10001-CY10001 Ugly Christmas Sweater SAGE # 51397 d
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