Discover 10 proven holiday email campaign strategies we've successfully implemented with major brands like Carved, Bliss Skincare, and Waterdrop. From shipping deadline notifications to interactive gamification, these tactics drive urgent action and boost last-minute sales. Learn how to create compelling bundles, leverage digital gift cards, and build authentic community engagement to maximize your holiday revenue. Perfect for marketers looking to cut through seasonal noise and convert shoppers right up until the final hours.
• Shipping deadlines for FOMO
• Interactive spin-to-win campaigns
• Product quizzes for personalization
• Strategic bundle offers
• Digital gift cards for procrastinators
Read on for proven results with leading brands examples showcasing these approaches that drive engagement and sales during the crucial holiday season.
We’ve had the pleasure of creating high-performing holiday email campaigns for incredible brands like Carved, Bliss Skincare, Waterdrop, Duradry, Wild Deodorant, and more.
These campaigns have helped them cut through the seasonal noise, drive urgency, and convert shoppers right up until the last minute.
Now, we’re sharing 10 creative email campaign ideas that you can implement to maximize your holiday sales. Let’s dive in.
1. Shipping Deadline Notifications
Create urgency with clear reminders about shipping cutoffs to guarantee holiday delivery. Highlight the countdown in bold visuals or subject lines like, “Order by [Date] to Get It in Time for the Holidays!”
This taps into FOMO and motivates shoppers to act immediately, ensuring their gifts arrive on time.
- Apparel Brand: “Last chance to grab cozy holiday styles—order by Friday!”
- Home Decor Brand: “Order by Saturday for festive decor in time for Christmas!”
Electronics Brand: “Don’t miss out—holiday delivery ends soon for your gadgets.” - Pet Supplies Brand: “Make your furry friend’s holiday special—order by Thursday!”
2. Gamified Interactive Emails
Make shopping fun with gamified emails like spin-to-win wheels or scratch-to-reveal discounts. These interactive elements boost engagement and make your brand memorable. They’re an exciting way to capture attention and push hesitant shoppers to the checkout.
- Beauty Brand: “Spin the wheel for exclusive holiday glam deals!”
- Outdoor Gear Brand: “Scratch to reveal discounts on adventure essentials!”
- Electronics Brand: “Play to win accessories for your favorite gadgets!”
- Gourmet Snacks Brand: “Unwrap your holiday discount with a click!”
3. Quiz, Poll & Voting Emails
Help indecisive shoppers find the perfect gift with a quiz or poll. Use questions like, “What’s Their Holiday Style?” to guide customers to tailored recommendations. Not only does this drive engagement, but it also leads buyers directly to products they’re likely to purchase.
- Jewelry Brand: “What’s their sparkle style? Find the perfect piece.”
- Toys Brand: “What type of play sparks their imagination? Take the quiz.”
- Health & Wellness Brand: “Which wellness gift fits them best? Answer 3 questions.”
- Coffee Brand: “What’s their coffee personality? Find their brew.”
4. Holiday Product Bundle Pairing
Curate irresistible gift bundles to simplify the decision-making process. Highlight the savings and convenience of buying pre-paired products. This strategy boosts AOV and appeals to last-minute shoppers looking for thoughtful, ready-to-go gifts.
- Skincare Brand: “Glow-up bundles for every skin type.”
- Fitness Brand: “Holiday fitness kits to keep goals on track.”
- Tech Brand: “Smart home bundles at festive prices.”
- Gourmet Food Brand: “Holiday hampers filled with indulgence.”
5. Giveaways and Sweepstakes
Add excitement to your holiday campaigns with a chance to win exclusive prizes. Use emails to promote festive giveaways that require minimal effort to enter. This not only engages your audience but also creates a sense of urgency to act before the deadline.
- Luxury Brand: “Win an exclusive designer handbag—enter now!”
- Kids Toys Brand: “Enter to win a bundle of the season’s hottest toys!”
- Tech Brand: “Win our bestselling gadget before it sells out.”
- Gourmet Drinks Brand: “Enter to win a festive wine and cheese pairing set.”
6. Online Gift Cards
For the ultimate procrastinators, digital gift cards are a lifesaver. Highlight their instant delivery and flexibility in your emails, with subject lines like, “The Perfect Gift, Right on Time!” It’s a no-hassle option that guarantees satisfaction for both the giver and the recipient.
- Apparel Brand: “Fashion-forward gift cards delivered instantly.”
- Kids Brand: “Let them choose with our playful gift cards.”
- Tech Brand: “Tech gift cards—the perfect last-minute solution.”
- Coffee Brand: “Instant gift cards for coffee lovers.”
7. Send Postcards to Your VIPs
Delight your VIP customers with personalized holiday postcards featuring exclusive offers or heartfelt messages. This extra touch makes them feel valued and encourages loyalty. Include a time-sensitive incentive to drive last-minute purchases.
- Beauty Brand: “A glowing holiday offer, just for you.”
- Home Goods Brand: “Thank you for making your home beautiful with us—enjoy this exclusive offer.”
- Electronics Brand: “Thank you for your loyalty—a special deal awaits.”
- Pet Supplies Brand: “For our favorite pet parents—a holiday treat just for you.”
8. Product Relaunches to Clear Stock
Reintroduce popular items as limited-time holiday exclusives to create buzz. Highlight phrases like “Back by Popular Demand” or “Holiday Special Edition” to emphasize scarcity. This tactic helps clear inventory while driving a sense of urgency.
- Skincare Brand: “Fan-favorite moisturizers are back for the holidays!”
- Kids Brand: “Classic toys, reimagined for the season—limited availability.”
- Tech Brand: “Your favorite gadgets, relaunched for the season.”
- Gourmet Snacks Brand: “Limited-edition holiday treats are here again!”
9. Free Gift Incentives
Everyone loves a little extra during the holidays. Offer a free gift with purchases over a certain amount to encourage higher cart values. Use enticing subject lines like, “Yours Free: [Gift] With Every $50 Purchase!” to seal the deal.
- Beauty Brand: “Free deluxe samples with orders over $100.”
- Fitness Brand: “Get a free resistance band with every holiday kit.”
- Tech Brand: “Free wireless charger with every device purchase.”
- Gourmet Food Brand: “Holiday cookie tin free with orders over $50.”
10. Showcase Your Community
Bring authenticity to your holiday campaigns by featuring real customers using your products. Incorporate testimonials, user-generated photos, or stories into your emails. This builds trust and creates an emotional connection with your audience, inspiring them to make last-minute purchases.
- Beauty Brand: “See how our customers are glowing this holiday season.”
- Outdoor Gear Brand: “Real stories from adventurers using our gear.”
- Tech Brand: “Check out how our gadgets are lighting up the holidays.”
- Pet Supplies Brand: “Happy moments from our furry friends—shared by you.”
Wrapping It Up
The key to successful last-minute holiday sales is combining urgency, value, and creativity in your email campaigns. Each of these ideas taps into the unique needs of holiday shoppers, making it easier to convert them into loyal customers.
Ready to supercharge your holiday email strategy? Implement one (or all!) of these campaigns to make the most of the season’s final rush and close out the year with record-breaking sales.
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