Ideas, information and industry news for collegiate retailers

It’s not always easy to select the perfect gift. This year, your store can help make holiday shopping easy by putting together a collection of online gift kits that customers can order and have shipped to the person of their choice.

The idea is to create themes around some of the items you have in-stock and sell them as a bundle. This easy gift idea could be a great way to connect with students, alumni and parents who are looking for a unique gift idea. By packaging together items under a centralized theme, you can create new sales opportunities and provide customers with a unique retail experience.

5 ideas for themed gift sets

Holiday Cheer

What puts you in the holiday spirit? Is it a pretty ornament, fresh baked cookies, hot chocolate or a cozy pajama set? This year put together a fun gift set filled with holiday cheer. Look at your existing store inventory and select items that would work in a holiday themed kit. Add a couple larger items like sleep pants, a sweatshirt, or a blanket. Next, select some smaller gift items like an ornament, seasonal treats and sweets, or anything else fun and on theme.

Game Night

Sometimes the best gifts are an experience, such as a game night with friends or family. There are a couple ways you could set up a gift set under this theme. You could go with a more traditional board game or card game. Include some snack items and maybe even a mystery prize for the winning team. Another way to create a game night kit would be to base it around playing video games. If your store sells gaming controllers or anything else in the eSports line of products, you could pair it with some fun gaming snacks like chips, caffeinated beverages and candy.

Super Fan

When putting together a super fan gift kit, consider the different types of fans who may be shopping with you. Perhaps, one kit might be geared toward student fans and one might be more appropriate for the alumni, community or parents. You could include items like t-shirts, sweatshirts, bumper stickers, window decals, home goods, flags, yard signs, etc. Anything a super fan of your school might want to show others their allegiance all year long.

Tailgate Traveler

This kit will be designed for the specific tailgating fan. Probably an alum or parent with season tickets or regularly tailgates for events. Good items to include are coolers, tents, grill items, tailgating games, lawn chairs, stadium seats, hats, gloves, etc.

Once you have your items assembled, consider how the kit will be presented both online and when it is received. Put together a sample kit to photograph for your online store and make sure to list each item the recipient will receive. Also, consider whether you can offer shoppers any customization options.

Next, think about how you will market these kits. Send targeted emails to your various customer types, post on social, and maybe work with other departments like the athletics department, so they can include the kits in their fan and alumni correspondence.

Gift kits can be a permanent offering from your store with options like a Welcome package, Get Well Soon, Happy Birthday, etc.