Holiday Gift Ideas: Custom Apparel, Tumblers, Bags & More from Excel
The holiday list has a way of growing: employees, customers, volunteers, students, members, business partners—and the people who helped make your year happen. A thoughtful custom gift can say “thank you” long after the decorations come down.
Excel Sportswear offers more than T-shirts and hoodies. We can help you explore custom jackets, tumblers, tote bags, keychains, and other promotional products, too. The right choice starts with how the recipient will use it.
2026 Holiday Promotion: Free Shipping
A little holiday cheer for the 2026 season: receive FREE SHIPPING on qualifying orders placed October 22 through November 9, 2026, across our entire product line. This limited-time offer applies to the 2026 holiday season only.
Holiday calendars fill up quickly. Custom orders need time for artwork approval, production, and shipping, so getting started early gives us more room to work through the details. Christmas delivery is not guaranteed.
2026 promotion terms: Free shipping applies to qualifying orders placed October 22 through November 9, 2026. Product minimums apply and will be confirmed with your quote. A quote request does not constitute a placed order. Production and shipping schedules vary based on artwork approval and order details. Christmas delivery is not guaranteed.
1. Custom hoodies: wrap up a warm thank-you
Hoodies are worth considering for employee appreciation, school spirit, clubs, community groups, and customers who enjoy showing their connection to your organization. A familiar logo can keep the look simple; original artwork can make the gift feel especially personal.
Choose from options such as pullovers, full-zip hoodies, and heavier styles. Screen printing can showcase a larger design, while embroidery offers a stitched look. Tell us how the hoodie will be worn and collect the sizes you need; we can help narrow the options for your project.
2. Custom jackets: take appreciation outdoors
A branded jacket can be a thoughtful choice for employees, customer-facing staff, business partners, or members who spend time on the go. Workwear and softshell styles give you different starting points depending on the setting.
Before choosing, think about the weather, how much layering people will want, and where the logo should appear. Chest, sleeve, and back placement options depend on the garment and decoration method. We’ll help confirm what works on the jacket you select.
3. Custom T-shirts: everyday staples, made yours
T-shirts are a flexible option for appreciation gifts, upcoming events, school groups, and everyday staff apparel. They can feature a small chest design, a larger front or back illustration, or a combination that suits your project.
Start with how and where people will wear them. Soft ringspun and performance fabric options serve different preferences and uses. Excel can help you compare choices and plan the artwork, from one-color printing to a full-color design.
4. Custom tumblers: put your brand in their daily routine
For customers, employees, and business partners, a tumbler offers a gift people can use at a desk, in the shop, or on the move. It’s also a useful option when you don’t want to collect apparel sizes.
Laser engraving and full-color printing create different looks, and wraparound artwork is available on suitable products. Ask us about the size, style, and decoration options for the tumbler you have in mind. Availability and minimums depend on the product.
5. Custom tote bags and other bags: carry the thank-you further
Tote bags, sling bags, and drawstring bags give you options for events, volunteer appreciation, member gifts, and everyday use. A bag can be the gift itself or part of a gift bundle you assemble.
Consider what people will carry, how they’ll use it, and the look you want. Screen printing or embroidery may be available depending on the bag. We can help match the style and artwork to your project.
6. Custom keychains: small item, big personality
Keychains can add a personal touch to customer thank-yous, event giveaways, and apparel orders. Custom shapes, colors, and artwork give you room to feature a business, school, club, or community identity in a compact format.
Ask us about the shape, attachment, and artwork options available for your idea. The finished size and product type affect how much detail will show clearly, so we’ll help you choose an approach that fits.
How do you choose the right custom gift?
Start with the recipient, rather than the product list. For employees, think about what fits their workday and interests. For customers and business partners, consider something useful that reflects your relationship. For volunteers, members, students, or community groups, a shared design can celebrate what brings everyone together.
If collecting sizes will be difficult, tumblers, bags, or keychains may be easier to organize. If apparel is the right fit, gather sizes early and consider how people will layer or wear the item. Share your quantity and budget with us before settling on a style.
You can also explore a combination, such as a hoodie and tumbler or a T-shirt and keychain. Each product has its own minimums and decoration considerations; ask us to quote the combination rather than assuming items can be mixed to meet one minimum.
What affects the price and minimum order?
The selected product, quantity, decoration method, artwork requirements, and print or embroidery locations all affect the quote. There isn’t one minimum that applies to every item in this guide. We’ll confirm product minimums, decoration options, and shipping costs with your quote.
Have an idea? Great. Need an idea? We can help.
You don’t need a finished design to begin. Tell us who the gifts are for, which products interest you, your approximate quantity, your budget, and your desired date. If you’re unsure about the product, choose “Not sure” on the holiday request form. We’ll help you work through the options.
For custom apparel, Excel’s artists create original, hand-illustrated artwork and work with you on the design. You can also use the Excel Concept Generator to explore an idea before speaking with us. It helps with brainstorming; our artists still develop and prepare the final apparel artwork.
Don’t leave your holiday thank-yous on Santa’s to-do list
Ready to get started? Request your holiday quote now, or call Excel Sportswear at (800) 784-8857. Let’s choose something that fits the people on your list—and get the details moving while there’s time.
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