Holiday Press = More Than Gift Guides (How to Pitch Yourself)
story examples + pitch ideas inside
In the world of PR, July is synonymous with holiday pitching. Glossy print magazines begin working on their holiday issues in the summer (if not earlier).
Even if you don’t have a product line or a Q4 launch in the works, you can still have a successful holiday season by staying top of mind through press, partnerships and content. Whether you’re a founder with a product collection, a service-based business, an expert, or a content creator, there are opportunities to be part of holiday storytelling.
Yes, editors are working on gift guides, but they’re also looking for:
Tips for hosting and entertaining
Holiday style and wellness advice
Expert commentary on how to manage stress, spend intentionally, or create meaningful traditions
Recipes, decor ideas, and travel suggestions
Original content that makes the season feel thoughtful, joyful, and approachable
We’re sharing real holiday press examples and pitch angles for every type of business to help you start drafting and sending your own pitches while editors are working on holiday issues.
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Holiday News, Launches & Collaborations
Announcing something new, like a product collection, collaboration, or service, is always a strong press hook, especially during the holiday season when editors are looking for fresh angles and timely news to feature.
Holiday Gift Guides & Product Roundups
When we think of holiday press coverage, gift guides are usually the first thing that comes to mind. They’re everywhere from October through December and cover every price point and product category imaginable. If you sell a physical product, this is your time to shine.
p.s. Stay tuned for our next email: How to Pitch Gift Guides. ;)
Holiday Tips & Advice
If you are a content creator, expert, or service-based business, or even a founder of a brand, sharing your holiday-related expertise is a powerful way to land press coverage. Editors are always looking for timely tips, thoughtful advice, and expert insights that help their readers navigate the season.
Holiday Events & Activations
Holiday pop-ups, markets, and seasonal events are often featured in local and regional publications. Don’t underestimate the power of local press—it’s a great way to drive foot traffic, build buzz, and connect with your community.
Holiday Pitch Angles
With these examples in mind, start thinking about specific opportunities for your business. Below we’re sharing a list of general seasonal topics that you can pull from. You can also use these angles and themes for collaboration ideas when reaching out to influencers, other brands and content creators.
As you read through this list, the key is to identify which topics make sense for you or your business. Think about what you can tap into and expand on to create a unique story angle for a publication or piece of content that will be helpful or inspirational to your audience during the holiday season.
Gift Guides
Gift guide categories are endless. Below are just a few that are covered annually. Research last year’s gift guides for more inspiration.
Gifts under $50 / $100 / splurge-worthy gifts
Gifts for her / him
Gifts for moms, dads, kids, teachers, coworkers
Hostess gifts and stocking stuffers
Sustainable or ethical gift picks
Local or small business holiday gift guide
Gifts with a personal touch (custom, monogrammed, handmade)
Subscription boxes and experiences that keep giving
Holiday Style & Beauty
What to wear to a holiday party (office party, black tie, casual dinner)
Holiday dressing for kids and family photos
Cozy loungewear
Holiday hair/makeup how-to’s
Winter skincare tips
Entertaining & Home
How to host a stress-free Thanksgiving / Friendsgiving
Tablescape trends for fall and holiday
Holiday cocktail recipes and wine pairings
Semi-homemade holiday meals or party hacks
Hosting with kids: making it fun and manageable
Decorating your home for the holidays (without going overboard)
Creating a cozy guest room
Winterizing your home: cozy updates
Small space holiday decorating ideas
Eco-friendly or minimalist holiday decor
DIY holiday decor or wreath-making
Wellness & Self-Care
Navigating holiday stress
Winter immunity-boosting habits
Daily micro-rituals to stay grounded during the season
Gifting self-care: wellness-focused gift guide
Healthy comfort food recipes
Food & Recipes
Easy, crowd-pleasing appetizers
Non-traditional Thanksgiving menus
Festive drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
Store-bought meets homemade: mix-and-match meal ideas
Seasonal produce
Cozy one-pot meals
Holiday Travel
Tips for traveling with kids during the holidays
What to pack for holiday trips (including gifts!)
Cozy airport style or travel-ready skincare
Holiday staycation ideas
How to make a guest feel at home
Where to travel to this holiday season
Seasonal Mindset & Lifestyle
Meaningful gift-giving over materialism
End-of-year reflection prompts or journaling ideas
How to set intentions for the new year
Creative holiday traditions
Volunteering and giving back during the holidays
Budgeting for the holidays
Please note, these are general ideas for you to take and customize with your own unique POV. Here are a few ways to take these ideas and position them as a pitch or content based on your business:
Holiday Pitch Angles by Industry
For Interior Designers & Home Brands
Idea 1: “How to Style a Guest Room for the Holidays (That Feels Like a Boutique Hotel)”
Share cozy, practical tips for preparing a home for holiday guests — think extra linens, welcoming scents, storage hacks, and festive touches.
Idea 2: "Holiday Decorating Without the Cliché"
Offer styling tips that feel elevated but not overdone. Use your aesthetic to show how to layer seasonal elements without red and green overload.
For a Fashion Brand or Stylist:
Idea 1: "Your Holiday Capsule Wardrobe: From Thanksgiving to NYE"
Help readers prep their wardrobe with a few hero pieces that can be mixed, matched, and styled for every holiday occasion.
Idea 2: "What to Wear for Holiday Photos (That You’ll Actually Like Later)"
Position yourself as the expert in dressing for family photos and holiday cards. Include ideas for kids, partners, and pets too.
For a Foodie/Chef/Nutritionist:
Idea 1: "Low Lift Holiday Hosting"
Offer time-saving tips for those who want to entertain without spending all day in the kitchen.
Idea 2: "Modern Holiday Meals: Plant-Based, Gluten-Free, and Crowd-Pleasing"
Share inclusive, feel-good recipes for guests with dietary restrictions.
For a Lifestyle/Entertaining Expert:
Idea 1: "Host the Holidays Without Losing Your Mind"
Offer stress-free tips for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, and December parties—from semi-homemade menus to playlists and party games.
Idea 2: "Set the Table with Intention"
Help your audience layer meaningful elements into their holiday table: heirloom items, sustainable pieces, conversation starters, etc.
For a Content Creator:
Idea 1: "Navigating Holiday Stress with Daily Micro-Rituals"
Position yourself as a calm, grounding voice. Share a self-care toolkit for November–December that feels accessible and effective.
Idea 2: "Modern Holiday Traditions: How I’m Reimagining the Season"
Document how you are creating new holiday traditions that feel more personal, sustainable, and joyful. Show others can rethink traditions to better reflect their values, whether they’re navigating a new season of life, blending families, or simply craving more meaning.
For a Product-Based Business:
Pitch Idea 1: "The Gift that Says ‘I Get You’"
Instead of just pitching your product, position it as the perfect fit for a specific audience (moms, teachers, travelers, oenophiles, foodies, etc.)
Idea 2: "Special Finds Under $50"
Group your most giftable products into budget-friendly bundles. Editors are always looking for affordable picks with personality.
Last but not least, don’t forget your own channels.
Think of your social platforms, newsletter, and blog as your very own magazine.
Use your content calendar like an editor would:
Start talking about gift ideas and holiday planning in October/early November
Share tips on how your audience can prep early and enjoy the season
Repurpose your pitch angles as educational or entertaining content
Consider what your audience most needs or wants during the holidays and be a resource for them through inspiration and helpful guidance
For everyone still reading, we hope this inspired some holiday pitch and content ideas for your business. Want a gut check? Leave your ideas in a comment and we'll take a look!
Carla & Kathryn
p.s. stay tuned for our next Substack: How to Pitch Holiday Gift Guides