A lot of people starting out in print-on-demand ask the same thing:
“What do I even make designs for?”
And honestly? That question matters a lot. Because if you design for the right occasion — when people are already shopping — you’re way more likely to make a sale.
The best part? You don’t need to guess what works. I’ve seen what sells over and over again, and I’m here to make it simple.
So today I’m sharing the 12 BEST U.S. occasions for print-on-demand — plus what to sell for each one.
Occasion #1: Mother’s Day
Because Moms Are Everyone’s First Best Friend
When: 2nd Sunday in May
Why it works: Moms are sentimental. People love giving meaningful or funny gifts.
Top sellers:
- Mugs: “Dear Mom, Thanks for Everything. I Love You More Than Coffee.”
- Totes: “Mom Life: Powered by Love & Coffee”
- Shirts: “ I’m not like a regular mom. I’m a cool mom”
Design Tip: Go simple. Go heartfelt. Or go funny. Just make sure it feels personal.
Occasion #2: Father’s Day
Funny + Functional = Dad Approved
When: 3rd Sunday in June
Why it works: People want to make Dad laugh — or cry in a good way.
Top sellers:
- Mugs: “If Dad Can’t Fix It, No One Can”
- T-shirts: “Grill Master Since Forever”
- Beer steins: “Beer Whisperer”
Design Tip: Dads love practical gifts, humor, and hobbies (grilling, sports, tools).
Occasion #3: Valentine’s Day
Romantic, Funny, or Quirky — It All Sells
When: February 14
Why it works: It’s not just for couples — friends, pets, and even coworkers get gifts.
Top sellers:
- Totes: “You’re My Favorite Human”
- Matching pillows: “She’s My Weirdo” + “He’s My Weirdo”
- Mugs: “I Love You More Than Tacos”
Design Tip: Personalization works GREAT here. Names, dates, or private jokes.
Occasion #4: Christmas
The Biggest Sales Season of the Year
When: December 25 (but people start shopping in Oct!)
Why it works: Everyone is buying gifts. Period.
Top sellers:
- Ornaments: “First Christmas as Mr & Mrs – 2025”
- Sweatshirts: “Santa’s Favorite”
- Mugs: “Merry & Bright (Fueled by Coffee)”
Design Tip: Nostalgia + humor + matching family sets = gold.
Occasion #5: Halloween
Spooky Season, Big Laughs, Big Sales
When: October 31
Why it works: People want fun, themed stuff for parties, schools, and trick-or-treating.
Top sellers:
- Shirts: “Boo Crew” (great for groups)
- Mugs: “Witch Way to the Coffee?”
- Totes: “Trick or Treat Yo’ Self”
Design Tip: Funny puns and cute ghosts = click-worthy.
Occasion #6: 4th of July
Red, White & Sales
When: July 4
Why it works: Matching shirts, patriotic pride, BBQs, and family events.
Top sellers:
- Tank tops: “Star Spangled Hammered”
- T-shirts: “Made in the USA (With Sass)”
- Mugs: “America Runs on Freedom”
Design Tip: Think bold text, flags, fireworks, and family-themed gear.
Occasion #7: Back to School
Teachers + Parents = Goldmine
When: Late July to early September
Why it works: It’s a fresh start. Teachers want cute stuff. So do parents.
Top sellers:
- Totes: “Teach, Love, Inspire”
- Mugs: “Teacher Life: Fueled by Caffeine & Chaos”
- T-shirts: “Hello Kindergarten”
Design Tip: Keep it cute, positive, and colorful.
Occasion #8: Graduation
Major Milestone = Must-Have Merch
When: May–June (and sometimes December)
Why it works: Parents, friends, and grads all want keepsakes.
Top sellers:
- Shirts: “I Did It!”
- Mugs: “Class of 2025 – Nailed It”
- Picture frames, journals, or wall art
Design Tip: Include the year, school type (kindergarten to college), and make it feel like an achievement.
Occasion #9: Thanksgiving
Funny Food Vibes Sell Fast
When: 4th Thursday in November
Why it works: Families want matching shirts, funny kitchen gear, and decor.
Top sellers:
- Shirts: “Thankful for Food & Elastic Pants”
- Mugs: “Talk Pumpkin Spice To Me”
- Aprons or towels: “Leftovers Are For Quitters”
Design Tip: Humor is key. Think food, family, and gratitude.
Occasion #10: New Year’s Eve / New Year’s Day
Fresh Starts + Party Gear = Sales
When: Dec 31 – Jan 1
Why it works: People want to celebrate, set goals, and feel inspired.
Top sellers:
- Shirts: “New Year, Same Hot Mess”
- Mugs: “This Will Be My Year”
- Journals or planners
Design Tip: Use motivational quotes, glitter vibes, and party themes.
Occasion #11: St. Patrick’s Day
Everyone’s Irish for a Day (and They Want the Shirt to Prove It)
When: March 17
Why it works: It’s all about green, beer, and fun.
Top sellers:
- Shirts: “Kiss Me I’m Irish(ish)”
- Mugs: “Shamrock & Roll”
- Hats or socks: “Lucky AF”
Design Tip: Use clovers, gold, and humor. Drinking jokes sell big.
Occasion #12: Easter
Sweet, Cute, and Family-Friendly
When: Varies (usually March or April)
Why it works: Families shop for cute seasonal gear and kids’ stuff.
Top sellers:
- Shirts: “Some Bunny Loves You”
- Tote bags: “Egg Hunt Squad”
- Mugs: “Hoppin’ Into Easter Like…”
Design Tip: Think pastels, bunnies, eggs, and Christian themes too (if your niche allows).
Bonus Strategy: Stack Holidays + Niches
Want even more traction?
Blend occasions with hot niches!
Here’s how:
- “Dog Dad” shirt for Father’s Day
- “Grateful Teacher” mug for Thanksgiving
- “Witchy Cat Mom” hoodie for Halloween
This combo helps you stand out and deeply connect with buyers.
Quick Recap: 12 Occasions to Design For
- Mother’s Day – Sentimental & sweet
- Father’s Day – Funny & practical
- Valentine’s Day – Romantic & cute
- Christmas – The king of all sales
- Halloween – Fun & punny
- 4th of July – Patriotic & proud
- Back to School – Teachers are buying
- Graduation – Celebrate achievements
- Thanksgiving – Food + family humor
- New Year’s – Fresh start merch
- St. Patrick’s Day – Party-ready designs
- Easter – Soft colors & family gifts
What To Do Next
- Pick ONE holiday above
- Brainstorm 3–5 simple, bold designs
- Upload early (2–6 weeks ahead!)
- Use keywords in your titles + tags
- Promote with mockups + seasonal vibes
You don’t have to overthink it. Just show up when customers are looking — and give them what they want.
Your Next Step:
Looking for incredible mentors and the tools to start your own print-on-demand (POD) business, or are you ready to take your current business to the next level? Take a look at these excellent courses:
Low Hanging System
Dive into the most comprehensive online course designed to empower you to build an array of PROFITABLE income streams using simple designs and catchy sayings.
Learn how to design simple items and add them to marketplaces like Etsy and Amazon.
Easy POD Mastermind
Step into the spotlight with EasyPOD Mastermind – the VIP club for print-on-demand sellers.
You also get case studies, interactive workshops, and live coaching calls.
