Planning ahead is the smartest way to grow your store. Printify’s eCommerce calendar helps print-on-demand sellers and small business owners prepare for every major sales moment with ease.
From international celebrations like Mother’s Day to fun niche events like World Baking Day, here’s everything you need to plan your marketing campaigns, social media posts, and new product ideas.
Holiday eCommerce calendar for 2026
Plan your year with our downloadable marketing calendar 2026, which highlights each month’s major holidays and sales opportunities.
To help you increase visibility and attract more shoppers, we also include holiday marketing ideas, trending hashtags, and tips for stronger social media engagement.
January
Key dates:
- New Year’s Day – January 1
- National Science Fiction Day – January 2
- National Hat Day – January 15
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day – January 19
- National Sticker Day – January 13
- National Daisy Day – January 28
As the holiday season winds down, consumers focus on fresh starts and resolutions – meaning fitness, organization, and wellness products are in demand.
Plus, with colder temperatures, cozy winter gear and indoor activities become more popular. Think of home decor and practical products like blankets, hoodies, and loungewear.
And January’s quirky holidays are perfect for smaller promos. National Sticker Day is an easy excuse to drop fun new designs. National Hat Day? A great moment to spotlight beanies or custom caps.
Product recommendations
- Wellness and productivity gear: Custom notebooks, journals, planners, niche calendar designs, and motivational stickers for tracking New Year’s goals.
- Winter essentials: Custom hoodies, personalized sweaters, and cozy blankets for colder climates.
- Decor: Posters, custom pillows, and rugs to brighten winter spaces.
- Merch: Stickers or custom hats for easy upsells.
January hashtag ideas
#NewYearNewMerch
#JanuaryDrop
#WinterBuys
#FreshStart2026
February
Key dates:
- National Freedom Day – February 1
- Super Bowl – February 8
- Valentine’s Day – February 14
- National Love Your Pet Day – February 20
- Black History Month
February brings the perfect opportunity for eCommerce businesses to spread love and honor social causes.
Plan social media posts around Valentine’s promos and key dates like National Love Your Pet Day. And don’t forget about Super Bowl marketing to capitalize on this highly anticipated sports event.
February also marks Black History Month – a time to honor figures who fought for racial equality. Share stories, highlight creators, and partner with local businesses to raise awareness and inspire your audience.
Product recommendations
- Romantic gifts: Custom jewelry, scented candles, and personalized Valentine’s shirts fly off the shelves.
- Pet products: Pet tags, bowls, dog shirts, and custom dog beds.
- Super Bowl merchandise: Custom team shirts and accessories with clever Super Bowl shirt design ideas.
February hashtag ideas
#FebruaryFavorites
#SeasonOfLove
#GameDayGear
#PetLoveDay
#CelebrateBlackHistory
March
Key dates:
- World Wildlife Day – March 3
- International Women’s Day – March 8
- St. Patrick’s Day – March 17
- International Day of Happiness – March 20
- International Day of Forests – March 21
- World Water Day – March 22
March brings a vibrant sense of renewal, making it the perfect time to sell spring-themed products to welcome the warmer weather.
Think eco-friendly products to celebrate World Water Day, International Day of Forests, and World Wildlife Day. It’s also an excellent time to incorporate green themes to play into the St. Patrick’s Day festivities.
With International Women’s Day, brands have a unique chance to spotlight empowering products made by and for women.
Product recommendations
- Empowering apparel: Custom t-shirts and accessories with inspiring quotes to celebrate women.
- Eco-friendly items: Reusable water bottles, recycled t-shirts, tote bags, and utensils for spring picnics.
- St. Patrick’s Day gear: Festive decorations, novelty items, and apparel with your own St. Patrick’s Day shirt ideas.
March hashtag ideas
#MarchIntoSpring
#GreenIsIn
#WomenWhoInspire
#GoGreenSeason
#SpringShopVibes
April
Key dates:
- April Fools’ Day – April 1
- Easter Sunday – April 5
- National Pet Day – April 11
- National Gardening Day – April 14
- World Creativity and Innovation Day – April 21
- Earth Day – April 22
- World Book Day – April 23
April’s marketing calendar buzzes with Earth Day celebrations and Easter festivities. It’s the perfect time to promote eco-conscious collections and playful designs for April Fools’ Day.
For Easter, think spring shirt ideas, egg-themed accessories, and kid-friendly outdoor products. And with National Decorating Month in full swing, home items also sell well.
To wrap up the month, drop literary-inspired merch and custom bookmarks for World Book Day. Dance-themed apparel and duffel bags are also great for International Dance Day on April 29.
Product recommendations
- Earth Day products: Reusable bags, eco-friendly tumblers, and sustainable home decor.
- Easter decor: Easter-themed tablecloths, baskets, and greeting cards with Easter wishes.
- Gardening accessories: Hats, gloves, and custom aprons for customers to tend to their plants in style.
- World Book Day merch: Custom bookmarks and cozy reading-themed shirts for book lovers.
April hashtag ideas
#EcoFriendlyFinds
#SpringCleaningDeals
#AprilLaughs
#EarthDayEveryday
#NewSeasonNewStyle
May
Key dates:
- Star Wars Day – May 4
- Cinco de Mayo – May 5
- Mother’s Day – May 10
- World Baking Day – May 17
- International Tea Day – May 21
- Memorial Day – May 25
- National Wine Day – May 25
- National Creativity Day – May 30
May kicks off the summer season, meaning travel and giftable products, as well as warmer weather essentials, are in. Plus, Cinco de Mayo adds a festive vibe to themed apparel and partyware.
Mother’s Day gifts dominate eCommerce holiday promotions with sentimental and personalized items. Think framed family photos and matching shirt sets with Mother’s Day greetings.
International Tea Day is an easy moment to jump in with cozy mug designs or calming self-care bundles. And while you’re on the drinkware trend, tap into National Wine Day with custom wine bags.
And of course, May isn’t complete without May the Fourth. The best excuse to create fun designs, gifts, or limited-edition drops for fans.
Make sure to create original designs and always check copyright laws before selling any pop culture-inspired products.
Product recommendations
- Mother’s Day gifts: Custom jewelry, framed artwork, and personalized Mother’s Day shirt ideas.
- Memorial Day items: Patriotic merchandise like t-shirts, caps, and BBQ accessories.
- Outdoor essentials: Picnic blankets, water bottles, portable speakers, and custom flip-flops.
- Tea and drinkware merch: Custom mugs, insulated tumblers, and personalized wine glasses.
May hashtag ideas
#GiftOfGiving
#MothersDayGifts
#CincoDeMayoVibes
#SipSipMay
#SpringIntoSummer
June
Key dates:
- Global Day of Parents – June 1
- World Environment Day – June 5
- Best Friends Day – June 8
- International Picnic Day – June 18
- Father’s Day – June 21
- International Day of Yoga – June 21
- National Sunglasses Day – June 27
- Pride Month
June’s sunny weather brings outdoor activities and celebrations, from planning Father’s Day card ideas to supporting your community on World Environment Day. Lean into beach-ready designs for National Flip Flop Day.
Pride Month is an important event for your marketing calendar to promote positive activism with pride merch.
June is also a favorite wedding month, so launch personalized wedding gifts, invitations, and accessories. And with two special days celebrating parents, there are plenty of opportunities to roll out heartfelt gifts.
Product recommendations
- Personalized gifts for parents: Custom drinkware to celebrate Father’s Day, matching family shirts, and family reunion apparel.
- Pride merch: Custom pride shirts, rainbow flags, pins, and phone cases.
- Summer gear: Sunglasses, hats, flip-flops, and custom beach bags.
June hashtag ideas
#CelebratePride
#FathersDayGifts
#SummerKickoff
#JuneOutdoorEssentials
#JuneShopGuide
July
Key dates:
- Independence Day – July 4
- National Bikini Day – July 5
- World Chocolate Day – July 7
- World Emoji Day – July 17
- National Ice Cream Day – July 19
- National Lipstick Day – July 29
- International Day of Friendship – July 30
Summer sales hit their peak in July, just in time to roll out patriotic designs and festive Fourth of July marketing.
Celebrations throughout the month also open the door for fun, limited-time drops. Experiment with custom t-shirts, sticker packs, and summer apparel inspired by beach vibes or playful patterns.
Close the month strong with “buy one, gift one” offers to celebrate the International Day of Friendship and spread some mid-summer joy.
Product recommendations
- Patriotic merchandise: Flag-themed decor, personalized Fourth of July shirts, and BBQ accessories.
- Friendship Day gifts: Matching t-shirts, bracelets, or scrapbooks.
- Outdoor essentials: Coolers, hats, and beach bags.
July hashtag ideas
#StarsAndStripes
#SummerSavings
#JulyJoy
#SummerFunFinds
#FourthOfJulyStyle
August
Key dates:
- International Cat Day – August 8
- National Book Lovers Day – August 9
- International Youth Day – August 12
- National Nonprofit Day – August 17
- World Photography Day – August 19
- International Dog Day – August 26
- Back-to-school season
August shifts from summer days into back-to-school prep, so it’s a great time to roll out notebooks, backpacks, stationery, and other classroom must-haves.
You’ll find a few moments throughout the month to champion good causes with National Nonprofit Day. Merchants selling in the UK can make the most of the Summer Bank Holiday too, using it to promote end-of-summer deals.
Sell custom canvas prints for World Photography Day, and celebrate National Lazy Day (August 10) with comfy, playfully designed loungewear and cozy basics.
Product recommendations
- School supplies: Personalized backpacks, notebooks, custom stationery, and other back-to-school bestsellers.
- Pet products: Toys, collars, bowls, and pet gifts.
- Art pieces: Personalized photo blocks and canvas prints for home and office decor.
- End-of-season deals: Clear out your summer inventory with discounts on picnic rugs, sports gear, and beach staples.
August hashtag ideas
#BackToClass
#SummerSendOff
#AugustPetLove
#AugustAdventures
#SummerMemories
September
Key dates:
- Labor Day – September 7
- National Grandparents Day – September 13
- National Hispanic Heritage Month – September 15-October 15
- International Day of Sign Languages – September 23
- World Tourism Day – September 27
- National Coffee Day – September 29
As families get back to daily routines, demand for both school-related products and fall essentials surges, making it a busy month for eCommerce businesses.
Grandparents Day offers a sweet moment to spotlight thoughtful, family-focused gifts, while World Tourism Day is a great opportunity to sell custom travel accessories and adventure-inspired gear.
It’s also a fun time to tap into gaming culture for National Video Games Day. Think game-inspired apparel, sticker packs, or desk accessories for cozy fall nights.
Product recommendations
- Transitional garments: Custom scarves, beanies, and light jackets.
- Fall decor: Cozy blanket designs, fall-scented candles, and autumn-themed items to decorate homes.
- Coffee and travel mugs: Custom drinkware to enjoy a cup of joe on the go.
- Travel gear: Waterproof travel bag, toiletry bags, and luggage tags.
September hashtag ideas
#SeptemberShopGuide
#FallFavorites
#GrandparentsDayGifts
#TravelInStyle
#CoffeeDayCravings
October
Key dates:
- World Vegetarian Day – October 1
- International Coffee Day – October 1
- World Teachers Day – October 5
- World Mental Health Day – October 10
- World Food Day – October 16
- Halloween – October 31
October brings festive energy as people gear up for Halloween marketing. Decorations, themed shirts, costumes, and trick-or-treating supplies fly off the shelves.
It’s also peak fall season, making cozy clothing a best-selling staple. Promote winter jackets, warm blankets, and soft loungewear to help customers ease into the colder days.
You can also align a few campaigns around wellness and self-care to support mental health awareness this month.
Product recommendations
- Halloween decor and costumes: Festive decorations, themed accessories, and custom Halloween-inspired clothing.
- Wellness products: Self-care kits, candles, bath bombs, and journals.
- Hot chocolate mugs and candy: Items to sweeten up colder days and Halloween festivities.
- Cozy apparel: Custom puffer jackets, embroidered beanies, and long-sleeve shirts to stay warm in style.
October hashtag ideas
#OctoberVibes
#AutumnAesthetic
#SpookySeasonStyle
#HalloweenReady
#CozyFallFavorites
November
Key dates:
- Veterans Day – November 11
- World Kindness Day – November 13
- Thanksgiving – November 26
- Black Friday – November 27
- Small Business Saturday – November 28
- Cyber Monday – November 30
November marks the holiday shopping season, making it one of the busiest months for eCommerce brands. Early shoppers are out in full force, so get ready to launch exclusive discounts and limited-time deals, especially around Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Giftable items perform best this month, and holiday promotions help drive quick decisions. As people prepare for Thanksgiving gatherings, festive decor and personalized gifts see a steady rise in demand.
Product recommendations
- Giftable items: Holiday mugs, personalized jewelry, and custom games.
- Holiday decor: Thanksgiving-themed tableware, candles, and wreaths.
- Tech accessories: Custom phone cases, chargers, and gadgets for Cyber Monday.
November hashtag ideas
#HolidayShopping
#ThanksgivingReady
#FeastMode
#BlackFridayDeals
#CyberMondaySavings
December
Key dates:
- National Christmas Lights Day – December 1
- Christmas Day – December 25
- New Year’s Eve – December 31
- Hanukkah – December 4-12
December is a high-energy month. Highlight warmth, joy, and celebration with festive winter products, and use National Free Shipping Day (December 14) to help shoppers wrap up their final holiday buys. It’s a great way to boost sales during the mid-December rush.
You can’t go wrong with last-minute gift ideas and seasonal merch, especially personalized presents and practical winter apparel customers can use right away.
Product recommendations
- Personalized gifts: Monogrammed items, custom photo frames, and name-engraved accessories.
- Festive decorations: Personalized Christmas ornaments, custom stockings, holiday lights, and tree toppers.
- New Year’s Eve party supplies: Sparkling glassware, confetti poppers, and party favors.
December hashtag ideas
#LastMinuteGifts
#WinterWonderSales
#WrapUpTheHolidays
#HolidayRush
#NYEReady
Why is it crucial to build your eCommerce calendar?
A marketing calendar keeps you ahead of big shopping moments instead of scrambling at the last minute, and the numbers prove it matters.
Black Friday 2024 alone brought in $74.4 billion in global online sales, up 5% from the year before. The momentum continued through the holidays – the season generated $241.4 billion in online sales, almost $20 billion more than in 2023.
When you map out campaigns early, it’s easier to align product drops, discounts, and content with the busiest shopping weeks of the year for maximum profits.
And it’s worth it – 73% of merchants say October through December makes up over 20% of their annual revenue. A smart eCommerce holiday calendar helps you take advantage of those high-traffic moments, stay consistent, and grow.
Benefits of building an organized eCommerce calendar
- Improved consistency: A clear calendar keeps your marketing on track, helping you stay organized and aligned with your goals.
- Simplified planning: It’s easier to map out budgets, promotions, and social media posts.
- Flexibility: When trends shift or unexpected events pop up, you can quickly adjust your schedule while staying focused on what matters.
- Smarter future strategies: Each social media campaign becomes a learning opportunity, helping you refine your approach with data-driven improvements.
How to build an eCommerce calendar that works
Start building your own eCommerce marketing calendar for 2026 and follow these key steps to set your store up for success.
1. Decide on the format
Choose a template for your digital eCommerce calendar. A customizable Google Calendar is a great starting point since you can layer marketing campaigns, sync schedules, and easily adjust deadlines, social media posts, and event-based promos.
2. Define your goals and objectives
Map out clear goals for major national holidays and seasonal peaks. Look beyond awareness and set funnel-specific targets for conversions. Pinpoint the audience segments that matter most – for example, planning extra tech inventory ahead of Cyber Monday.
3. Understand your target audience
Identify the demographics, behaviors, and buying patterns that influence purchase decisions. Tailor your campaigns to match different shopping windows. Early buyers may prefer personalized gifts, while last-minute shoppers respond best to convenient, time-sensitive deals.
4. Add key dates and events
Don’t overcrowd your eCommerce marketing calendar. Focus on events that truly align with your niche and product line. Smaller celebrations like National Pizza Day can help your brand stand out with fun, custom drops, but they’re not always necessary.
5. Determine your marketing activities
Plan cross-channel engagement by mixing social media, SEO, promos, and content campaigns. This is especially useful during major events like Memorial Day. Pair organic engagement with traffic-driving content and irresistible discounts.
6. Create an action plan and set deadlines
Every campaign has stages – pre-sale hype, peak engagement, and post-event follow-ups. For instance, start back-to-school season with teaser posts, roll out timed promotions, and finish the month with a clearance push.