5 Custom Gift Ideas You Can Create With DTF Transfers
The holidays are here, and that means shoppers are looking for thoughtful, personalized gifts they can’t find in stores.
If you’re a decorator with a heat press, you already have what you need to create those one-of-a-kind items. Custom DTF and UV DTF transfers make it easy to print, personalize, and sell high-quality gifts without expensive setups or long lead times.
Here are five easy, profitable ways to use DTF and UV DTF transfers for personalized holiday gifts. We've even thrown in design ideas (and links!) that your customers will love.
1. Tote Bags: Print. Fold. Gift.
Reusable totes are having a moment. They’re sustainable, versatile, and a blank canvas for creative designs.
Use custom DTF transfers to print:
- Bold holiday quotes (we love this “Merry & Bright" template from Kittl)
- Minimalist name designs or initials in script fonts (this personalized gift bag template is great!)
- Illustrated icons like snowflakes, reindeer, or wrapped presents
- Small business logo bags for client appreciation gifts
DTF transfers apply beautifully to cotton or canvas totes in seconds, producing soft, durable prints that feel retail-ready.
Perfect for pop-up markets or holiday thank-you gifts.
2. Ornaments Pop With UV DTF
Want to sell something totally different from apparel?
UV DTF transfers work perfectly on smooth surfaces like acrylic, wood, or glass, and no press required!
You can create:
- Family name ornaments (“The Thompsons 2025”)
- Pet paw print ornaments with names
- Branded ornaments for corporate clients or local teams
- “Our First Home” or “Baby’s First Christmas” keepsakes
Each design can be printed small and applied by hand making bulk personalization fast and easy.
Pro tip: bundle sets of 3–4 with themed designs for a premium upsell.
3. Tumblers Bring That Holiday Cheer
Everyone loves a custom tumbler and UV DTF transfers make them effortless to personalize.
They stick to glass, plastic, or stainless steel and deliver crisp, glossy detail.
Design ideas that sell:
- Name or monogram wraps (like these family reindeer designs)
- “Mama Fuel,” “Holiday Spirit,” or funny sayings in script fonts
- Glitter or pattern overlays (use UV DTF’s transparency for layered looks)
- Company-branded tumblers for end-of-year gifts
These make great stocking stuffers or employee appreciation gifts. And with UV DTF, you can decorate dozens of tumblers in a single afternoon.
4. Make Custom Stockings in Seconds
Stockings are an underrated profit maker. With DTF transfers, you can press bright, colorful designs or personalized names directly onto cotton or polyester stockings.
Popular ideas:
- Individual names in script or varsity lettering
- Santa, snowman, or pet-themed illustrations
- Small business branding for office or client décor
- Minimalist monograms in white ink on red or green stockings
They press in seconds and look premium especially when paired with a matching tee or ornament.
5. It's Cozy Season: Gift Hoodies
A custom hoodie is the kind of gift that gets worn year-round.
DTF transfers give you unlimited color and detail, perfect for small-batch designs that look like premium screen prints.
Design ideas:
- Retro text graphics (who doesn't love an ugly Christmas sweater throwback?)
- Family name hoodies for matching photo shoots
- Team or club holiday drops (“Winter Classic 2025”)
- Streetwear-inspired logos with small front chest prints + large back art
Hoodies are a proven best-seller in the fourth quarter. Keep extras ready for last-minute orders or add them as part of a “custom merch bundle.”
Press the Advantage: Shop Early and Save
If you’re planning to launch your own gift line or prep for client orders, now’s the time to stock up.
Through November 17, take 10% off your next order with code SHOPEARLY10.
Your heat press isn’t just for production. It’s for creativity, profit, and connection.
Make something that lasts longer than the holidays.
Shop Custom Transfers →
Promo code valid through 11/17/25 on 613DTF.com only. Cannot be combined with other discounts of any kind.
