The day after Halloween signals the start of the holiday shopping season, and since then, we’ve been getting holiday emails in our inboxes every day. Why do these emails seem to come earlier each year? A recent article by Marketing Profs shows that Christmas and winter holiday emails have higher open rates when they’re sent weeks or even months in advance, rather than just before the holiday.
To get you in the holiday swing of things, here are 25 examples of holiday email subject lines that stood out in our inbox – use them for inspiration.
1. Warby Parker: Cozy up
2. VerticalResponse: Are Your Holiday Cards in the Mail Yet? Get 60% Off!
3. WillCall: Hey, we made you something for the holidays!
4. Chasing Fireflies: Our magical Holiday Gift Shop is open + Save up to 80% in our Halloween Blowout Sale!
5. Shutterfly: We’re feeling very merry. Get 50% off your order.
6. Omaha Steaks: Wanna get the REALLY good holiday deals this year?
7. Uncommon Goods: The Time Has Come
8. Real Simple: 10 DIY Fall Wreaths That Are Way Better Than a Welcome Mat
9. BevMo!: NEW for November! Delicious Wines for the Fall Season.
10. Workshop: FALL STEAM AHEAD: Over 80 classes up & posted, Oktoberfest weekend workshops & CAMP DIY
11. Kabuki Springs & Spa: 3 Tips to Boost Your Immune System this Fall
12. Alternative: First look | Alternative Gift Guide
13. Finish Line: The Holiday Gift Guide is here. Game on for gift giving.
14. Kayak: Waiting for lower Thanksgiving flight prices? Stop and book.
15. Premier Dermatology: Day of Beauty: Winter 2014
16. Paper Culture: Need Holiday Photo Card Ideas?
17. Tory Burch: Presenting: Tory’s Gift Guide
18. Zazzle Inc: Early Birds Save 50% On All Ornaments & Mugs + 20% Off Everything Else
19. Circus Center: PERFORM in our 2014 Holiday Student Gala!
20. Turntable Kitchen: get ready for holiday entertaining: recipes, cocktails, music recommendations
21. Groupon: Get a Head Start on Your Holiday Checklist
22. Travel Channel: Travel’s Best Holiday Attractions 2014
23. JetBlue Airways: A sale to escape the winter weather!
24. Bing Webmaster Team: It’s not too late: Reach more holiday shoppers with your $100 coupon
25. Harry & David: Kim, get a jump on holiday shopping with your Gift History and enjoy free shipping.
Successful holiday email subject lines
As you can see, many email subject lines aim at early bird shoppers seeking gift ideas (gift guides) and preparing for the holidays. Make sure your holiday email subject lines highlight not just deals and promotions like free shipping and discounts, but also ways to help your customers with gift guides, tips, ideas, extended or special shopping hours, and more.
To give you an idea of the most effective subject line words from holiday emails, we created this holiday email subject line infographic:
