Summer Gifting Is Having a Moment. Are You Ready?

Think gifting is just for Christmas? Think again.

The latest HTA Market Update from July 2025 shows gifting sales jumped 4% year-on-year in June, with an impressive 8% increase compared to 2023. Indoor living and homewares are riding the same wave, up 3% vs 2024 and 7% vs 2023.

These numbers tell a story: customers are already thinking about gifts well before the Christmas rush hits. Summer brings its own gifting occasions: weddings that need thoughtful tokens, teachers who deserve appreciation, milestone birthdays worth celebrating, and retirement parties that call for something special. Summer may not have a single big gift moment, but it’s full of meaningful ones.

So, how can your garden centre tap into this opportunity?

Create a "Summer Gifting Edit"

Pull together your most gift-worthy products in one dedicated space. Think homeware sets that feel luxurious, candle collections that create ambiance, or elegant glassware that elevates any home. Garden-themed notebooks speak to plant lovers, while beautifully designed mugs and premium greeting cards offer affordable luxury.

Ready-wrapped plants with "thank you" tags remove the guesswork for customers. Combine attractive pots with quality gift wrap for an instant winner that saves shoppers time and effort.

Smart merchandising matters here. Structure your display across different price points so customers can shop according to their budget. Under £10 tokens sit alongside premium hampers, giving everyone options that feel right for their wallet and the occasion.

Make Loyalty Programs Work for Gifting

Your existing customers might not realize they earn points on gifts too. A simple reminder can unlock additional purchases: "Collect loyalty points on every gift and treat someone else while treating yourself."

Consider exclusive gifting offers for loyalty members. Special discounts or bonus point promotions create that extra push to convert browsers into buyers. When customers feel they're getting additional value, gift purchases become much easier to justify.

Reframe Gift Cards as Thoughtful Choices

Gift cards often get dismissed as impersonal, but they're actually one of the most practical ways to boost average transaction values. They're particularly popular for teacher gifts and wedding presents, where the recipient's specific preferences might be unknown.

Make gift cards feel special rather than convenient:

• Bundle them with a small potted plant for added charm.

• Offer complimentary wrapping or present them in a keepsake envelope.

• Frame the messaging around choice and consideration: "Let them choose something they'll really love" positions the gift card as thoughtful rather than rushed.

Turn Browsers into Gift Buyers

Not every customer walking through your doors is shopping for themselves. Gentle reminders about gifting opportunities can reframe their entire visit. Your loyalty app home screen, café table displays, website banners, and email footers all present chances to plant the gifting seed.

A simple message like "Looking for a last-minute gift? We've got you" helps customers see potential purchases through a different lens. What started as browsing for themselves suddenly becomes the perfect gift for someone else!

Why This Matters Now

Gifting might feel like a side note during summer months when BBQ supplies and bedding plants dominate. But those 4-8% increases in June gifting sales represent real revenue that many garden centres are missing. Gift purchases often span multiple categories too - a customer buying a greeting card might add a candle, a plant, and grab a coffee from your café on the way out.

The timing works in your favour. Every gifting sale you capture now happens outside the chaotic Christmas period. Summer gifting represents bonus revenue that doesn't compete with your busiest season.

Want help creating a gifting campaign that ties into your loyalty offer, app, or store layout? Get in touch with us today!