613 Originals Blog

6 Custom Gift Ideas You Can Create With Heat Transfers

Written by Cat Cosentino | Nov 4, 2025 6:00:34 PM

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 heat transfers from DTF and UV DTF  to Varsity, Puff, and Digital Hybrid make it easy to print, personalize, and sell high-quality gifts without expensive setups or long lead times.

Here are six easy, profitable ways to use heat transfers for personalized holiday gifts, complete with design ideas (and links!) your customers will love.

Tote Bags: Print. Fold. Gift.

Reusable totes are having a moment. They’re sustainable, versatile, and a blank canvas for creative designs.

Use Varsity or 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, bows, or wrapped presents
  • Small business logo bags for client appreciation gifts

Varsity is ideal for 1–3 color prints, including metallics, and gives a classic screen-printed finish. DTF adds unlimited color and photographic detail for custom art.

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 — no press required.

Create:

  • Family name ornaments (“The Thompsons 2025”)
  • Pet paw prints with names
  • Branded ornaments for corporate clients or local teams
  • “Our First Home” or “Baby’s First Christmas” keepsakes

For a more elevated finish, use Digital Hybrid transfers on fabric ornaments or stockings — they deliver ultra-smooth, soft-touch detail with a premium feel.

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)
  • “Holiday Fuel,” “Let It Sip,” or funny sayings in script fonts
  • Glitter or pattern overlays using UV DTF’s transparency
  • Branded tumblers for clients or company gifts

You can also create matching apparel using Varsity for clean, bold logos or Digital Hybrid for full-color luxury branding sets.

Make Custom Stockings in Seconds

Stockings are an underrated profit maker. With DTF transfers, you can press bright, full-color designs or personalized names directly onto cotton or polyester stockings.

Try:

  • Individual names in script or varsity lettering
  • Santa, snowman, or pet-themed illustrations
  • Small business branding for office décor
  • Minimalist monograms in white or metallic ink

For something more tactile, use Puff transfers to add a raised, dimensional look that feels soft and festive.

It's Cozy Season: Gift Hoodies

A custom hoodie is the kind of gift that gets worn year-round.

Use DTF transfers for colorful, detailed graphics; Varsity for clean 1–3 color prints with a classic screen-printed feel; or Digital Hybrid for a smooth, luxurious finish that feels premium in hand.

Design ideas:

  • Retro text graphics (who doesn't love an ugly Christmas sweater throwback?)
  • Family name or matching group hoodies
  • Team or club holiday drops (“Winter Classic 2025”)
  • Streetwear-inspired logos with front and back placement

Hoodies are a proven Q4 best-seller. Bundle them with matching ornaments or totes for an easy upsell.

Be Extra: Add Tags & Labels

Don’t forget the details. Tagless Labels make your products look truly professional — perfect for small-batch creators and boutique brands.

Press your logo, size, or care info directly inside each garment for a polished finish that’s soft against the skin.

Pair with matching custom packaging for an unboxing experience that feels premium.

Ready to create, gift, repeat?

Your heat press isn’t just for production. Use it for creativity, profit, AND connection.

From apparel to accessories, every 613 Originals transfer is made to apply easily, look incredible, and last wash after wash. Stock up early, design smarter, and give your customers (or friends) something they’ll actually remember.