Happy ‘Lolidays’! What Handmade Sellers Can Learn from Urban Outfitters’ Holiday Campaign

Injecting Fun and Authenticity into Your Holiday Marketing, the Urban Outfitters Way

Urban Outfitters just launched its quirky new “Happy Lolidays” campaign, and it’s got people talking. Packed with humor, nostalgia, and playful storytelling, the campaign has struck a chord with customers—and it’s a great reminder of what makes holiday marketing fun and memorable.

As a handmade seller, the holiday season is a huge opportunity to reach new customers, strengthen relationships with existing ones, and drive those festive sales. Urban Outfitters' unique approach offers some fantastic insights on how to create a holiday campaign that connects.

Here’s how you can apply their “Happy Lolidays” spirit to your own handmade brand and make this holiday season a memorable (and profitable) one!

1. Put a Playful Spin on Traditional Greetings

Urban Outfitters replaced “holidays” with “lolidays,” instantly setting a lighthearted, approachable tone. This clever tweak creates a sense of fun and authenticity that speaks directly to their youthful, creative audience.

How Handmade Sellers Can Apply It:Try reimagining your seasonal messaging to reflect your brand’s personality. Instead of generic holiday greetings, think of playful or pun-filled alternatives that make people smile and align with your brand’s vibe. For example, if you sell handcrafted candles, something like “Wishing You a Lit Holiday Season” could add a touch of fun and show off your brand’s character.

2. Infuse Humor and Personality into Your Content

Urban Outfitters has infused humor into every aspect of the “Happy Lolidays” campaign, keeping it light and relatable. This approach builds a connection with their audience, who resonate with their relaxed, genuine tone.

How Handmade Sellers Can Apply It:Let your personality shine! During the holidays, consumers are inundated with polished, sales-heavy content. Stand out by showing your authentic, down-to-earth side. Share a funny behind-the-scenes story, a relatable holiday mishap, or a quick holiday “hack” using your products. Being open and playful humanizes your brand and builds a stronger connection with customers.

3. Create Holiday-Specific Products or Bundles

Urban Outfitters introduced unique holiday-themed products as part of their campaign, like nostalgic ornaments and whimsical decorations. These items cater to the spirit of the season and make for great gifts.

How Handmade Sellers Can Apply It:Consider offering limited-edition holiday items or special bundles that make it easy for customers to shop for gifts. For example, if you make handmade soaps, create a holiday gift set with festive scents or packaging. Special bundles can also help you move inventory, attract new customers, and increase your average order value.

Quick Tip:Create a “Gift Guide” section on your website or social media that features holiday bundles, best-sellers, or products grouped by price range (e.g., “Gifts Under $25”). It helps buyers quickly find the perfect gift!

4. Get Nostalgic

Urban Outfitters tapped into nostalgia with their holiday products and messaging, reminding customers of the joy and fun of the holiday season. Nostalgia is powerful—especially during the holidays when people seek comfort and familiarity.

How Handmade Sellers Can Apply It:Think about how you can incorporate nostalgia into your products or content. Do you have a design or scent that brings back childhood memories? Perhaps you could share a story from past holiday markets or feature photos of holiday traditions that inspired your creations. Nostalgic moments encourage customers to associate your products with warm, personal memories, making them more likely to connect with your brand on an emotional level.

5. Encourage User-Generated Content

Urban Outfitters engages their audience by encouraging them to share their own “Happy Lolidays” moments, making customers feel like part of the campaign.

How Handmade Sellers Can Apply It:Get your customers involved! Encourage them to share photos of your products in their holiday settings, whether it’s a handmade ornament on their tree or a cozy candle lighting up their holiday dinner. You could even create a fun holiday hashtag for your brand, like #HandmadeHolidayMagic or #MyFestiveFinds, and feature customer photos in your own feed or stories. User-generated content boosts engagement and builds social proof, showing potential customers that your products are loved by others.

6. Host a Holiday-Themed Giveaway

Urban Outfitters knows how to engage their audience, and giveaways are a surefire way to build excitement and draw attention during the holiday season.

How Handmade Sellers Can Apply It:Run a holiday giveaway featuring some of your best-selling items or a special holiday bundle. Keep it simple by asking followers to tag a friend, share your post, or use your custom holiday hashtag to enter. A holiday giveaway can drive more traffic to your profile, increase engagement, and help you reach new customers right when they’re looking for unique, handmade gifts.

Final Thoughts: Add a Dash of “Loliday” Magic to Your Brand

The holiday season is an ideal time to show off your brand’s personality and create fun, memorable experiences for your audience. Urban Outfitters’ “Happy Lolidays” campaign is a masterclass in connecting with customers through humor, nostalgia, and engagement. By following their lead, you can make your holiday marketing more engaging, stand out from the crowd, and build a loyal community of customers who come back year after year.

So, this holiday season, don’t be afraid to let your brand’s unique voice and character shine through. Whether it’s through clever holiday greetings, nostalgic stories, or engaging giveaways, a little creativity can go a long way in creating a holiday season that’s merry, bright—and totally unforgettable. 🎄