Party and Paper Magazine

Winter Wearables

What would Santa be without his suit? What would angels be without their wings or an elf without his ears? Everyone knows about the popularity of Halloween costumes, but what about costumes for the rest of the winter holidays?

From the traditional Santa suit and living nativity scenes to the office goof with the mistletoe hat, costumes and wearables can go a long way toward a jolly holiday for retailers. While you may not be equipped to sell complete costumes, smaller wearables — necklaces, hats, printed ties and accessories, antlers — can add the perfect touch to an ordinary outfit, or purchase.

Party & Paper talked to Linda Sutherland of Fun Corner in San Bernardino, Calif., Mel Heywood at The Lippman Co. in Portland, Ore., and Kim Baker, product specialist for The Beistle Company, about what works and what to expect for the year ahead.

What winter holiday costumes and accessories sell best?
Mel Heywood
The Lippman Co.
We would probably do just fine if the only things we carried were Santa hats and reindeer antlers! We offer a large selection of traditional Santa hats in a range of styles and price points, a couple of different reindeer antlers, elf hats, reindeer noses, flashing lightbulb necklaces…and that’s just the beginning.
If it’s Christmas-themed and you can put it on your body, it will sell. Just be sure not to mince on quality, or you’ll be saddled with eight cases of sub-par elf-ears for the next several years.

Linda Sutherland
Fun Corner
The most popular are no surprise — Santa, some Mrs. Claus, elves and Santa hats. We also sell all the Christian costumes/angels for the church Christmas pageants.
Of course, Santa gloves, belts, hats, boot spats, toy bags and hand bells are always in demand. For the elves, we sell shoes, elf kits, ears, stockings and hats. Ben Nye make-up is also a big seller for the many Santa’s and Christmas plays.

Kim Baker
Beistle Company
Beistle recommends carrying a full selection of funny novelty hats, headbands, reindeer antlers, buttons, beads and vests. It’s important to carry more than just a basic Santa hat — beards, headbands complete with mistletoe, flashing buttons, decorated reindeer antlers and novelty eyeglasses are just a few of the unique wearables available now.

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Originally posted Wednesday, May. 27, 2009