When we first started making custom tea towels, I didn’t realize just how popular they’d become with gift shops. But over time, I’ve seen them turn into a go-to product that many shop owners reorder again and again.
Custom tea towels are popular with gift shops because they’re practical, personal, and offer great profit margins. Their low MOQ also makes them ideal for small businesses looking to test new designs or seasonal ideas.
So why exactly are tea towels such a perfect fit for gift stores? Here’s what I’ve noticed—
Custom Tea Towels Are Functional and Giftable
In retail, the best-selling products tend to be both useful and gift-worthy. Tea towels check both boxes. They’re something everyone uses, but with the right design, they feel like a thoughtful gift too.
Many of our gift shop clients tell us that tea towels are an easy sell. Tourists love them, locals buy them for their kitchens, and they make great last-minute gifts. Whether it’s a cute illustration, a local landmark, or a funny phrase — printed kitchen towels just work.
One shop owner told me her tea towels became one of her best impulse-buy items, especially when placed near checkout. Since they’re lightweight, easy to carry, and don’t feel like a “serious” purchase, customers add them to their cart without hesitation.
Small MOQ Makes It Easy for Gift Shops to Start
A lot of new clients ask, “Do I need to order hundreds?” Honestly, no. At Blanc Tea Towel, we start from just 20 pieces. That’s been a game-changer for small stores and boutique owners.
Low minimum order tea towels let you test new collections without big risks. You don’t have to hold a lot of stock, and you can try different themes — holiday, local, or artist-designed — without overcommitting.
Some of our customers even order just one small batch per month with different prints. It keeps their product displays fresh and helps them stand out from stores carrying mass-produced goods.
Designs Can Be Tailored to Fit Local Culture or Store Style
The beauty of custom printed tea towels is that the design is all yours. Whether you want to reflect your local culture, match your store’s vibe, or showcase a collaboration — it’s all possible.
One of our New Zealand customers added traditional Maori patterns to their towels. They sold out in a weekend. Another in Australia printed native animals and beach scenes. Tourists loved them.
Seasonal designs, cityscapes, quotes, recipes — we’ve seen it all. And the best part? Customers connect with these designs emotionally. That makes them more likely to buy.
Easy to Display and Boost In-store Aesthetics
Let’s be real — some products are hard to display. Tea towels are not. Fold them, hang them, roll them up with a ribbon — they always look good.
That’s why many shop owners say our custom tea towels make their stores look better. They add color, texture, and personality to the shelves. When you put them near kitchenware, cookbooks, or food items, they create a nice visual story.
One client uses tea towels in themed gift bundles — paired with honey, olive oil, or a cookbook. It makes a simple display look curated and thoughtful.
Higher Profit Margins Compared to Generic Products
Let’s talk about margins. Custom tea towels for gift shops can be priced well above cost — especially when they’re unique or designed by local artists.
We’ve had clients turn $5 towels into $15 retail items. That’s a solid markup. And because they’re not sold everywhere, you avoid price competition. You’re selling a design, not just a towel.
Independent artists often use tea towels to expand their product line. Their followers already love their art, so a printed towel feels like a collectible — not just homeware.
Great for Seasonal or Limited Edition Campaigns
Limited editions sell. It’s that simple. And tea towels are perfect for seasonal drops — Christmas, Easter, Mother’s Day, local events — you name it.
Because they’re affordable and easy to produce in small runs, you can create themed versions without much risk. Customers love “get it before it’s gone” products.
Some clients even print a new design every season. It keeps their shop looking fresh and gives loyal customers a reason to come back regularly.
Summary
If you run a gift shop and want a product that’s eye-catching, low-risk, and profitable — custom tea towels might just be your new best seller.
