Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Our School Holiday Shop Program
Many questions about planning, pricing, gift items, free supplies, and the online cash register are answered in the Frequently Asked Questions section.
What is Natalie's School Holiday Shop Program?
Natalie’s Holiday Shop Program has partnered with educators and parents to give elementary-age students a meaningful, real-life learning experience. The program teaches lessons in generosity, budgeting, and money management, while allowing children to shop independently and secretly for gifts that will surprise their family and friends.
Natalie’s Holiday Shops makes it easy for schools to host a successful holiday shop. We ship all gift items directly to the school, and volunteers or school administrators simply set up the store on campus.
There is no upfront cost—we cover all shipping and supplies. Schools enjoy high-quality gift items, free supplies, and exclusive bonuses, making Natalie’s Holiday Shops one of the best holiday shop programs in the industry.
What is the process for booking natalie's holiday shops?
To book Natalie's Holiday Shop for your event, simply go to SIGN-UP Today and fill the contract out and provide us with your event details. We will confirm via text/e-mail soon as we receive it.
Is Natalie's Elf Shelf a fundraiser or service project for the school?
The PTA or PTO may choose to run this as either a Service Project or a Fundraiser.
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If run as a Service Project, prices must remain at 0% markup.
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If run as a Fundraiser, please select a markup between 10%–30%.
Natalie’s Holiday Shops is a school-based program that allows schools to earn profits ranging from 0%–30%. For the best overall experience, we recommend selecting a profit level between 0%–20%. This will keep the prices low for the students and families. The markup you choose is the profit your school earns and keeps.
Please see pricing section for more details.
Are Natalie's Elf Shelf and Giftland the same school holiday shop company?
The company’s official name is Natalie’s Holiday Shop. Schools can choose from two themed holiday shop experiences: Natalie’s Elf Shelf or Natalie’s Giftland Holiday Shop.
Two Themes, One Company!
When your school signs up for 2026, you’ll have the exciting option to choose the theme that best fits your school.
✨ Theme One: Natalie’s Elf Shelf Holiday Shop
This theme brings all the traditional, classic holiday vibes you know and love!
🍭 Theme Two: Natalie's Giftland® Holiday Shop
This theme brings all the fun, whimsical, candy-land holiday vibes you know and love!
🎁 What stays the same?
All products, the register system, and bonuses are exactly the same across both themes.
🎨 What’s different?
The only differences are the branding, free supplies, and marketing materials—giving you the flexibility to choose the look and feel that best suits your school.
Does our school pay anything up front?
No—you only pay for what you sell, and payment is due at the very end of the store.
Can we return leftover merchandise?
Yes, Natalie’s Holiday Shop takes back all leftover merchandise. The PTA/PTO or school is never out any money with us.
Do we pay for shipping cost?
No! Natalie's Elf Shelf® Holiday Store pays for ALL shipping cost.
Do we need to take inventory?
No! Natalie's Holiday Shops never requires inventory counting. Inventory tracking is handled through our online cash register system. Login information will be emailed to the chairperson 30 days prior to the store opening.
What is the price range of items in the kids holiday gift shop?
The gift items range from $$0.50-$12.50 with 75% of the items being under $6.00. (Please see pricing section for more details)
Does Natalie's Elf Shelf work with all 50 states?
Natalie’s Holiday Shops ships to all U.S. states except Hawaii and Alaska due to high shipping costs.
Does Natalie's Elf Shelf Employees run the holiday shop at my school?
No — Natalie’s Holiday Shops does not send their own employees to run the holiday shop at your school. Instead, your school’s volunteers run the shop (like parents, school staff, librarians, or PTA/PTO helpers).
If we get low on gift items. Can we place a order for re-stock?
Yes! We overnight all re-orders via FedEx when the re-order form is submitted by 1:00 PM CST. Re-orders can be placed through our register system or directly on our website.
Do you charge for canceling?
Yes! Please note our cancellation policy when signing up your school:
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If you cancel on or before September 25, 2026, there is no cancellation fee.
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If you cancel after September 25, 2026, a $500 cancellation fee will apply.
This policy is necessary because once your school signs up, we immediately reserve merchandise specifically for your program.
Do you offer free supplies?
Yes! We have the BEST supplies in the holiday shop business.
We offer everything you need for a successful holiday shop, including six different gift bag options, parent letters, gift envelopes, tablecloths, volunteer aprons, posters, banners, social media images, an online cash register, and more.
👉 Be sure to visit the Free Supplies section for full details. Each holiday shop theme offers different supplies and marketing materials.
Do you offer a Online Cash Register?
Yes! We offer a state-of-the-art online cash register system that’s super easy to use and truly the best in the business. It’s fully compatible across all devices—phones, tablets, laptops, and desktops.
Volunteers can add multiple users, access detailed sales reports, track eWallets, and accept all forms of payment. Parents also enjoy their own secure portal for easy access and transparency.
Do we have to provide our own device for the cash register system?
Yes, your school will need to provide its own device(s). The platform works on phones (Apple and Android), tablets, laptops, and desktop computers, and is compatible across all devices.
Do you offer eWallet?
The eWallet program is perfect for parents and guardians who prefer not to send their child to school with cash when shopping at Natalie’s Holiday Shops. It works just like a gift card!
Parents and guardians can easily go online to upload funds to their child’s eWallet account. During the sale, students use their eWallet balance to make purchases—no cash needed.
The chairperson can conveniently track all sales through our online cash register system.
Detailed reports include:
- Student name
- Purchase amount
- Gift card code
- Amount redeemed
- Remaining balance
Please see the eWallet section for more information.
Do you offer early sign up bonuses?
Do you offer Wifi Packs?
Yes, we do offer Verizon WiFi Packs for schools with limited or unreliable internet service.
If your school requires a WiFi Pack, please be sure to request one when you sign up for the 2026 season.
A $50 WiFi Pack fee will be added to your invoice at the end of the store.
WiFi Packs are shipped along with your store materials, and a return shipping label will be included for easy return after the store closes.
Do you get NEW gift items every year?
Yes! We have new gift items every year!
Do you offer a financial assistance program?
Yes! We offer Gift Bucks for children who can’t afford to shop in our store. Gift Bucks must be selected as an early sign-up bonus.
How many days do schools run the holiday shop for?
The store must operate for 3–5 days during school hours. Night events are permitted as long as the store also runs for 3–5 days during school hours. One-day events are not allowed unless approved by Natalie’s Holiday Shops. If you are wanting to have a 1 day event please contact us directly at 580-399-4177.
Are your gift Items CPSIA Compliant?
Yes! All of our gift items are tested and meet CPSIA compliance standards.