How It Works

How Our Elementary School Holiday Shop Fundraiser Works

Natalie’s Holiday Shops is designed to be predictable, organized, and easy for schools to manage. The holiday shop follows a clear process from sign-up through closing, with guidance and support provided at each stage.

STEP 1

Sign Up for Your School Holiday Shop

Schools begin by signing up for the holiday season and selecting their preferred shop dates and pricing option.

During sign-up, schools:

Choose their holiday shop dates
Select a pricing option
Provide basic school and contact information

There is no upfront cost to participate. Once signed up, schools receive confirmation and access to planning resources.

STEP 2

Receive Your Free Promotional School Holiday Shop Kit

In mid-October, schools receive their free promotional kit, typically shipped in one to two boxes. Your promotional kit will be customized to match the theme you select — either Natalie’s Elf Shelf Holiday Shop or Natalie’s Giftland Holiday Shop.

The kit includes materials to help schools prepare families, students, and volunteers for the shop, such as:

Posters and banners
Parent letters (English and Spanish)
Gift guide envelopes
eWallet information
Chairperson handbook
Access to training videos
Online cash register login details

These materials are designed to support clear communication and smooth planning.

STEP 3

Receive Gift Items and Set Up the Shop

Gift items and shop supplies are shipped directly to the school prior to the scheduled shop dates. Schools receive shipping notifications and tracking information.

Review the training videos
Set up tables and displays
Prepare the online cash register and eWallet system
Volunteer-led
Age-appropriate for elementary students
Structured to help students shop independently within a budget

STEP 4

Run Your Kids Holiday Gift Shop

During the shop, students purchase gifts for family and friends using cash or eWallet funds.

The online cash register helps volunteers:

Track Sales
eWallet /Dedicated Parent eWallet portal
Sales Reports
Compatible across all devices
Place Re-Order for more merchandise
Add and manage multiple Cashiers
And so much more!

The shop typically runs during school hours and is structured to minimize disruption to classrooms and staff.

STEP 5

Close the Shop and Return Unsold Gifts

After the holiday shop ends, schools complete a few short online closing forms.

Unsold gift items are:

Packed back into the original boxes - No particular order (the least amount of boxes sent back the better)
Return Shipping Labels will be provided for you to stick on the boxes and place in the front office for UPS to pickup.

Schools will be sent a invoice after the shop closes.

Checkout & Payments

Fast checkout and returns
Accepts Cash, Check, eWallet, and Credit Cards
Split payment options
Compatible across all devices

Returns & Support

Request return shipping labels
Submit damaged merchandise reports
Submit billing forms or request invoices

Reporting & Tracking

Detailed sales reports
Track eWallet sales and redeemed eWallets
Submit billing forms or request invoices

User & Staff Management

Add and manage multiple cashiers

Parent eWallet Experience

Dedicated parent eWallet portal
Automated email reminders for remaining eWallet balances

01 Oct, 2024

Ongoing Support Throughout the Process

Support is available throughout the holiday shop experience. Schools have access to training videos, chairperson manual, online resources, phone and email support.

These resources are provided to help volunteers feel confident and prepared at each stage of the process.

Designed for Elementary School PTOs and PTAs

The school holiday shop fundraiser program is built specifically for elementary schools and school-affiliated organizations. It is designed to support volunteer-led execution, clear expectations and structure, school-safe, age-appropriate shopping experiences.

From sign-up to closing, the process is designed to reduce uncertainty and support a successful event.