2024's Top Christmas Affiliate Programs That Actually Pay Up
Here’s a breakdown of top programs worth exploring, plus quick-hit tips to amplify your holiday commissions without wasting time on fluff.
The holiday season is affiliate gold. Holiday retail sales are expected to rise 2.3% to 3.3%, reaching between $1.58 trillion and $1.59 trillion from November to January. As an affiliate, you have a huge opportunity if you play it smart. Here’s a breakdown of top programs worth exploring, plus quick-hit tips to amplify your holiday commissions without wasting time on fluff.
Amazon
Amazon remains a holiday powerhouse, with Q4 sales hitting an estimated $155 billion in 2023, showing continued double-digit growth.Their affiliate commissions range from 4-10%, with holiday spikes across specific categories.
What Works:
- Promote new releases like Echo devices or Kindle bundles.
- Share tailored gift guides and holiday deals to cover high-margin products.
- Use their coupons and lightning deals—these are designed to convert.
Walmart
Walmart's online growth surged another 40% in 2023, fueled by new offerings in toy, apparel, and grocery categories. Affiliates earn 3-6% on sales across the board.
What Works:
- Push toy and electronic deals for holiday splurges.
- Emphasize free 2-day shipping—it’s a standout for gift-givers.
- Highlight gift baskets or holiday food specials for basket upsizing.
Etsy
Etsy's 2023 holiday season saw an impressive 60% revenue increase as more people seek unique, customizable gifts. Affiliates get 5% commissions with a 60-day cookie, so your efforts keep paying off even after the first click.
What Works:
- Feature curated gift guides with one-of-a-kind items.
- Focus on sellers with Christmas-themed inventory and customization options.
- Highlight festive decor categories like ornaments to catch early planners.
Macy’s
Macy’s affiliate program pays 2-8%, and they run some serious holiday promotions with stacked coupons that drive impulse buying.
What Works:
- Share daily deals and coupon codes during key shopping dates.
- Curate luxury gift guides for jewelry and fragrances.
- After-Christmas clearance can also be a big win for snagging shoppers looking for discounts.
Sephora
Beauty sales explode in December, with Sephora dominating. They offer 5-15% commissions on top products like skincare sets and fragrances, making it ideal for tapping into the beauty crowd.
What Works:
- Push cruelty-free and eco-friendly options for conscious shoppers.
- Jump on limited-edition holiday lines and gift-with-purchase deals.
- Beauty sets make great presents, so highlight discounts early.
LEGO
LEGO’s Christmas products are perennial hits, with growth projected at double-digits again. Affiliates earn 3-7% on everything from exclusive kits to advent calendars.
What Works:
- Feature limited-edition sets like Santa and Christmas Tree builds.
- Highlight LEGO advent calendars—they’re unique stocking stuffers.
- Jump on Marvel and Star Wars kits—timely with Disney+ releases.
Uncommon Goods
Uncommon Goods is the go-to for shoppers hunting unique, handcrafted gifts. Their affiliate program offers a straightforward 5% commission with a 30-day cookie.
What Works:
- Curate gift guides with quirky, niche items that stand out.
- Highlight eco-friendly and handmade options for conscious shoppers.
- Push holiday-themed products and gift sets that feel one-of-a-kind.
Wayfair
With Christmas sales pushing $3 billion, Wayfair’s program (8% flat rate) is great for promoting home decor and holiday furnishings.
What Works:
- Promote seasonal decor like Christmas trees and lighting.
- Free shipping on everything helps convert window-shoppers into buyers.
- Share home product deals—think cozy items for winter upgrades.
Best Buy
Electronics dominate holiday shopping, and Best Buy's program offers 1-6% commissions on high-ticket items. Their holiday deals attract buyers from Black Friday onward.
What Works:
- Highlight discounts on electronics, especially laptops and TVs.
- Share gift guides for remote workers and students (headphones, monitors).
- Fitness and health products sell well, too—capitalize on post-holiday fitness goals.
Disney
Disney’s licensed merchandise, from toys to streaming subscriptions, is perfect for Christmas. Commissions run 4-12%, with frequent promo codes that affiliates can leverage.
What Works:
- Gift guides with Disney favorites like lightsabers or character sets.
- Promote Disney+ subscriptions with holiday specials.
- Emphasize higher commission items around the Cyber Week rush.
When to Start, How to Stay on Top
The real trick is to start early. Begin promotions weeks before Thanksgiving and keep up momentum until Christmas Eve. Don’t miss late-December peak conversions; if you drop out too early, you’ll lose out on last-minute buyers.
Pro Moves:
- Pick programs that have proven holiday success and consistent growth.
- Optimize with seasonal links and evergreen content ahead of Black Friday.
- Keep pushing holiday content through December 24—it’s prime shopping time.
- Use analytics to refine funnels and squeeze the most out of each campaign.
