A List of Subject Lines and Offers for the Holidays
The holidays are here and so are the scads of subject lines in my inbox.

I took a peruse and thought you might be interested in some we thought needed a bit of help and some we think are fabulous!
Below that is a listing of some generic subject lines you can take and use for your own business as well as a few industries I picked out specifically. First let's start off with the basics...
Subject Line 101
- Not too long - 40-50 characters
- Don't repeat your from label, it's a waste of space
- Don't use all caps
- Don't overuse punctuation
- Don't abuse the word "Free"
- Most important information in the beginning
That said, let's see a few subject lines that need help.
Help Needed!
Nieman Marcus: FREE SHIPPING + The Gifting Event: Great gifts for everyoneAND YOU!
Too many caps, too long, too much punctuation weird spacing. This one hurts my eyes.
Banana Republic: Your Holiday Offer is Here + Men's Outerwear
What is the offer Banana?
Real Subject Lines We Like!
- Shutterfly: janine, 2 days to enjoy holiday cards on us
- RICHART Chocolate: Handmade French Truffles 2006
- Frontgate: Remember, Save 20% Site-wide at Frontgate.com
- Brookstone: Full-size authentic arcade games--just like you remember
Generic Subject Lines We Like
- Buy one, get two widgets
- Gift baskets under $45
- Gifts under $20 No S and H
- Holiday Daily: widgets under $20
- Customer faves under $30
- [Gift Certificate] $25 e-gift sent immediately
- Buy before Nov.30 get 20% off
- Order by 12/22, Holiday delivery guaranteed
- Buy a widget 10% goes to a cancer cure
- Stocking Stuffer Alert-Get a $5 gift card with purchase
- [Offline Specific] Invitation: Wine in-store Saturday the 22nd
- [Offline Specific] Last minute shoppers: Open until 9pm
Subject Lines for Salons or Day Spas for the Holidays
- Get Party-Ready Now - $35 for Mani/Pedi
- Holiday Rejuvenate - Spiced Scented Massage
- [Gift Certificate] Last minute shoppers: $35 Mani/Pedi day
- $20-$50 Gift baskets in stock
Subject Lines for Restaurants for the Holidays
- Have {COMPANY_NAME}’s holiday party with us
- Appetizers for you and 9 friends on us
- Last minute: Give a $50 gift card this season
- Take a shopping break, come in for a drink
- Bring this coupon in for a free appetizer with purchase
- Shop at Sally’s and get a drink at Harry’s
Subject Lines for Wineries
- Book now - 10 dates left for holiday parties
- Wine clubs: The gift that gives all year long
- Trio of wine under $50 with gift pack and card
- 40% holiday discount for wine club members
- Discounts and Free S&H for wine members
- 2005 Cab with our gift of Riedel wine glasses
Hopefully this helps, if you've got any ideas to contribute, bring 'em on!


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