Last-minute PR wins: What you can still pitch in November
Missed the early gift guide deadlines? You’re not alone.
Many eCommerce brands assume that by November, the press window has closed. But that’s not true. While the big glossy roundups are often wrapped up by now, there are still plenty of last-minute PR opportunities, especially for product-based brands that can move quickly.
At PR Dispatch, we believe it’s never too late to land a win. With the right pitch, the right angle and the right timing, you can still secure press that builds visibility and drives festive sales.
Here’s what you can still pitch in November — and how to do it.
1. Last-minute gift guides
Credit: www.theguardian.com
Not all editors work months ahead. While long-lead print gift guides typically wrap between July and September, November is still very much alive with opportunities for:
Daily print features
Online roundups
Short-lead product edits
The key difference? These guides come together much faster — sometimes with just 48 hours’ notice. If your product is available and you can ship quickly, you’re in a great position to be featured.
Use this visual guide to understand how Christmas gift guide timelines typically unfold:
And if you need a deeper breakdown of how to pitch to gift guides — from images to timing — check out our full guide: Gift Guide Pitching 101: How to Get Featured in the Best Christmas Gift Guides
2. Shipping cut-off angles
Credit: www.standard.co.uk
Publications love to support their readers with service-led content. That includes reminders on last order dates.
If your brand offers guaranteed Christmas delivery later than the big retailers, shout about it.
Pitch angle:
“Still taking orders until 22nd December? This indie brand is a last-minute gift lifesaver.”
3. New Year features
While most brands are hyper-focused on Christmas, smart marketers are already thinking about January visibility. This is your moment to pitch products or stories for the New Year reset.
Think:
Wellness and self-care
Organising and decluttering
New routines or productivity
Sustainable swaps
“New Year, new you” roundups
Credit: www.independent.co.uk
These lists start coming together in late November and early December — perfect timing if you want a head start on 2025.
4. Small business spotlights
In the lead-up to Small Business Saturday (typically the first Saturday in December), many publications spotlight independent brands worth supporting.
Credit: www.creativeboom.com
If you’re a founder-led, UK-made, or ethically focused brand, now’s your time to be seen.
Pitch angle:
“This sustainable, female-founded brand makes meaningful gifts under £30 — perfect for small business roundups this December.”
5. Quick editorial wins: Comments & quotes
Not all PR is product-based. Editors often need quick comments or expert opinions for seasonal stories. If you’re a founder with a unique story, point of view, or niche expertise, offer yourself up.
Ideas:
Tips for gift-giving or avoiding festive burnout
Sustainable or budget-friendly Christmas ideas
Business reflections on Q4 or preparing for 2025
Offering helpful, concise input positions you as a go-to source for future stories.
What journalists still need in November
To move quickly, editors need:
Cut-out images (JPEG, white background, web and high-res)
Clear pricing and product links
Delivery timelines and stock info
Quick replies to follow-ups
Make it easy for them to include you, and you’ll be ahead of 90% of the competition.
Final thoughts
It’s not too late. In fact, November is often the sweet spot for last-minute press wins, especially for eCommerce brands that are ready to move fast, stay relevant and pitch smart.
At PR Dispatch, we help you find those last-minute angles, access the right journalist contacts, and pitch with confidence — even when the deadline feels tight.
Want support landing coverage this Christmas (and into the New Year)?
Join the PR Dispatch Pro plan to receive pitch templates, expert guidance, and journalist databases specifically designed for product-based brands.