RIDGELAND, MISS. – September 10, 2026 -- Families hoping to gift a handcrafted, personalized toy this Christmas should place their orders by early to mid-November, according to a HelloNation article spotlighting custom toy makers in Ridgeland, Mississippi.
Each handcrafted piece requires multiple drying stages that cannot be rushed
Retail Expert Melissa Skelton explains that painting, drying, and sealing are separate stages, each requiring its own completion time. A detailed custom name puzzle can take 2 to 4 weeks to finish because every step must be completed before the next begins. Painted step stools with multiple colors or illustrations need repeated coats, with each layer requiring a full drying cycle.
Mississippi humidity affects how quickly paint and sealants cure
Local weather conditions in Ridgeland influence drying times, and even small shifts in moisture or temperature change the schedule. Skelton says these natural factors require makers to build in extra days during the holiday season so colors stay smooth and sealants form a safe, durable surface.
Simple designs move faster than detailed, multi-step items
A keepsake bucket with short lettering can move through production faster than a puzzle with custom shapes and color blends. Painted step stools with hand-drawn artwork require multiple coats, each needing its own drying period. Skelton notes that once studios set holiday order deadlines, they stick to them to maintain consistency and safety.
Ordering in October or early November opens up more customization options
Parents who reach out before the holiday rush have more choices in colors, themes, and styles, since makers still have time for design conversations and adjustments. Once workloads build later in the season, studios shift to focused production with less room for customization.
Studios close custom lists once December production schedules fill up
By December, most studios are completing final coats and preparing items for delivery or pickup, according to the article. Late requests may not fit the schedule, and even a basic puzzle might require more drying time than remains before Christmas. Painted step stools needing several coats can no longer be finished without risking soft paint or smudges, so makers prioritize consistency and safety over rushed jobs.
Early orders protect the long-term durability of keepsake items
A custom name puzzle becomes a lasting keepsake when each stage cures properly, and painted step stools hold up for years when the finish has time to harden. Keepsake buckets stay bright and smooth once sealants fully dry. Skelton says holiday order deadlines function as tools for producing long-lasting gifts rather than barriers.