How to Pitch Your Product to Gift Guides & Magazines (Without Paying for PR)

In this episode of the Gloria Chou PR Podcast, I break down how small business founders can get featured in gift guides—without paying for ads, without hiring a PR agency, and without sending endless free samples. If you’re a product-based business owner, maker, or subscription box founder looking for cost-free press opportunities, this episode is your step-by-step guide to landing coverage in holiday gift guides, seasonal roundups, and national publications like Forbes, Elle, and The New York Post. The Best Time to Pitch Gift Guides Timing is everything. Learn exactly when to pitch for:Holiday gift guides (Q4, Black Friday, Cyber Monday)Valentine’s Day gift guidesMother’s Day gift guidesPrint vs. digital media timelines Do You Have to Send Samples? Not always. I share when journalists actually want samples, when they don’t, and how to avoid wasting money on free product giveaways. You’ll also hear creative sample alternatives for luxury products, handmade goods, or high-cost items. How to Choose Which Product to Pitch Stop sending your whole catalog! Discover how to:Pitch 1–2 best sellers journalists actually want to featureMatch your pitch to seasonal trends and occasionsLeverage limited-time collaborations and bundles for maximum press Why Curated Boxes and Retailers Can Get Featured Too You don’t need to manufacture your own products to get press. Subscription boxes and curators are landing features in Apartment Therapy, Forbes, Brit+Co, and more—I’ll share exactly how they do it. Breaking Through PR Myths & Limiting Beliefs Think you need: ❌ A perfect website? ❌ Hundreds of customer testimonials? ❌ A massive social media following? Think again. I’ll show you why journalists care more about seasonal relevance, story, and uniqueness than vanity metrics. Final Takeaway Gift guides aren’t just for the holidays—they’re a year-round PR strategy that can boost sales, SEO, and brand credibility. Everything you want in your business is on the other side of pressing “send.” You don’t need a PR agency or a five-figure ad budget. What you need is:  ✅ A clear, relevant pitch  ✅ Consistency and follow-up  ✅ The courage to start now ✨ If you’re serious about getting your products featured in holiday gift guides and top media outlets, this episode is your roadmap.