Best dropshipping products for May 2024

May brings longer daylight hours, two bank holidays, and a renewed desire to spend time outdoors – doing everything from BBQ to DIY. 

If you’re a dropshipping side hustler already looking to source more products to scale, or you’re brand new to the game but ready to start your own dropshipping business, capitalising on these seasonal trends can boost your profits. But what exactly are British consumers looking for this spring? 

This article will highlight some of the best products to consider with a focus on the specific needs and preferences of the British public this May. We’ll delve into trending spring and summer essentials, evergreen niches that see consistent demand, search trends and the latest social media crazes. 

Spring awakening: perfect products for the great outdoors

With the promise of warmer weather, Brits are preparing for prime gardening season in the UK, with an estimated 27 million people participating in gardening activities according to a report by Cladco Decking.

The British Garden Centre Association has also noted that sales are expected to rise by 10% in 2024. 

Essential gardening tools

Offering a variety of high-quality tools suitable for both novice and experienced gardeners might be a super hot pick this month. Currently in search rankings “garden tools” has a search volume of 201,000 – a substantial increase of +62,713% from last year. This article by Which? highlighted an excellent selection of what people are generally looking for, from rakes to gloves to wheelbarrows – these all cater to the green-thumbed crowd. 

Space-saving and stylish planters

Since limited outdoor space is a reality for many UK homes, balcony and vertical gardening solutions are becoming increasingly popular. 

A range of stylish and space-saving planters, including hanging baskets, window boxes, tiered planters, or vertical garden kits could do incredibly well this season. In 2024, 30 million gardeners across the UK can look forward to indoor spaces bursting with houseplants, according to The Royal Horticultural Society in their 2024 gardening trends predictions.

Swimwear for the bank holidays

The pound’s fluctuating value is causing many Britons to opt for staycations over foreign holidays, according to a report by Travelodge, which predicts that staycations are expected to rise by 15% in 2024. This presents a golden opportunity for dropshippers to cater to the demand for stylish and practical swimwear.

Offering a range of swimwear separates that can be easily mixed and matched to create different looks caters to budget-conscious consumers who may not want to purchase multiple full swimsuits.

Sun protection is also a key concern, so consider offering swimwear with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) ratings to keep customers safe in the sunshine. UPF has a current search volume of 90,500, and the better-known “SPF” (which you could easily piggyback off) is currently at an average of 301,000 searches per month. 

Lightweight clothing in breathable fabrics

As the days lengthen and the weather warms, Brits are eager to shed their winter layers. Focus on dropshipping lightweight clothing made from breathable fabrics like linen and cotton. Think flowy dresses, breezy shirts, and comfortable shorts for those warmer days. 

A study by Kantar, a market research company, revealed that clothing made from natural fibres is a top priority for 62% of UK consumers. 

And forever a classic: you just can’t beat a plain t-shirt. Search volume for “plain white tee” currently stands at around 60,500 per month, and remains a trend that continues to steadily rise, up  +511% this year already. 

Stylish sunglasses with UV protection

The UK sun might not be scorching year-round, but that doesn’t mean eye protection isn’t essential. In fact, a 2023 “Focused Insights” report by The Vision Council, a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting healthy vision, revealed that 72% of UK adults wear sunglasses regularly.

Go beyond basic black and offer a variety of frame colours and materials to match any personality. And don’t forget to do your due diligence: ensure all sunglasses provide 100% UVA and UVB protection. Highlighting this crucial feature in your product descriptions and emphasising how it safeguards your customers’ eye health may result in additional sales from buyers who may not have considered those factors, but will be glad you did. 

Sandals

Platform soles, bold colours, and unexpected embellishments are all on-trend for spring 2024 footwear. Platform sandals are expected to be a major trend this season according to Stylight Magazine. As of April, “sandals 2024” is up in a nationwide search of trending keywords by +8,900%. Chunky platforms, woven details, and pops of colour are just what customers are looking for right now to add a little personality to their spring wardrobes.

Hats

Hats are always popular, and there are no signs of that slowing down in April. WGSN, a trend forecasting agency, highlights the enduring popularity of bucket hats – so new takes with playful patterns, textures, and unexpected materials should win out this Spring. 

Travels essentials

With travel restrictions easing, many people are planning domestic getaways within the UK. Offer in-demand travel accessories like:

Packing organisers

Brits are renowned for their love of a well-organised trip, with a 2023 study by Mintel revealing that 68% of UK travellers prioritise staying clutter-free on their journeys.

A range of high-quality packing organisers would be ideal to sell right now and would help travellers compartmentalise their belongings – maximising space in suitcases and minimising rummaging for essentials.

Consider offering a variety of sizes and styles to cater to different travel needs.  Breathable packing cubes are perfect for clothing, while smaller pouches can keep toiletries and electronics neatly organised.

Stylish travel bags

In 2018, British Airways found that over 50% of women have travelled abroad alone, and 75% of women were planning a solo trip in the next few years.

From chic weekenders to spacious duffel bags, you could cater to a wide range of travel styles and sell a large quantity of bags. Lightweight and durable materials that meet the demands of UK travel would work best, as well as water-resistant materials and bags with compartments to optimise functionality for British weather conditions.

You can also try to source travel bags with features like:

• Wheeled suitcases: for effortless manoeuvring, especially on uneven surfaces often encountered in historic UK towns and villages. (Search volume: 12,100)
• Expandable compartments: allowing travellers to pack more for longer trips or adjust for souvenir purchases.
• Padded compartments: to protect delicate items like electronics or toiletries.

The search volume on “travel bags” and “suitcases” are currently at 550,000 and 823,000 per month respectively. 

Reusable water bottles with a sustainable twist

Sustainability is a major concern for British consumers, with a 2022 survey by WRAP, a waste reduction charity, revealing that 84% are actively trying to reduce their plastic waste.

TikTok has been buzzing with Stanley cups lately after their big comeback, so it could be interesting to tap into the current craze (which at its height, and due to an incredible display of the cup’s durability in the face of a car fire, garnered 94 million views).  While the brand itself may not be the only option,  leverage the trend by offering a variety of insulated, reusable water bottles in a range of colours and styles. This caters to both the eco-conscious consumer and those simply looking for a trendy water bottle to match their style.

Look for bottles made from recycled materials or those that come with built-in filters to minimise plastic waste and cater to the environmentally conscious consumer.

Smart home devices

As the days get longer and the weather warms in the UK, Brits naturally spend more time outdoors. But that doesn’t mean neglecting the comfort and convenience of a smart home.  The UK smart home market is booming, with a projected value of £22.4 billion by 2025 according to Statista.

Have you considered smart thermostats, for example? This is an evergreen dropshipping product that amasses 100,000 searches per month on average as it’s useful all year round. As the weather warms, smart thermostats can help maintain a comfortable temperature in your home without wasted energy. Program them to adjust automatically when you’re out enjoying the spring sunshine and avoid unnecessary heating costs.

Functional and decorative homeware

Brits love to spruce up their homes, and the homeware market is expected to reach a value of £18.2 billion by 2024 according to a report by Mintel. Offer stylish storage solutions, decorative throws and cushions, and unique wall art that combines functionality with aesthetics.

Pro tips for dropshipping success in May

Conclusion

May presents a golden opportunity for dropshippers to make some big bucks on seasonal trends and evergreen niches. If you can successfully tap into the preferences of British consumers and offer products that cater to their desire for outdoor relaxation, staycation essentials, and sustainable living, you can set your business up for a really profitable month. 

As a few closing thoughts, it would be smart to prioritise high-quality products, fast UK delivery, and targeted marketing to maximise your dropshipping success and the tips in this article. 

So what are you waiting for? It’s time to leverage the insights in this guide, and watch your May sales bloom!