The holidays are one of the busiest and most exciting times of year for small businesses. But they’re also a golden opportunity to make a lasting impression. Thoughtful holiday packaging design can elevate your brand, increase your perceived value and give your customers that little extra feeling of joy during the unboxing experience.
Whether you’re sending out online orders or handing over in-person gifts, festive packaging adds a layer of delight that can turn one-time buyers into loyal fans of your brand. And the best part is, you don’t need a huge budget or a big redesign to make an impact. From creative color palettes to sustainable finishing touches, this guide is full of ideas to help your holiday packaging stand out.
- There are plenty of clever ways to personalize your packaging, like custom stickers, tags and thank-you notes that make customers feel genuinely appreciated.
- Eco-friendly materials that still look premium and festive, from kraft paper and twine to reusable gift bags and soy-based inks.
- Branded packaging can increase your social shares and word-of-mouth marketing, as a unique unboxing experience is more likely to be shared.
- Understanding how to plan ahead will mean you’re ready for seasonal demand, from ordering timelines, bulk buying and shipping best practices.
Source: Create custom stickers for your holiday packaging
Define the look and feel of your holiday packaging
Before we dive into creative ideas, here’s one tip that’ll save you time, money and decision fatigue: Pick a clear aesthetic and stick with it. Whether you want your holiday packaging to feel rustic and handmade or modern and luxurious, choosing a consistent look makes the rest of your packaging choices much easier—and way more impactful.
It’s tempting to throw every festive element into the mix, but the strongest packaging designs often keep things simple. A focused visual theme will help your brand stand out and also make it easier for customers to recognize and remember you, especially when they’re sharing photos or sending your product as a gift.
Use seasonal color schemes and typography
Color one of the quickest ways to set the mood for your holiday packaging. Think rich reds, pine greens, frosted whites and metallics like gold or silver for a traditional look. Or take a more playful approach with icy blues, blush pinks or jewel tones. Whatever palette you choose, make sure it ties into your brand identity so your packaging feels both festive and authentic.
Typography can also help express your style. Serif fonts with gold foil accents can feel upscale and polished, while bold, handwritten typefaces in bright colors add a fun and friendly vibe.
Need ideas to get started? Check out our holiday color palette guide for seasonal combos that’ll suit every kind of brand.
Source: Pick festive colours for your holiday packaging
Incorporate holiday designs
Once you’ve set your colors and fonts, it’s time to layer in some holiday flair. Seasonal illustrations or patterns can instantly add a festive touch without overwhelming your overall design. Classic motifs like snowflakes, pine branches, holly or stars are versatile and widely loved. If your brand leans more vintage, try hand-drawn reindeer or candy canes with a nostalgic twist. Or for a modern, minimalist look, consider simple geometric trees or a scattering of metallic dots.
Whichever route you go, consistency is key. Carry your chosen elements across everything from mailers and wrapping to stickers and thank-you cards for a polished, professional finish.
Use wrapping paper that feels like a gift
Wrapping paper is one of the easiest ways to make your holiday packaging feel more thoughtful and more gift-like. It’s also a great place to get creative without blowing your budget. You don’t need to stick with the classic red-and-green palette unless it fits your brand. Elegant white-on-white designs, metallic finishes or printed kraft paper can feel just as festive.
Bold patterns like stripes or polka dots add playful energy, while soft neutrals or monochrome looks give off a calm, elevated vibe. Choose a print or color that complements your branding and helps your product feel like something special, even before it’s opened.
Printed tissue paper is another affordable way to add personality and texture, especially for shipping orders. And if you want to go the extra mile, consider reusable wrapping options like fabric wraps, muslin bags or printed boxes that customers can keep and reuse. It’s a win for your brand and the environment. Plus, if you pick a more occasion-neutral design, you’ll be able to use any leftover paper well beyond the holidays.
Source: wrapping paper holiday packaging
Dress it up with ribbons, twine and finishing touches
Once your product is wrapped, the fun really starts. Ribbons, twine and other small details can take your holiday packaging from basic to beautiful without a big price tag.
Layering materials is an easy way to create visual interest. A wide satin ribbon wrapped around kraft paper instantly feels elevated. For something a bit more rustic, try red-and-white baker’s twine over plain white paper for a cozy, handmade vibe. Or for something sleek and timeless, you can’t go wrong with black or silver ribbon on matte white.
If you’re working with a tight budget, hand-drawn doodles are another fun way to add personality. All you need is plain kraft paper and a marker. Sketch a few snowflakes, ornaments or little fir trees. Even simple shapes like dots or garlands can make your package feel thoughtful and customized. Bonus points if you include a short handwritten message or joke to bring a smile to your customer’s face.
Here are a few ideas to try:
- Snowflakes: Simple or detailed, they pop even more on black kraft paper.
- Hanging ornaments or bows: Draw them “dangling” from the top edge of the box.
- Winter trees or snowmen: Keep it minimal or go all out.
- Holiday puns or riddles: A little humor goes a long way.
These finishing touches don’t have to be perfect, just personal. And that’s exactly what makes small business packaging so memorable.
Source: Use ribbons to wrap up your holiday packaging
Spruce it up with sprigs, flowers and herbs
Nature offers some of the best (and most affordable) packaging decorations around. Sprigs of greenery like pine, eucalyptus, fir or rosemary add instant seasonal charm, and they smell amazing, too. Whether you forage locally or grab a bunch from your florist, these small touches help you create custom holiday packaging that feels both handcrafted and heartfelt.
Tuck a sprig behind a ribbon or tie it down with twine for a fresh, organic finish. You can keep it minimal or go festive with extras like pinecones, cinnamon sticks, tiny baubles or even a jingle bell or two. And if you’re feeling crafty, you could arrange a cypress cutting into a tree shape and top it with a little star for a mini forest moment. It’s a great way to celebrate the season and show customers that you’ve gone the extra mile without going over budget.
Personalize your holiday packaging with stickers, tags and notes
When it comes to customer experience, it’s the little things that count. Personalized holiday packaging, whether that’s a custom sticker, a hand-signed note or a festive name tag, makes people feel seen, valued and excited to buy from you again.
Holiday stickers are one of the easiest tools for seasonal branding. Use them to seal your wrapping, decorate envelopes or even include them as a small freebie inside the package. A sticker with a gold or silver finish adds a hint of glam, and with the right design, it can double as a keepsake or be used for other occasions too.
You could also add a handwritten card, a thank-you message or a tag with the customer’s name. These small moments of personalization help your brand feel more human and are much more likely to earn you a social media shout-out.
Want more ways to add thoughtful touches to your packaging? Check out our guide on how to wow your customers with custom small business packaging.
Source: Stickers on packaging
Don’t forget holiday labels and hang tags
Functional packaging can be festive too. Holiday hang tags, return address labels and branded tape are all smart ways to make your packaging more memorable and polished without needing a full redesign.
Hang tags work great both in-store and online. Use them as product tags on shelves or attach them to wrapped packages as gift labels—just remember to leave space for customers to write in a “to” and “from.” You can even print a short seasonal message or promo code on the back for extra impact.
If you’re shipping orders, don’t overlook the outside of the box. Custom tape and holiday address labels can instantly elevate plain packaging and help reinforce your brand. Even a simple detail, like a strip of tape in your brand colors with a festive message, can set the tone for a great unboxing experience. These finishing elements might seem small, but together they help you build a stronger, more cohesive brand, especially during the most competitive time of year.
Pull out all the stops with branded boxes and mailers
If you really want to wow your customers this holiday season, custom boxes and mailers are the way to go. Every fold, sticker and hidden detail is a chance to show off your brand’s personality and make your product feel like a gift.
Start with a clean, eye-catching exterior that reflects your brand colors or holiday packaging theme. Then go bold inside with a seasonal surprise: think snowflake-patterned linings, printed messages like “Open me!” or bright tissue paper in festive colors. Tuck in a handwritten thank-you card, a discount code for their next order or a tiny freebie for extra festive joy.
Source: Unboxing adds to the experience of your packaging
Make your packaging shareable
A beautiful unboxing moment both memorable and Instagrammable. Customers love sharing pretty packages online, especially during the holidays when gift-giving is top of mind. Branded boxes with thoughtful touches make your packaging more likely to get photographed, tagged and posted.
If you want to encourage social sharing even more, add a QR code to your thank-you card that links to a holiday message, playlist, Christmas giveaway or your social handles. It’s a small addition that creates a big connection and gives your customers a reason to come back for more.
Keep it simple and practical with custom paper bags
Holiday packaging doesn’t have to be over the top. Sometimes, the most effective solutions are also the simplest—like a well-designed paper bag. Whether you’re running a market stall, packing up in-store purchases or fulfilling last-minute gift orders, custom paper bags are a stylish, budget-friendly way to get festive.
Plain kraft or white paper bags are endlessly versatile and easy to dress up. Add a touch of personality with a branded sticker, a piece of twine, a hang tag or even a tiny ornament. It’s quick to assemble and still feels polished and thoughtful.
If you’re anticipating higher demand during the holidays, consider ordering your paper bags in bulk with a seasonal version of your logo or a limited-edition design. It’s a great way to make everyday packaging feel more special without needing to redesign it from scratch.
Source: A full set of branded custom holiday packaging
Add a postcard or loyalty gift as a token of appreciation
A thank-you goes a long way, especially during the holiday rush when people might be feeling stressed or overwhelmed. Thoughtful messages and little extras help show your customers that their purchase really means something to you, and they’re more likely to remember (and return to) your business because of it.
A branded postcard with a seasonal message is an easy win. You can personalize it by simply handwriting the customer’s name or adding a short note of appreciation. Or take it a step further with a joke, quote or design so pretty they’ll want to keep it on display.
You could also include a loyalty treat, like a discount code for January, a free sample or a holiday sticker sheet. These small, meaningful touches show gratitude and encourage repeat purchases, helping to strengthen your customer relationships into the new year.
Source: Custom holiday packaging
Plan ahead for seasonal demand
The holidays can creep up quickly when you’re juggling stock, marketing, shipping and everything else that goes into running a small business. That’s why it pays to get your holiday packaging plan in place early. From custom designs to delivery deadlines, a little preparation goes a long way in keeping everything running smoothly and stress-free.
Know your lead times
If you’re ordering custom holiday packaging, make sure you leave enough time for production, delivery and any last-minute changes. As a rule of thumb, aim to place custom packaging orders at least four to six weeks before your holiday shipping cut-off. This gives you a buffer in case of supplier delays or increased demand. And don’t forget to factor in design time if you’re creating something new. A quick timeline check now can save you serious stress later.
Ship smart
Beautiful packaging is important, but so is making sure it arrives safely. Use sturdy boxes or padded mailers to protect your products while they’re in transit. Add cushioning like tissue, kraft paper or recycled filler where needed, and double-check that your labels are accurate and easy to read. And don’t forget the small print—return info, care instructions or handling notes can all be part of the packaging experience and help avoid customer confusion.
Source: Custom packaging increases brand loyalty
Make your holiday packaging sustainable
Going green during the holidays doesn’t mean compromising on style. In fact, holiday packaging that’s eco-friendly often feels more premium because it shows that you care. You can still be festive while using materials that are kinder to the planet.
Consider recycled kraft paper, biodegradable mailers or cotton ribbons in place of plastic bows, and choose soy-based inks or water-based adhesives to reduce your environmental impact. You can even design reusable elements into your packaging, like muslin bags or fabric wraps that double as part of the gift.
For more ideas, check out our box design ideas for eco-friendly options.
Designing custom holiday packaging
Great holiday packaging doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. It just has to feel personal, intentional and aligned with your brand. A few creative choices can elevate the customer experience and keep your business top of mind well into the new year. So with a little planning and a lot of festive spirit, your packaging can make a lasting impression.
FAQs about custom holiday packaging
How can I make my holiday packaging more sustainable?
Start by switching to recyclable or compostable materials like kraft paper, cardboard or biodegradable mailers. Use natural twine or cotton ribbon instead of plastic bows, and choose eco-friendly finishes like soy-based inks and water-based adhesives. You can also look for FSC-certified labels and minimize your ink usage by opting for simple designs that use white space effectively.
When should I start planning my holiday packaging?
It’s best to start planning two to three months in advance, especially if you’re ordering custom packaging. This gives you time to design, order and receive your packaging without the stress of last-minute delays. Many suppliers experience a holiday rush, so placing your orders early means you’ll have everything ready when you need it most.
How does holiday packaging influence customer buying decisions?
Thoughtful holiday packaging can make your product feel more like a gift, which adds perceived value and emotional impact, especially for customers buying your products as presents. It also strengthens your brand image and improves the overall unboxing experience, making customers more likely to remember you and buy again.
Can I reuse holiday packaging designs for other seasons?
Yes, if you keep your design elements versatile. Stick with seasonal color palettes that aren’t overly holiday-specific, like metallics or winter-inspired neutrals, or opt for patterns like stripes, dots or simple illustrations that can work year-round. You can also use a holiday sticker or tag as the seasonal element, which is easy to swap out once the season changes.
What are the best practices for shipping holiday packages safely?
Use fitted boxes or padded mailers that match your product’s size to prevent movement or damage when the package is in transit. Fill any empty space with protective materials like crinkle paper or tissue to avoid damage and seal your package securely with strong, weather-resistant tape. Include a clear return label and customer support details, just in case something goes wrong.
