Christmas Packaging: A 10-step guide



28 November 2024

Christmas gifts under a Christmas tree


Getting your packaging ready for Christmas is a fantastic way to enhance your brand’s appeal and make your products stand out during the holiday season. Here’s how you can prepare your packaging:

Bottle amongst Brussels sprouts

1. Design Festive Packaging

Holiday Colours and Themes: Incorporate traditional Christmas colours like red, green, gold, and silver, or use more modern palettes like pastels or metallics. Include holiday motifs such as snowflakes, Christmas trees, ornaments, or reindeer.

Limited Edition Packaging: Create special, limited-edition packaging that reflects the festive spirit. This could be a different colour scheme or a special design exclusive to the holiday season.

Custom Illustrations: Consider using custom illustrations that tell a holiday story or feature your brand’s mascot dressed in festive attire.


Close up of foil texture

2. Use High-Quality Materials

Luxurious Finishes: Use materials that feel luxurious, such as metallic foils, embossing, or matte finishes. This adds a premium feel to your packaging, making it more gift-worthy.

Sustainable Options: As consumers become more eco-conscious, consider using recyclable or biodegradable materials. You can also highlight the sustainability of your packaging as part of your holiday messaging.


pattern with festive messages

3. Incorporate Holiday Messaging

Seasonal Greetings: Include a simple holiday message on your packaging, such as “Happy Holidays” or “Season’s Greetings.” This small touch can make your product feel more personal.

Brand Storytelling: Use your packaging to share a holiday story related to your brand. This could be a message about giving, the spirit of the season, or a charity you’re supporting during the holidays.


Christmas gift with gift tag

4. Add Personalisation Options

Customisable Labels: Allow customers to add a personalised message or name on the packaging. This can make your product more appealing as a gift.

Gift Tags and Ribbons: Consider including gift tags or ribbons as part of the packaging. These can be branded and designed to match the festive theme.


Gift with a pink ribbon

5. Create Holiday Gift Sets

Bundle Products: Offer special holiday gift sets with themed packaging. Bundling complementary products can make for a more attractive gift option.

Special Packaging for Sets: Design unique boxes or bags for these gift sets that reflect the festive season, making them ready to gift straight off the shelf.


Festive champagne bottle and glasses

6. Ensure Practicality and Protection

Protective Packaging: While focusing on aesthetics, don’t forget to ensure your packaging protects the product inside, especially for shipping purposes. Consider using cushioning materials that match your festive theme.

Ease of Use: Make sure the packaging is easy to open and close, especially if it’s meant to be gift ready. Customers appreciate packaging that’s both beautiful and functional.


Christmas wrapping paper

7. Offer Gift Wrapping Services

Branded Gift Wrap: Provide an option for customers to have their purchases gift-wrapped in branded, festive wrapping paper. You could also include a ribbon or bow that complements your brand colours.

Holiday Boxes or Bags: Consider offering branded gift boxes or bags that customers can purchase as an add-on. These should be designed with the holiday theme in mind.


A collection of Christmas cards

8. Marketing Through Packaging

Include a Thank-You Note: Add a festive thank-you note inside the package. This could include a holiday greeting and a discount code for future purchases.

Inserts: Add holiday-themed inserts with information about your brand, upcoming sales, or a message about the holiday season. This could also be a small card or flyer highlighting other holiday products or gift ideas.


DPD Delivery man delivering boxes

9. Plan for Shipping

Shipping Boxes: Ensure your shipping boxes are also festive. This could be as simple as adding a holiday-themed sticker or tape to your regular boxes.

Track Inventory: If you’re offering special holiday packaging, make sure you have enough inventory to last through the season. Monitor stock levels closely to avoid running out during peak times.


Woman on tablet in front of Christmas tree

10. Evaluate and Adjust

Customer Feedback: After the holiday season, gather feedback on your packaging. Learn what worked well and what could be improved for next year.

Analyse Costs: Review the cost-effectiveness of your holiday packaging. Balance between offering something special and maintaining reasonable costs.


Conclusion

Getting your packaging ready for Christmas is an excellent opportunity to delight customers and enhance your brand’s festive appeal. With thoughtful design, practical considerations, and a focus on the customer experience, your packaging can become a memorable part of the holiday shopping experience.