Ways to Change Your Packaging for the Holidays

The holiday season is more than just the busiest shopping period of the year. It is a unique opportunity to connect with your customers in a more memorable and emotional way. During this time, packaging becomes more than just a protective shell. It becomes part of the product experience, gift giving moment, and brand story.

Well executed holiday packaging creates excitement, reinforces brand recognition, and encourages repeat purchases. Whether it is through festive colors, clever messaging, or unique unboxing experiences, holiday packaging helps your product stand out on shelves and doorsteps when competition is at its highest. For brands looking to leave a lasting impression, this is the perfect time to go beyond basic packaging.

Key Takeaways

Start Early with Planning and Forecasting

Holiday success starts long before the season begins. Packaging decisions affect inventory, marketing, shipping, and customer satisfaction, so early planning is key. Start by analyzing previous holiday sales to estimate demand, bundle needs, and popular SKUs. From there, determine how much lead time you need for design, production, kitting, and delivery.

Planning early also helps secure the right materials and avoid last minute rush fees or stock shortages. It ensures that custom packaging, inserts, and seasonal prints are delivered in time for assembly and distribution.

Pro Tips for Holiday Packaging Success

  • Start early with planning and forecasting
  • Choose packaging that supports both branding and the holiday spirit
  • Make your packaging gift ready to reduce friction for buyers
  • Use limited edition packaging to drive urgency and increase perceived value
  • Factor in your pricing strategy when designing seasonal packaging
  • Incorporate sustainable materials to align with customer values
  • Design for shipping to ensure product protection and delivery success

Choose Packaging that Supports Both Branding and the Holiday Spirit

Your holiday packaging should feel festive without losing sight of your brand. A well-balanced design allows customers to instantly recognize your product while still feeling part of the season. You do not have to rely solely on red and green. Instead, consider metallic finishes, winter themes, or subtle textures that reflect your brand’s style.

Packaging Solutions works with businesses to create holiday ready designs that complement existing branding. The result is packaging that feels elevated and on theme, without losing authenticity.

Make Your Packaging Gift Ready to Reduce Friction for Buyers

Many holiday purchases are gifts. When packaging is already attractive, structured, and easy to wrap, it increases appeal and drives faster buying decisions. Gift ready packaging saves time for shoppers and makes your product more shareable in holiday moments.

This could mean using magnetic closure boxes, decorative sleeves, or printed inserts with personalized messaging. Even simple touches like foil stamps or coordinated color palettes can create a premium feel that makes gifting easier and more enjoyable.

Use Limited Edition Packaging to Drive Urgency and Increase Perceived Value

Limited time designs and seasonal packaging can create urgency and boost customer interest. People are more likely to act when they believe the offer is special or temporary. Limited edition packaging also opens opportunities for email and social media campaigns that tie into your holiday promotions.

You do not need to overhaul your packaging entirely. A seasonal sleeve, custom label, or collectible insert can turn a standard product into a holiday exclusive. Packaging Solutions offers short run capabilities that allow you to produce just the right amount without committing to long term inventory changes.

Factor In Your Pricing Strategy When Designing Seasonal Packaging

Packaging design and pricing strategy should work together. Holiday shoppers are looking for both value and presentation. Bundles, gift sets, and premium add ons can justify a slightly higher price if the packaging enhances the perceived value.

Make sure your packaging supports the story behind the price. A holiday bundle priced as a higher tier product should include design features that visually communicate the upgrade. This could include inner trays, foil elements, or high-end materials that reinforce the quality.

Incorporate Sustainable Materials to Align with Customer Values

More shoppers are paying attention to packaging waste during the holidays. Offering recyclable, compostable, or reusable packaging shows your brand is aligned with their values. It also gives you another way to differentiate in a crowded market.

Even small changes make a difference. Using corrugated inserts instead of foam, or swapping laminated finishes for recyclable coatings, can move your packaging in a more sustainable direction. Packaging Solutions can recommend eco-friendly materials and help you meet your sustainability goals without sacrificing design.

Design for Shipping to Ensure Product Protection and Delivery Success

Holiday deliveries come with high volume and high stakes. Poor packaging can lead to damaged products, unhappy customers, and costly returns. Your holiday packaging should not only look good but also perform well in transit.

This means considering size, fit, protective materials, and how the bundle holds up during handling. Our team ensures that packaging designs are tested for real world delivery conditions. With Packaging Solutions, you can be confident that your product arrives in excellent condition, whether it is shipped across the city or across the country.

Why Holiday Packaging Matters

Holiday packaging is more than just seasonal decoration. It is a strategic tool that can boost sales, strengthen your brand, and improve the customer experience. For many shoppers, the packaging is part of the reason they choose one product over another. Whether it is for gifting, collecting, or unboxing, well designed holiday packaging makes your product feel special and worth remembering. It also gives you a timely opportunity to stand out in a crowded market while increasing customer engagement and satisfaction.

Things to Consider When Creating Your Holiday Packaging

Smart holiday packaging starts with strategic planning. While seasonal designs and festive themes are important, successful packaging also considers budget, timelines, and long-term brand goals. Here are five key points to think through before starting your holiday packaging project:

  1. Budget
    Define your packaging budget early and break it down by material, design, printing, and assembly. Leave room for unexpected costs like rush production or extra inserts. Keep in mind that investing slightly more in design or structure can increase perceived value and drive higher sales.
  2. Forecasting
    Use sales data from previous holiday seasons to estimate how many units you will need. Forecasting helps prevent overordering and minimizes waste. It also ensures you secure materials in time and avoid supply chain delays.
  3. Think Long Term
    Your packaging should support more than just one holiday cycle. Choose elements that can be refreshed or reused for future promotions. A sleeve or label is easier to update than a full redesign and allows for flexibility in how products are presented year to year.
  4. Go Beyond Red and Green
    Stand out from the crowd by exploring winter inspired tones, metallic accents, or on brand color palettes. Not every festive design needs to rely on traditional holiday colors. Custom touches that match your product and brand style are often more effective.
  5. Prioritize Sustainability
    Consumers are paying attention to packaging waste, especially during the holidays. Choose recyclable, compostable, or reusable packaging where possible. This not only reduces environmental impact but also reinforces your brand values with conscious customers.


According to a 2023 survey by McKinsey the environmental impact of packaging is extremely or very important to 39 percent of consumers when making a purchase. In addition about 50 percent of consumers across categories are willing to pay a small premium—typically one to three percent—for sustainable packaging. These insights highlight that sustainability can influence holiday buying behavior and support long term loyalty.

How Packaging Solutions Can Help

At Packaging Solutions, we make holiday packaging easier, smarter, and more effective. Whether you need custom printed boxes, protective inserts, or fully assembled holiday kits, our team is here to support your goals from concept to delivery. We offer kitting services, seasonal packaging design, and short run production options that let you stay flexible without compromising quality. Our approach is always collaborative, focused on helping you stand out during the most competitive time of year.

Let’s make this holiday season your best yet. Contact Packaging Solutions to get started.