Holiday Packaging is HOT: Why Early Planning & Design Matter for Seasonal Gifting
It might seem early, but in the world of branding, gifting, and logistics, the holidays are already around the corner. If you’re a business looking to make an impression during the most competitive (and crowded) season of the year, your packaging is more than just a box — it’s a billboard for your brand, a gift in itself, and a powerful way to stand out.
At Pratt, we know that successful holiday gifting starts long before the snow falls. From creative design tips to strategic lead times, here’s how to get ahead of the season — and how custom printed packaging helps your gifts leave a lasting mark.
Why Start Your Holiday Packaging Plan Now?
The fourth quarter brings a surge in orders, shipping delays, and competition for customer attention. Brands that plan early avoid the last-minute rush, excess costs, and deliver a more polished, thoughtful experience. Here’s what early planning unlocks:
Creative Freedom
More time means more opportunity to explore designs, test concepts, and align your packaging with your brand’s holiday messaging. Did you know Pratt offers free proofs and $1 samples?
To get your free proof, create your design, select a quantity of one (1), and use the coupon code FREEPROOF during checkout. This makes it easy to show your team your idea in all its four-color print glory.
Bulk Savings
Ordering early often means avoiding seasonal price hikes or rush fees on production. You can pay to go to the front of the line, but smart procurement works ahead and saves money.
A Better Experience for Your Customers
When you’re not scrambling behind the scenes, you have the advantage of making your packaging stand out. Little details, such as color-coordinated void fill, handwritten thank-you notes, or small Etsy-style gifts, create a lasting impression.
Why Packaging Matters More During the Holidays
During the holidays, packaging isn’t just functional — it’s emotional. It sets the stage for the unboxing experience, tells a story, and reinforces your brand. Especially in gifting scenarios, it’s the first thing the recipient sees, touches, and forms an impression from.
First Impressions Count
Holiday packaging is often the first visual and tactile interaction someone has with your brand. A sturdy, beautifully printed box with festive design elements immediately signals care, creativity, and professionalism — all before the recipient has even seen the gift inside.
The Unboxing Is the Experience
People don’t just open gifts anymore — they savor the reveal. From TikToks to Instagram Stories, a “wow” unboxing moment can turn a client or customer into a brand ambassador. Thoughtful, custom-mailer boxes enhance the unboxing experience, making the moment feel elevated for the client.
Packaging is a Branding Tool
Holiday packaging is a smart way to keep your branding fresh and seasonal while staying recognizable. You don’t need to redesign your logo — simply redirect your usual color palette or typography to incorporate winter themes, accents, or cozy textures.
Packaging & Design Tips for the Holiday Season
You don’t have to be a designer to create something beautiful. Here are our top tips for businesses planning their holiday gift boxes and product packaging:
1. Use Seasonal Branding — Not Just Red or Green
Holiday packaging doesn’t have to scream Christmas. Instead, consider more inclusive and timeless themes, such as winter woods, colorful snowflakes, or thank-you messages. These allow you to appeal to a broader audience while still maintaining a festive feel.
2. Keep It Cohesive
If you’re creating gift sets with multiple items or shipping holiday orders, think of your box as part of a larger story. Match your tissue paper, labels, inserts, and even your tape to your holiday color scheme or message. A consistent look builds brand recognition.
3. Add a Personal Touch
Inside print, custom inserts, or printed notes go a long way in making recipients feel special. Whether it’s a holiday message, a QR code to a video (link to Product instructions, perhaps?), or a personal thank-you, these details make the experience feel more human — and more memorable. With Pratt’s ability to print on the inside of the box, you can make your message a permanent part of the box.
4. Think Sustainability
More consumers than ever care about sustainability, particularly around the holidays when packaging waste tends to increase. Pratt offers 100% recycled Kraft boxes, proving that eco-friendly practices are attainable and non-negotiable. All of our shipping boxes, gift-style tuck boxes, and unboxing powerhouse mailer boxes are 100% recyclable.
5. Plan for Protection
Holiday shipping volume is notoriously intense. Protect fragile items with well-designed inserts, void fill, and sturdy, durable corrugated cardboard boxes. Effective packaging doesn’t just look great — it reduces breakage and shipping costs by minimizing filler. Worried about porch pirates? Many clients will leave the outside plain and decorate the inside of the box to get that wow factor while reducing the risk of theft.
How Pratt Can Help
Our team specializes in transforming your holiday packaging from a shipping necessity into a branded experience that reflects the heart of your business. Here’s how we can help make your seasonal planning stress-free and stunning:
Custom Printed Boxes Designed for the Holidays
We offer full customization — from inside and out printing options with full-coverage, four-color printing. Your box will be more than just another piece of mail thrown on the counter. Studies show that customers are more likely to see value in a custom-printed box and will keep it around for reuse.
Competitive Solutions
Whether you're sending 50 holiday client boxes or fulfilling 5,000 seasonal e-commerce orders, we help you scale your packaging without compromising quality or brand integrity. This ensures your clients get what they want and notice you care.
Expert Support, Right From the Start
Not sure where to begin? Our easy-to-use design editor ensures that even the novice can create beautiful art. Our customer service team is happy to review your art and ensure that the finished product meets our production specifications. And if you want to be sure your packaging is functional, festive, and uniquely yours, we offer free proofs and $1 samples to make sure you know exactly what your clients will receive before placing the big order.
Fast Turnarounds (When You Plan Ahead!)
The earlier you plan, the more options you have. We help you lock in production timelines so your packaging is ready well before holiday crunch time. And working ahead saves you money as well, the earlier you plan, the less you spend on rush charges and expedited shipping (though those options are available for the procrastinators - we see you!)
Ready to Get a Head Start on the Holiday Season?
The holidays may feel far off, but the most savvy brand managers are already designing their packaging and preparing their gift strategies. A thoughtful, well-designed box doesn’t just protect your product — it protects your brand reputation and enhances the joy of giving.