During the festive season, customers are looking for something extra special to gift to those around them. Whether that’s a much-anticipated surprise that they are ticking off their loved one’s wishlist, or something as simple as a stocking filler, packaging can have a much greater influence on their decision-making process than you might originally think.
As well as strengthening brand loyalty and building appeal for new customers, giving your packaging a festive twist allows you to maximise profits by emphasising seasonal offers and creating unique, collectable gifts which can be cherished for years to come.
With only a few months to go until one of the busiest times of the year for shoppers and businesses alike, there’s still time for you to get organised and sprinkle a bit of festive cheer on your packaging. So read on to discover our best tips to help transform your products and packaging offer this holiday season.
Advent calendars are loved amongst adults and children alike and can be a great opportunity to market a selection of your products in a new and exciting way. A staple of the festive season, these interactive countdowns can be as decadent and customised as you like, but a simple approach can be just as effective when it comes to generating a truly unique customer experience.
Offering festive gift boxes as a means of upgrading your regular packaging can be an easy way to enhance the experience your customers receive – irrespective of if they’re shopping in store or online. Gift boxes also present the perfect way for you to sprinkle a touch of additional festive magic for the receiver of the gift – creating special memories which they would’ve otherwise not experienced.
If you want to make the most of your budget, then it’s smart to invest in timeless designs and purchase packaging in bulk so that you can use it across multiple years. Take inspiration from Nordic Christmas decor or the “Scandi sweater style”, with neutral tones, folk designs or simple snowflakes – guaranteed to hit the mark year after year. You can also easily achieve any of these designs using flexographic, digital or lithographic print processes.
When considering how you can transform your packaging for the festive season, why just stop at the box? Use high-quality ribbons, satin bows, jingle bells or hot stamping on the outside of the package to add layers of texture and new dimensions. These finishing touches will only add to the magical experience you’re creating for the customer.
With a wide range of fillers available, there are many different ways in which you can be creative with how your products are kept safe in transit and displayed for the recipient. Choose festive red or glorious gold fillers made of paper or wool, or create custom partitions to really display your products in all their glory.
Even though you want to stand out from the crowd, it’s important to consider the green credentials of your packaging. Customers have become increasingly conscious of sustainability and will be expecting businesses to design packaging that is made from recycled materials and can be recycled or reused. After all, a Christmas gift shouldn’t just be for Christmas.
