Packaging

7 Tips to Make Your Holiday Packaging Memorable

December 08, 2014 - by Matt Cannon

This time of year millions and millions of Americans rev up their holiday engines and get into the holiday spirit. In line with that spirit, it has become increasingly common to see themed holiday packaging on the shelves, for short-run and/or limited edition products.  Given that, brands shouldn’t just get into the spirit – they should capitalize on it. Now that we are in the stretch run to the holidays, we thought it was appropriate to list some of our favorite ways to make your holiday packaging stand out.

 

1. Add Non-Religious Holiday Elements

You don’t need to choose a certain holiday or religion to get in the holiday spirit. Stick with things like holiday color palettes, traditional holiday decorations, and non-religious characters, like snowmen. This will appeal to a mass audience and will help you steer clear of alienating any particular group.

 

2. Make It a Gift

Everything from a small bag of candy to an expensive trip around the world can be given as a gift. Whether your product could be considered a stocking stuffer or the main event, make sure it can be given as a gift. For instance, by simply changing your packaging to a red and green, silver and gold, or blue and white theme to welcome the winter holidays, you can make your product instantly giftable. Consider also adding a gift name tag with a blank “To:” and “From:”

 

3. Create a Gift Set

Gift sets are an easy made for convenient gifting, and that is why they always tend to pop up around this time of year. If you have a somewhat varied product line and can combine a numerous products into a complementary set, that may be your best bet.  Alternatively, the gift set concept also provides an opportunity to experiment with co-branding by adding complementary products from third party companies.

  

4. Go Limited Edition

Everyone wants to feel like they got (or gifted) an exclusive item. By creating limited edition packaging design for a particular holiday, your customers can feel like they received something truly unique that will be available for a limited time only. Find a way to make your customers feel special.

 

5. Make It LuxuriousLimited Edition Packaging Design

This is the time of year when people want to feel luxurious. They want to give gifts that make their loved ones feel special. Taking your packaging up a notch at this time of year may cost a bit extra, but shoppers are usually willing to pay it during the holidays.  Pearlescent or other specialty inks, innovative dielines, unique packaging structures and engraved/embossed lettering can take a pedestrian package and luxurify it.

 

6. Pre-Giftwrap It

Limited Edition Packaging DesignIf possible, use the outer packaging as a type of giftwrap. This will help shoppers instantly identify the product as a holiday item, while encouraging them to purchase the item with a gifting purpose in mind.

 

7. Bold, Colorful Packaging for Kids and AdultsLimited Edition Packaging DesignLimited Edition Packaging Design

Colorful packaging with bold, light-hearted illustration will almost always stand out in a crowd. Children are also more drawn to friendly colorful packaging, so choosing holiday themes and elements during the specific time of year can appeal to both kids and their parents.

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