Don’t Use Plain Boxes This Christmas—Here’s Why

Picture of by Marie Be
by Marie Be

Author | Date: 11/11/2025

Colourful Christmas gift boxes with red and green ribbons and festive wrapping, placed under a message reading ‘Don’t Use Plain Boxes This Christmas’ on a red holiday background.

Table of Contents

The Holiday Rush Is Coming — Is Your Packaging Ready?

The holidays are when your products shine — but if you’re still shipping them in plain brown boxes, you’re missing a golden opportunity to stand out.

During Christmas, packaging isn’t just protection; it’s presentation. The excitement of unboxing a festive parcel is part of the joy, and brands that deliver that emotional touch see stronger sales and customer loyalty.

📦 Let’s unwrap why custom Christmas packaging can boost sales, brand recall, and customer happiness this festive season.

Why Plain Boxes Don’t Work During the Holidays?

Plain shipping boxes might be fine for ordinary weeks, but Christmas isn’t ordinary. Here’s what they lack:

  • They look generic and uninspiring — there’s no emotional connection.
  • They miss a key marketing touchpoint where branding could shine.
  • They don’t feel gift-worthy, even if the product inside is premium.
  • They easily blend into delivery piles, getting lost among vibrant festive parcels.

Quick Comparison:

  • Plain brown box: forgettable, unbranded, zero personality.
  • Festive custom box: photo-worthy, emotional, and instantly shareable.
💡 Pro Tip
Shipping internationally or stacking high? Step up to double or triple wall to prevent panel bulge and collapse.

The Power of Festive Packaging for Christmas Sales

Christmas isn’t about transactions — it’s about gifting experiences.

Custom Christmas boxes add visual storytelling and brand emotion. When a customer unwraps a beautifully printed festive box, the moment becomes memorable — and memorable moments convert to repeat sales.

📦 Example
A small skincare brand saw a 30% boost in repeat holiday orders after switching from plain mailers to red-and-gold custom Christmas boxes.

Branding Benefits: Every Box Is a Mini Billboard

Each box that leaves your warehouse is a walking advert for your brand.

Custom printed Christmas packaging boxes deliver:

  • Consistent brand recognition through logos and festive colours.
  • Premium perception, especially for small businesses competing with larger retailers.
  • Viral potential, as customers share unboxing moments on social media.
Creative twist: Add QR codes linking to a Christmas greeting or discount page, or include a printed thank-you message inside the lid.

Christmas Packaging Design Trends for 2025

Keep your designs modern yet festive. Here’s what’s trending for 2025 (and still strong for 2026):

  • Metallic Foil Finishes – Gold or silver accents instantly add luxury.
  • Minimalist Festive Prints – Soft white, sage, and muted gold feel elegant.
  • Eco-Friendly Kraft Bases – Natural, sustainable, and timeless.
  • Custom Sleeves – A quick, affordable way to turn plain boxes into holiday packaging.
  • Interactive Designs – Add QR-linked greetings or shareable hashtags.
💡 Pro Tip
You don’t need a full redesign — even a printed sleeve or festive sticker can transform plain packaging.

Best-Selling Christmas Box Types for Businesses

Box Type

Perfect For

Why It Works

Rigid Gift Boxes

Luxury products

Elegant, reusable, and sturdy

Mailer Boxes

E-commerce & subscriptions

Compact, lightweight, easy to brand

Magnetic Closure Boxes

Premium gift sets

Sleek, secure, and high-end

Kraft Boxes with Holiday Prints

Sustainable brands

Eco-friendly yet festive

Sleeved Boxes

Cost-effective branding

Reuse base boxes with seasonal sleeves

The Psychology of Holiday Packaging

Colours and finishes evoke emotion — and emotion drives sales.

  • Red & Gold: joy, festivity, warmth.
  • Green & Kraft: sustainability, calm, authenticity.
  • Soft-touch mattes: understated elegance.

A simple bow graphic or foil-stamped logo can make your packaging feel “ready to gift”, removing the need for wrapping paper altogether.

Learn more: Packaging Laminations: Matte, Gloss & Soft-Touch →

Timing Is Everything: Order Early to Avoid Holiday Delays

Christmas is Coming

--

Days Left.

Order Now!

Each year, thousands of UK businesses miss delivery deadlines because they order too late.

Typical lead times:

  • Artwork approval: 3–5 days
  • Printing & assembly: 10–14 days
  • Shipping: 5–10 days

Plan ahead: Christmas Order Countdown Guide →

Eco-Friendly Holiday Packaging: Win Customers, Not Waste

Sustainability sells — even more during Christmas. Use eco materials like:

Explore: Eco-Friendly Packaging →

💡 Style Tip
Pair natural kraft boxes with white ink or gold foil to keep things festive without plastic waste.

How Custom Christmas Boxes Elevate Your Brand?

Switching from plain to printed packaging instantly:

  • Boosts brand trust and repeat orders.
  • Turns each shipment into free marketing.
  • Elevates perceived product quality.
  • Encourages sharing on social media.
💡 Pro Tip
Even simple upgrades — foil logos, custom tape, or festive sleeves — can make a big impact.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Be the Brand That Ships in Boring Boxes

Plain boxes send the wrong message at Christmas. Custom packaging tells your customers you care about quality, detail, and celebration.

Every delivery this season is a branding moment — make sure your packaging says “Merry Christmas,” not just “Handle with care.”

Ready to create packaging that shines season after season?

Get your custom Christmas boxes designed and delivered before the rush.

Order Your Festive Packaging Today

No-Stress Christmas Prep: Your Top Packaging Questions

Because they waste a prime opportunity for brand storytelling and gift appeal. Festive boxes enhance excitement and perceived value.

Ideally, 6–8 weeks before Christmas to allow for production, proofing, and shipping.

Absolutely. Kraft card printed with white or gold designs looks premium and sustainable.

Yes, Buy Packaging Boxes offers flexible MOQs, perfect for small brands and boutiques.