What your Holiday packaging says about you
Because your packaging is talking before you do!
By now we have all noticed the biggest holiday packaging trends showing up everywhere - from the gifts under the tree to the wrapping paper lining the store shelves. It is easy to admire them from afar and think, “These are festive, but what do they have to do with my packaging?” The answer: Everything. Holiday trends do not just influence seasonal design- they quietly shape consumer expectations throughout the year. As themes like designing for recyclability, emotional connection, modern tradition and celebration take center stage, they send powerful signals about what people truly value and which brands “get it.”
So what happens when you weave these trends into your packaging? You are not just following what is popular, but telling a story about who you are, what you stand for and how you want customers to feel when they interact with your brand. Let’s take a closer look at what these holiday trends say about you- and how they can elevate your brand beyond the shelf.
Designing for Recyclability
Sustainability has become more than a corporate responsibility—it’s a core expectation. But during the holidays, choosing recyclable or eco-conscious packaging sends an even deeper message. It tells consumers that your commitment to the planet doesn’t pause when the season gets busy.
Brands showcase this effort in different ways: switching to more sustainable materials, highlighting recyclability icons, or adopting minimalistic, waste-reducing structures. And customers notice. More shoppers than ever are making mindful swaps, choosing products that show consistency and sincerity in their sustainability journey.
By designing for recyclability this holiday season, you’re telling your audience that you care—about their values, about their future, and about the environment we all share. It’s a small design decision that builds long-term trust and positions your brand as a thoughtful, forward-thinking partner in their holiday celebrations.
Emotional Connection
We’ve all had that moment: walking through a store, spotting a product, and feeling something. Maybe it sparks joy, nostalgia, or even a sense of comfort. That moment is the power of emotional design—and it’s one of the strongest tools your packaging can use during the holiday season. Building emotional connection through design doesn’t just lead to a single purchase—it builds trust, strengthens loyalty, and creates memorable experiences your customers will associate with your brand for years to come.
When customers feel connected to what they see on the shelf, they’re far more likely to reach for it—whether they’re treating themselves or choosing a gift for someone they love. Emotional packaging communicates that your brand understands the human side of the holidays. It tells your audience that you care about the small, meaningful details that make this season special.
Modern Tradition
Modern tradition is where timeless holiday symbols meet the evolving culture we live in today. It’s a blend of the familiar and the fresh— taking what we know, love, and recognize, and reimagining it for a contemporary audience.
Think of how holiday rituals themselves have shifted over time. For example, the old European tradition of leaving shoes out for Santa has largely evolved into the modern day stocking. If holiday packaging featured shoes instead of stockings today, consumers may not recognize the message instantly. Stockings, however, feel instantly right.
When your packaging reflects modern traditions, it sends a clear message: your brand is culturally aware, relevant, and paying attention to how the world changes.
Consumers want to feel seen, and when your seasonal packaging aligns with the traditions they celebrate today, it communicates care, thoughtfulness, and a desire to stay connected to your audience’s lived experience. This not only keeps your product feeling current but reinforces the idea that your brand will continue to evolve with them —year after year.
Celebration
The holiday season is a time of joy, gathering, and shared moments—whether someone celebrates Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year’s, or all three. Your packaging has the opportunity to reflect that festivity right from the shelf.
Design elements such as shape, size, color, and pattern can instantly convey a sense of celebration. When done well, the packaging itself can feel like part of the gift— something so special and exciting that it hardly needs wrapping at all.
Celebratory packaging sends an important message: your brand embraces joy, inclusivity, and the spirit of the season. It shows that you’re willing to elevate the customer experience, making every purchase feel like a moment worth celebrating.
As we move deeper into the holiday season, these trends remind us that packaging is far more than a container—it’s a reflection of your brand’s values, personality, and connection to your customers. Whether you lean into sustainability, evoke emotion, embrace evolving traditions, or celebrate the season with boldness and joy, your packaging has the power to tell a story before a single word is read. By intentionally weaving these elements into your holiday designs, you not only elevate the unboxing experience but also build lasting trust and excitement with every customer who chooses your product.
Ready to bring these holiday trends to life in your own packaging?
Our team at A&H specializes in creating innovative, purposeful, and trend-forward packaging solutions that help brands communicate their story from the very first glace. Let’s create packaging that customers will remember- connect with us today to get started.
