7 Easy Ways to Add a Personal Touch to Your Holiday Orders
It’s already November, which means the holiday rush is officially here. Orders are picking up, timelines are getting tighter, and there’s not exactly time to redesign your entire packaging line.
But that doesn’t mean your shipments have to miss out on the holiday spirit. With a few thoughtful tweaks, you can make every order feel festive and personal without slowing down your fulfillment process or blowing your budget.
Even the smallest details can make your packaging stand out. A touch of color, a kind message, or a cheerful surprise can transform an ordinary box into a memorable moment.
Here are some easy, low-effort ways to add that personal touch, no full redesign required.
1. Add a Simple Thank-You Card
A short message can make a lasting impression.
Slip a small thank-you card inside each order, something as simple as “Wishing you happy holidays and a wonderful new year!” or “Thank you for shopping small this season!” feels genuine and heartfelt. These cards give you a chance to speak directly to your customers, adding warmth that digital messages can’t always match.
You can even handwrite a quick note for returning customers or special orders. It doesn’t need to be fancy.The thoughtfulness alone speaks volumes.
Pro tip: If you’re short on time, have your packaging supplier print a batch of pre-designed holiday inserts. They’re cost-effective, quick to produce, and can be personalized with your logo, website, or social handle for a professional touch.
2. Use Branded or Holiday-Themed Tape
Branded tape is one of the easiest ways to elevate your packaging without redesigning your boxes.
Swap out your usual clear tape for something festive. Think branded kraft tape with your logo, subtle snowflake designs, or a simple red-and-green stripe. It instantly transforms your packaging into something seasonal, even if the box itself is plain.
Because tape is used on every shipment, this small change makes a big visual impact without adding extra steps for your fulfillment team.
Bonus: Printed tape doubles as a brand identifier during transit. However, there is something to be said for keeping branding and logos to a minimum to protect packages from porch pirates.
3. Print a Message Inside Your Boxes
If you’re already using custom boxes, consider adding a seasonal message inside the lid.
Phrases like “Unwrap the joy,” “Happy Holidays from all of us,” or “Thanks for making our year bright” can surprise and delight customers when they open their order. It’s an unexpected touch that instantly elevates the unboxing experience.
Because it’s printed inside, you don’t have to adjust your external branding or worry about storage space for different box designs. It’s a low-cost update that adds warmth, charm, and just the right amount of cheer.
4. Swap Out Tissue Paper or Stickers
A little color goes a long way.
Switching to red, gold, silver, or forest green tissue paper instantly makes your packaging feel more festive and intentional. You can even layer colors or use patterned tissue, like stars, snowflakes, or metallic accents, for an extra pop.
Finish it off with a branded sticker or a holiday-themed seal to close the tissue neatly, and suddenly your order feels like a wrapped gift rather than a shipment.
This small shift is perfect for apparel, accessories, or beauty products, where every layer of presentation adds to the excitement of unboxing.
5. Include a Small Surprise
Who doesn’t love an unexpected treat?
It could be as simple as a holiday sticker, a free sample, or a discount card for the new year. These little surprises don’t have to cost much, but they make a big impact on customer satisfaction and loyalty.
If you have leftover promotional materials or seasonal items, this is a great time to use them strategically. The goal is to create a small moment of delight… a reminder that your brand values its customers beyond the transaction.
Think: “Just for you” moments that customers will remember (and often share on social media).
6. Customize Your Packing Slip or Thank-You Message
If you send digital receipts or packing slips, don’t forget to give them a festive touch too.
Add a short note like “Happy Holidays from our team to yours!” or include a small piece of clip art, a bow, a tree, or a snowflake, to bring a little spirit to an otherwise routine document. It’s a fast, no-cost way to make even the logistical parts of your order feel more personal.
These thoughtful touches remind your customers that real people are behind every order, something especially important during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.
7. Bring the Spirit to Your Labels
Custom labels are one of the fastest and most affordable ways to spread holiday cheer.
A simple logo paired with a snowflake, ornament, or “Season’s Greetings” banner can turn your regular shipping label into something that feels thoughtful and festive. Even a limited run of special labels for November and December can make your packages stand out while staying brand-consistent.
You can use these on boxes, mailers, or even product jars and bottles to tie everything together in a cohesive, holiday-ready look.
The Takeaway: Festive Doesn’t Have to Be Fancy
You don’t need an elaborate holiday packaging line to make customers feel special. Often, it’s the simple, personal touches that people remember most.
Whether it’s a heartfelt note, a pop of color, or a hidden message inside the box, those small details show that you care. And during the busiest season of the year, that sincerity goes a long way.
