5 Tips for Designing Holiday Print That Doesn't Look Like Everyone Else's

By the time December hits, mailboxes are overflowing with red-and-green cards and “Season’s Greetings” messages.


Most are polite, predictable, and forgettable. If you’re going to spend the time and money on holiday print, why not create something people actually keep?


The good news: you don’t need a huge budget or months of planning. A few smart design choices can help your holiday print feel fresh, memorable, and on-brand. Here are five ways to make sure your print stands out this season.


1. Go Beyond Red and Green.


Traditional holiday colors work, but they also make your piece blend in with the pile. Choosing unexpected palettes can instantly set you apart.


Think navy and silver for a polished, wintery feel. Or try plum and gold for something rich and elegant. Even a pop of teal or copper can give your piece a modern twist while still feeling festive.


Quick tip: Pair one unexpected color with a metallic or textured accent. It signals creativity without going over the top.


2. Make the Message Personal.


A generic “Happy Holidays from all of us” doesn’t stick. Customers want to feel seen and valued, not mass-mailed.


Try something specific and direct:


  • “Thanks to your support this year, we’ve grown stronger as a business, and we can’t wait to serve you in 2026.”

For nonprofits:


  • “Because of your generosity, 42 families had meals on Thanksgiving. That’s worth celebrating.”

When your message feels personal, your audience remembers it.


3. Surprise With the Format.


Why default to a folded rectangle? Postcards, oversized mailers, and square cards all stand out in a stack of sameness.


A square card, for example, instantly feels modern. An oversized postcard grabs attention in the mailbox. Even a simple postcard with a heartfelt thank-you can feel more memorable than a templated folded card.


Ask yourself: What format would make your customer pause and turn it over?


4. Add Texture or Shine.


Sometimes the difference isn’t what people see, but what they feel.


Heavy card stock, a soft-touch coating, or a bit of foil stamping adds dimension that digital greetings can’t touch.


Customers may forget what your card looked like,
but they’ll remember how it felt in their hands.


Ask us about quick-turn finishes like embossing, spot UV, or textured papers. They don’t have to be costly, but they do leave an impression.


5. Keep It On-Brand.


Your holiday print doesn’t need to scream “festive” to be effective.


If your brand is playful, lean into humor. If it’s elegant, choose a clean design with one bold accent. Aligning your holiday message with your brand personality makes it authentic, and authenticity is what people remember.


Make This Year’s Message Count


Holiday print is more than a seasonal obligation.


It’s a chance to thank your customers, strengthen loyalty, and show your creativity. By breaking out of the red-and-green rut and adding personal touches, you’ll design holiday print that stands out and gets remembered.


Want fresh ideas you can still get out the door this season? Contact us today to explore quick-turn holiday print options that set you apart.

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