This is what any small business owner is familiar with. Your packaging is noticed by your customers and it sticks in their memory, but budgets during the holidays are not always as big as you would like. With increasing costs and a heavy order book, luxury packaging can begin to seem like an indulgence that you can’t afford. However, omitting the details is not the answer either since the box is a part of the product.
Fortunately, there is no need to spend a ton of money on Thanksgiving packaging. Boxed gifts can be warm and thoughtful without breaking the bank with a few clever moves. Below are seven concepts that can be implemented with a tight budget, along with some budget-friendly tips.
Why Thanksgiving Packaging Matters
First impression starts with packaging as it’s the first thing a customer will touch before viewing the product. The spirit of the season is to be appreciated and a warm and thoughtful box will accomplish this.
It’s also a priority for a small business. You have limited advertising dollars, and therefore, every box gets out the door, does some marketing for you. It’s a world of thought that’s afforded at a minimal price.
- Your box is your initial handshake with the customer, First Impressions.
- Repeat Orders: If it is a memorable unboxing, it will encourage the buyer to return.
- Social Sharing: The good-looking packaging is photographed and posted, so it’s free advertising.
The 7 Ideas
1. This is a Small Quantity of Custom Printed Thanksgiving Boxes
Small batch printing allows you to print your logo and seasonal message onto each box without purchasing thousands. A plain box becomes a special holiday moment with custom boxes for Thanksgiving. Digital printing is the option for small printings, allowing you to try a design before going into a large order.
- Why It’s Affordable: You won’t have to pay for any minimums that aren’t used this season.
- Quick Tip: A simple design that includes a single or two color logo and a brief “Happy Thanksgiving” line. The cost of simple prints is low and still very polished.
2. A Warm Autumn Color Palette
The burnt orange, cream and forest green colors instantly cry Thanksgiving. Use your brand colours and the box becomes seasonal and yet still recognisable as your box. You’re still known to customers and the season’s still here.
- Why It’s Cheaper: It’s likely much cheaper to change the colors of an existing design than to create a new one completely.
- Quick Tip: Use one of the fall shades for accents, and stick with the other colors you used for your brand. Branded shade matching services ensure your shades remain true to your brand.
3. Customized Stickers or Stamps on Plain Kraft Boxes
A natural look with a harvest-friendly, and a branded sticker or ink stamp makes your plain box yours. It is ideal for bakery goods, candles, and custom chocolate gift boxes, when a rustic style is desired. A handmade appearance without a handmade price.
- Why It’s Affordable: One simple box can be used for several different products and stickers are easy to print in small quantities.
- Quick Tip: Use the sticker as a closure seal and use it for two purposes!
4. Handwritten Thank-You Cards or Custom Inserts
A brief note indicates a real person is responsible for the order. It works for any company that wants to send gifts to its clients, such as custom corporate gift boxes, which require a personal touch. Mention is made of people who remember being thanked a lot longer than the box itself!
- How it is inexpensive: A card is a lot less expensive than printing each box and a couple of handwritten lines are a long way to the end.
- Quick Tip: Make three or four different short messages to alternate, and make each note personal.
5. Natural Materials Such as Twine, Dried Leaves or Wheat Stalks
Simple nature elements create texture and harvest-y vibes. They work well with custom wine gift boxes and a little seasonal dressing for a bottle does wonders. Slight texture on the exterior adds a touch of thoughtfulness.
- Why it makes sense: Twine and dried leaves can be found locally and are very inexpensive.
- Quick Tip: Use twine to tie around the box, and tuck a leaf under the box. Ensure that everything is flat to keep stacking and shipping safely.
6. Eco-Friendly, Recyclable Materials
Many consumers are concerned with waste and kraft or recycled paperboard are a sign that they are too. In addition, it complements the seasonal vibe, as harvest hues and earth shades harmonize well.
- It’s affordable because Kraft and recycled paperboard are good options and a sustainability story is free.
- Quick Tip: When sending them out, attach a short line that reminds customers about your values, e.g., “Please recycle me.”
7. Boxes that Can be Used Multiple Times and Can be Kept for a Lifetime
Your customers who put your box away for their own use or to give away will remember your brand long after the holiday. Small Rigid boxes are ideal for use here, particularly for gift sets, small tools or treats that warrant a permanent box.
- The reason it is affordable: Each one will get more attention after the sale because it is a box that is getting reused.
- Quick Tip: If you include a small design or message to display, note on your card that the box is to be kept.
Quick Budget Tips
Some planning practices will reduce your cost per box without compromising on the appearance of your package. They don’t require a huge budget just a little planning ahead. First set a budget per box and then select the ideas that fit in the budget.
| Tip | How It Saves Money |
| Order early | Does not rush timelines and gives flexibility to the design |
| Order in bulk | Wholesale prices reduce the cost per box |
| Reuse designs | This layout can be used for multiple holidays. |
| You’ll find that most of the base is plain, with branded accents. | Stickers and stamps bring character at an affordable price. |
It’s when designs are reused that the savings really start to accumulate. The same layout that you made for Thanksgiving can be changed to custom Christmas gift boxes or Custom New Year gift boxes with a different color or a simple message, or even Custom Valentine Day gift boxes! This way, every new season begins with a design that you know you can trust.
Begin Your Thanksgiving Packaging Right Away!
If you get started right now, there is plenty of time left to plan for Thanksgiving. Go Boxery allows small businesses to try out the season’s packaging without the large orders, has low MOQs, competitive wholesale pricing, fast turnaround and free design help. Select two or three ideas in this list, mix them together and you’ve got a feel-good packaging without the high price tag!
Get small, try what they will like then build it up. Choose from a selection of our Thanksgiving boxes to ensure your holiday has a style that is appropriate with your products, and be sure to order early to ensure your holiday is on track. Your customers will see the care, and so may your sales.
