The holiday season is always busy—between employee vacations, family trips, and year-end tasks, it can feel overwhelming. The last thing you want is to add rushed print marketing to your list of stressors. That’s why it’s smart to give your seasonal projects a little buffer so they’re ready on time.
Whether you’re planning a holiday party, a customer appreciation event, or a big end-of-year sale, each piece of marketing has its own timeline. To keep everything running smoothly, think about these steps:
- Creation: Give yourself (or your designer) time to plan and create.
- Review & Editing: Build in a chance to review with your team and make changes.
- Printing & Shipping: Ask your print vendor how long production and delivery will take, then work backward.
When you map this out ahead of time, you’ll avoid last-minute headaches and have everything in place to make your business shine. Here are 5 print projects you’ll want ready before the holidays hit:
- Holiday Cards
A simple but powerful way to stay connected. Whether you send cards to customers, vendors, or employees, they’re a thoughtful touch that shows appreciation. Personalized cards with your branding make your business feel warm and memorable.
For example, I had a customer who designed her own card, envelope and a giveaway magnet. Each stage had its own timeline, and the pieces came to my office on time to deliver to her mailing list right before the Holidays.
- Event Invitations
Hosting a holiday open house, fundraiser, or staff celebration? Printed invitations set the tone. They feel more special than a digital invite and are more likely to stick around on someone’s desk or fridge.
A customer of mine started working on a package including invitation, outer envelope, RSVP card and return envelope only to have the designer drop out last minute. I took over as designer and got all the pieces done and delivered in time for the event.
- Gift Certificates or Vouchers
The holidays are a prime time for gift-giving. Offering gift certificates is an easy way for customers to share your products or services. Printed certificates (with nice design and quality paper) make them feel like a real gift, not an afterthought.
I can make gift certificates in various sizes including as small as business cards. You can choose from a variety of different paper types – quality and color – to match your brand.
- Sale Flyers & Postcards
If you’re running a holiday promotion, printed flyers or postcards help spread the word. They’re great for direct mail, in-store displays, or handing out at community events. A festive design can grab attention and drive traffic when it matters most.
One of my customers used a picture of a Chihuahua in a turkey costume to grab attention for a Holiday sale postcard but mailed it in early October to be sure clients received it on time.
- Branded Packaging & Labels
If your business ships products, seasonal packaging or stickers can make every order feel like a gift. A small touch like a custom holiday label or a thank-you insert goes a long way in creating a positive customer experience.
Branding all of your marketing materials will help your customer remember you the next time they need to order.
Wrapping It Up 🎁
Holiday marketing works best when it’s thoughtful and timely. When you plan your print projects early, you avoid the stress of last-minute scrambling and can focus on enjoying the season (and running your business). Think of print products as the “ribbon” that ties your holiday marketing together—clear, polished, and ready to work for you.
