Packaging tips for Christmas shipping: how to handle holiday shipping

Essential advice for retailers to make sure gifts arrive safely and delight customers, covering protective packaging, last-minute orders, and festive, sustainable touches.

The Christmas shipping period is unlike any other time of year. The combination of high order volumes, tight deadlines, and customer expectations creates a perfect storm that requires careful preparation.

-High courier volumes increase the risk of delays, misdeliveries, or damage in transit.
-Fragile and gift items often need additional packaging and attention to presentation.
-Customers expect more: Christmas packaging with festive touches, reliability, and an enjoyable holiday shipping experience.

To thrive during this period, retailers must focus on durability, presentation, and efficiency, ensuring every parcel arrives safely and in style.

With couriers handling millions of parcels each December, protective packaging is your first line of defence. Even minor bumps or drops can ruin a customer’s holiday experience, so preparation is key.

-Use protective fillers such as paper bubble wrap, paper padding, or shredded paper packaging to cushion delicate items.

-Choose the right box size to minimise internal movement: not too tight, not too roomy. Explore our durable cardboard postal boxes for secure, professional delivery. And for seasonal items like decorative wreaths, Wreath shipping cardboard boxes provide an ideal fit, combining protection, stability, and festive presentation.

-Reinforce seams with strong tape to prevent bursting under pressure.

-For delicate or high-end products, consider custom packaging designed to fit your products perfectly.

This extra layer of care not only reduces damage but also improves customer satisfaction, especially when paired with an attractive unboxing experience.

The final week before Christmas can account for a significant portion of seasonal sales, but it’s also when holiday shipping stress peaks.

To manage the rush:

-Stockpile ready-to-use packaging like coloured boxes to save time.
-Offer express shipping options while clearly communicating cut-off dates.
-Plan inventory early. Running out of key packaging materials can delay deliveries and disappoint customers.
-Use pre-packed kits for common product sizes to streamline fulfilment.

When efficiency meets preparation, even last-minute Christmas orders can feel seamless.

The holidays are about delight and emotion, and packaging plays a big part in creating that magic. A memorable unboxing can turn a one-time buyer into a loyal customer.

-Use seasonal fillers such as bright red SizzlePak shredded paper or forest green shredded paper for a cheerful festive vibe.

-Choose holiday-themed boxes or Christmas packaging designs for extra charm.

-Add branded tissue paper, ribbons, or custom stickers to reflect your brand’s personality.

-Include a thank-you note or small seasonal message to connect personally with your customers.

Even amid the festive rush, sustainability remains a key concern for many consumers. It’s entirely possible to stay green while embracing the Christmas spirit.

-Use recycled or recyclable cardboard boxes instead of plastic alternatives.
-Choose biodegradable fillers like paper or eco-friendly shredded materials.
-Avoid unnecessary wrapping or excess tape.
-Highlight your eco-conscious approach. This strengthens brand loyalty and shows commitment to responsible retailing.

Sustainable doesn’t have to mean plain; pairing eco materials with festive colours and textures achieves the best of both worlds.

With couriers at maximum capacity during December, organisation and communication are essential to keep deliveries smooth.

-Label parcels clearly with return addresses, handling notes, and “fragile” warnings.
-Pre-sort orders by courier or destination to speed up collection times.
-Track shipments closely and share tracking details with customers.
-Proactively communicate about delays. Transparency builds trust.

Ultimately, Christmas shipping success depends on a blend of protection, presentation, and preparation. By investing in thoughtful, festive, and reliable seasonal shipping solutions, retailers can guarantee every gift arrives safely, spreading joy from the warehouse to the doorstep.