Holiday packaging is more than just a simple box or gift bag… It’s the perfect opportunity for brands to leave their mark and provide their customers with an exceptional unboxing experience. With this in mind, we’re seeing more and more brands investing in on-trend, intentional packaging this season.
As the 2025 holiday period approaches, we’ve noticed three key themes dominating the packaging scene, including sustainable packaging, vintage-inspired patterns and luxe colour palettes.
Let’s take a look at what’s trending and break down how to make it work for your brand.
Sustainability still leads
There’s no denying that sustainability has been a hot topic for a while, but it continues to lead the way in terms of holiday packaging trends. Driven by ongoing demand for packaging that aligns with eco-conscious values, it comes as no surprise that sustainable packaging continues to rank among our top holiday trends.
When it comes to sustainable packaging, we’re seeing the focus on materials like recycled paper, compostable tissue wrapping, paper rope handles and even reusable bags. As consumers become more conscious of the impact of their choices, they’re favouring brands that demonstrate commitment to environmental responsibility, especially at gifting time.
At PaperPak, we’re committed to supporting our customers in making a positive environmental impact with our range of recyclable, compostable or Australian-made packaging solutions. Our manufacturing facility is FSC® and PEFC Chain of Custody certified, which allows us to offer certified packaging solutions.
From recycled kraft paper gift bags with custom seasonal logos to compostable tissue paper, make your holiday packaging stand out for all the right reasons.
Nostalgia and vintage-inspired patterns
We all know trends come and go, but this holiday season, throwback holiday patterns are making a return. Think: retro baubles, classic tartan and hand-illustrated winter scenes. These nostalgic patterns are a great way to tap into the emotional power of tradition, memories and simpler times.
But just because your packaging features nostalgic designs doesn’t mean it can’t be paired with more modern structures. This year, we’re seeing lots of printed reusable gift boxes and Christmas-inspired paper gift bags.
You can even take your seasonal packaging to the next level by pairing one of PaperPak’s printed kraft bags with our premium vintage pattern tissue paper.
Minimalist luxe colour palettes
We get it… Bright, red tartan and Christmas-inspired prints aren’t for everyone. This holiday season, we’re also seeing a lot of sleek, elegant packaging in neutral tones like champagne, blush, sage and matte black, with metallic accents. Many brands are also opting for uncoated paper and subtle textures that give a high-end feel without excess. They’re stepping away from cluttered visuals to create more calming, cohesive aesthetics that complement their product and appeal to their customers.
These muted colour palettes and textured papers are ideal for premium gifting, boutique brands and e-commerce brands looking to elevate their packaging this holiday season. Imagine premium, metallic silver tissue paper placed in a soft, white gift bag finished with a compostable swing tag.
Tips for making these trends work for your brand
It’s one thing to be up to date with this season’s holiday trends, but it’s another to make them work for your brand. One of the best things about holiday packaging is that you don’t have to completely overhaul your existing packaging to take advantage of the latest holiday trends. Here’s how.
Start with your core values
If sustainability is already a key pillar of your brand story, you can continue to lean into recycled or compostable materials and let your packaging do the talking. A simple printed message, like “Kind to the earth, made for under the tree”, can reinforce your commitment.
Add a touch of personality through design
With vintage-inspired patterns and nostalgic prints making a comeback, you can use these trends to your advantage by incorporating them into a visual story. It doesn’t have to be much; even just a touch of seasonal tissue paper combined with your regular gift bag is often enough to enhance the emotional impact of your customer’s purchase.
Dial up the luxe
Minimalist luxury doesn’t have to come with the luxury price tag. A quality kraft paper bag, delicate tissue paper or metallic label is a great way to elevate your packaging without excess or waste.
This holiday season, packaging is all about values, emotion and elevated simplicity. As the end of the year quickly approaches, it’s well worth dedicating some time to your holiday packaging planning so you can make the most out of these trends.
Need help bringing your holiday packaging to life? At PaperPak, we offer custom printing, sustainable material options and expert support to help your packaging shine this holiday season. Want to check out PaperPak’s full range? Explore PaperPak's Christmas range or request a free sample pack today and wrap your products in what’s trending.
