Planning a successful 2025 gifting period: What visual merchandisers and operations managers need to know
The Christmas gifting season is one of the most critical sales opportunities of the year for retailers and brands - especially those operating within fashion apparel, jewellery, and health and beauty. As we reflect on the successes of the 2024 season, one key takeaway stands out; brands that planned early, adapted to consumer needs and streamlined their packaging and supply chain came out on top.
For visual merchandisers, operations managers and managing directors, now is a crucial time to lay the groundwork for a successful 2025 gifting season. To help you set your business up for success, we’ve shared the lessons learned from 2024, top packaging trends shaping 2025 and the essential steps to take for a seamless and profitable gifting period…
Key takeaways from Christmas 2024
Christmas may seem like it should be an afterthought until the middle of the year, however, we recognised from our customer base that the businesses which secured packaging and logistics early on avoided supply chain disruptions and had stock available when customer demand surged.
It was also clear that the brands offering customisable packaging options saw a boost in customer engagement and sales during the festive period. From branded mailer boxes and luxury packaging, to personalised name printing and custom stickers and labels, the personal touch added to the packaging stood out for the right reasons.
Finally, we could also see that eco-conscious consumers continue to put the pressure on for sustainable gifting solutions. It was clear that the brands embracing recyclable, reusable and compostable packaging options both attracted and retained the environmentally aware consumers.
2025 packaging trends for a successful gifting season
Elevated unboxing experiences
A clear movement that has emerged when it comes to packaging is that consumers now expect more than just a parcel; they want an experience. This shift isn’t going anywhere in 2025, and so packaging that incorporates thoughtful elements, unique structural designs and interactive features will be key to brand differentiation that delights every customer.
AI-driven personalisation
The use of AI now dominates in many day to day logistics and waste management - and packaging is no different! Leveraging AI to create highly personalised packaging, such as through name customisation or limited-edition artwork, will undoubtedly drive engagement and shareability on social media.
Next-level sustainability
Another trend that will continue to gain momentum as a dominant factor for consumers is sustainability. But brands need to go beyond merely using recyclable materials; consumers are far more switched on to environmental concerns now, so water-based inks, zero-plastic packaging and FSC-certified paperboards will be essential to meeting the expectations of the conscious consumer.
Smart packaging for enhanced engagement
As the modern consumer comes to expect an enhanced, personalised unboxing experience, brands need to ensure that they’re going the extra mile to engage with them beyond their purchase. Incorporating QR codes, AR experiences and NFC technology will allow brands to connect with customers post-purchase, offering exclusive content, promotions or digital gift messages.
How to plan for a successful gifting period in 2025
Brands that start planning their Christmas packaging and gifting strategies in the first quarter of the year will stand the best chance of success. They’ll secure the best materials, avoid last-minute production rushes (and associated costs) and give themselves enough time to test and refine their packaging designs.
To make sure this is your business, here’s what you need to do now;
Review performance from 2024
Take stock of where you currently stand to get a better sense of the improvements you need to make for the year ahead. What packaging styles resonated most with your customers? Were there any supply chain bottlenecks? What feedback did you receive about unboxing experiences?
Secure supply chain partnerships early
It’s crucial to engage with packaging suppliers now to discuss lead times, material availability and cost projections to plan your gifting period well. To level up your planning even further, don’t forget to make sure you consider potential global supply chain disruptions and secure backup suppliers if needed.
Test and iterate your packaging
If you’re hoping to elevate your packaging and roll out a new solution, it’s important to develop prototypes early on so you allow yourself enough time to refine the design, durability and functionality. Run small batch tests with focus groups or loyal customers to gauge responses and guarantee success when it comes to Christmas.
Leverage data for strategic decisions
Ensure your set up for success by using AI-driven insights and customer data. This will allow you to predict demand trends and customer preferences, before aligning your packaging designs as needed. Listening to what your customers have to say is essential in ensuring your product’s packaging not only hits the mark, but also adds excitement and engagement to the unboxing experience.
By embracing the latest packaging trends and taking a proactive approach to planning and implementing your gifting strategy early in the year, you’ll stand the best chance of a profitable gifting period come Christmas 2025!
Take your gifting strategy to the next level with Odillo
At Odillo, we specialise in crafting premium, sustainable and innovative packaging solutions tailored for the gifting market. With expertise in custom mailer boxes, luxury packaging and eco-friendly solutions, we help brands create memorable unboxing experiences that elevate their sales.