Custom Packaging Ideas for Small Businesses on Columbus Day: How to Stand Out and Celebrate

Friday, 13 September 2024
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In the US, October 12 is seen as Columbus Day, also called Indigenous Peoples` Day, to honor Christopher Columbus. The USA celebrates it on the second Monday in October, which falls on October 14, 2024; this year.

Columbus was an Italian local, and over time, Italian Americans took up the cause to celebrate his achievements. With Columbus Day celebrated every year, brands looked at it as the opportunity to bring more customers and drive more sales by offering discounts on their products.

Packaging is one of the most essential components for any business, especially small businesses that are ready to portray themselves as distinct. It fills in as the physical point of contact between a client and the item. Packaging plays a vital part in increasing brand recognition, client experience, and overall marketing strategy.

With extraordinary events like Columbus Day around the corner, small businesses can take advantage of the holiday to elevate their brand. Custom packaging can establish a long-term connection, support your brand identity, and contribute to building client loyalty.

In this blog, we`ll explore a range of creative, practical, and budget-friendly custom packaging ideas that can help small businesses stand out on Columbus Day.

Use Columbus Day-Themed Designs

Columbus Day marks the celebration of Christopher Columbus`s arrival in America. This holiday carries historical and cultural significance, so incorporating it into your product packaging can engage customers. Moreover, you can evoke a sense of celebration in your customers. Small businesses can opt for Columbus Day-themed designs to create a festive mood and create a memorable unboxing experience.

Incorporate Nautical Themes

You can opt to add maritime elements like compasses, ships, and maps to your product packaging. You can look for different types of holiday season gift packaging ideas to get a clear picture of what to include in your packaging.

Use Vintage Inspired or Historic Fonts

For a truly thematic package, use fonts that evoke history or the Renaissance era. Small businesses can add an flair of discovery and adventure to their product packaging.

Columbus Day Color Palette

Including the colors of autumn or those that are associated with seafaring, like beige, gold, blue, and maroon, can help you make your product packaging connected to the holiday. You will not be forcing the appearance of the product packaging by using this color palette.

Eco-Friendly Packaging Materials for Holiday Gift Packaging


In the present era, eco-friendly packaging isn`t just attractive but a necessity to conserve the planet from packaging waste. Shoppers are naturally cognizant, and offering practical packaging solutions can work on your brand`s picture and client loyalty. This can be particularly effective on holidays like Columbus Day, Christmas or any upcoming holiday.

Biodegradable or Recyclable Materials

Use biodegradable, compostable, or recyclable packaging choices like kraft paper, cardboard, or corrugated cardboard. These materials can be branded easily, keep up with strength, and show that your small business company values sustainability.

Plant-Based Ink Printing

Opt for printing on your custom packaging for small businesses with eco-friendly, plant-based inks. This not only aligns with the eco-friendly packaging trend but can also produce high-quality, vibrant designs that enhance the holiday theme.

Reusable Packaging

Another green option is reusable packaging, such as cloth bags or fabric pouches. These options offer additional value to your customers and minimize waste, positioning your brand as forward-thinking and eco-conscious.

Personalized Messaging and Custom Labels

Personalization can go quite far in making a stronger emotional connection between your business and your clients. Adding custom labels or customized messages inside the packaging can have an enduring effect and encourage repeat purchases.

Thank-You Cards with a Holiday Twist

Incorporate Columbus Day-specific thank-you notes into your packages. A card that expresses gratitude for the customer`s business while also wishing them a happy holiday can feel thoughtful and genuine.

Personalized Name Tags

You could likewise make a stride further by adding custom name tags to the packaging. For example, composing a client`s name on the actual packaging or a label can make them feel exceptional. Indeed, even straightforward messages like "Happy Columbus Day, [Customer`s Name]!" can create a customized touch.

Seasonal Discount Codes

Consider including limited-time offers or discounts as part of your packaging. Include a Columbus Day-themed coupon for their next purchase, encouraging repeat business and showing appreciation for their patronage.

Eye-Catching Packaging with a Columbus Day Focus


Engaging your customers with interactive packaging elements can significantly enhance their overall experience. By incorporating features that encourage exploration and participation, you can make the unboxing process more exciting and memorable.

Treasure Map-Inspired Inserts

Create a small, fun "treasure map" as part of the packaging that leads to hidden surprises in the package itself, or use it as part of a marketing promotion that directs customers to a special offer online. These can tie into the Columbus Day theme of exploration and discovery.

Scratch-Off Stickers

Add scratch-off stickers on the packaging that uncover Columbus Day-themed messages, discounts, or prizes. This adds an engaging element of surprise, making your item`s appearance something clients will love to look forward to.

QR Codes for Exclusive Content

By adding a QR code to your packaging, you can guide customers to exclusive content, such as a Columbus Day message, a behind-the-scenes look at your products, or even a game. Interactive packaging increases engagement and helps strengthen your relationship with your customers.

Limited Edition Product Packaging for Columbus Day


Making limited edition holiday packaging is a magnificent method for building fervour around your items for exceptional events like Columbus Day. Limited version designs make clients feel like they are essential for something elite, and they are bound to buy items with a need to get going, realizing that the packaging is accessible temporarily.

Custom Box Designs

Small businesses can design boxes specifically for Columbus Day. You can create bold, colorful graphics related to the holiday or opt for a minimalist approach with subtle nods to the theme.

Special Wraps or Sleeves

A cost-effective way to create limited edition packaging is by adding custom wraps or sleeves to your existing product boxes. This allows you to maintain your regular packaging while still offering something special for the holiday.

Holiday-Themed Stamps or Stickers

If budget constraints are a concern, you can opt for simple additions like custom Columbus Day-themed stickers, stamps, or tape that can be easily applied to your packaging to give it a festive feel.

Create a Memorable Unboxing Experience

A vital piece of custom packaging is guaranteeing that the unboxing experience is paramount. Columbus Day offers the ideal chance to make something remarkable that excites and draws in clients the second they receive their package.

Layered Packaging

Create a multi-layered packaging experience where each layer reveals something new and exciting. Perhaps the outer layer features Columbus Day imagery, while the inner layers contain additional surprises or a personalized message.

Seasonal Scents

Infuse your packaging with autumnal or Columbus Day-inspired scents like cinnamon, pumpkin spice, or sea breeze. In addition, scents can evoke strong emotions and make the unboxing experience even more enjoyable.

Surprise Inside

Add small Columbus Day-related gifts inside the package, such as themed bookmarks, mini-maps, or even a small compass. Moreover, these surprised extras can delight your customers and make them feel valued.

Final Thoughts

As we head into the upcoming holiday season, let your product packaging be the extension of the care you put into your packaging. Do you require assistance with your holiday season packaging ideas for upcoming holidays like Christmas, Black Friday, Halloween or Cyber Monday? Reach out to one of our custom packaging experts at IMH Packaging.

We, as a leading custom packaging boxes wholesale USA supplier, provide you with durable custom packaging solutions at wholesale rates. Custom packaging on Columbus Day is more than just wrapping a product in a festive design. It`s an opportunity to engage customers, communicate your brand values, and offer an experience that sets your small business apart from the competition.

Whether it`s through sustainable materials, interactive elements, or simply a thoughtful message, there are countless ways to use packaging to make a lasting impression. By incorporating these creative ideas, small businesses can capitalize on the spirit of Columbus Day and build deeper connections with their customers. Custom packaging doesn`t have to be expensive or complex to be effective—it just needs to reflect your brand and offer an experience that resonates with your target audience.

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