It’s Not Too Late: How Brands Use Print-on-Demand After the Holidays

Holiday shipping cutoffs may have passed, but for many brands, organizations, and creators, December is far from over.

In fact, the weeks after holiday deadlines are one of the most strategic times of year to use print-on-demand. Without the pressure of guaranteed delivery dates, teams can shift focus from last-minute fulfillment to planning, preparation, and smart print decisions that set up a strong Q1.

At S&P, we work with brands year-round, and we see the same pattern every December: the smartest customers don’t stop printing; they change what they print.

Here’s how print-on-demand continues to deliver value after the holidays.

December Is a Planning Month, Not a Dead Zone

Once holiday campaigns wrap, many businesses finally have breathing room. That makes late December ideal for:

• Reviewing what worked (and what didn’t)
• Refreshing branding and messaging
• Preparing materials for January launches, events, and promotions

Print‑on‑demand supports this shift perfectly. You can order small batches, test designs, and mitigate inventory risk while remaining flexible as plans evolve.

What Brands Are Printing After the Holidays

1. Posters for Q1 Campaigns and Internal Planning

Posters aren’t just promotional, they’re practical. After the holidays, customers use posters for:

• January and Q1 promotions
• Trade shows and events
• Office planning, goal setting, and internal communication
• Store signage refreshes

With POD, posters can be updated quickly without committing to large runs.

2. Stickers for Brand Refreshes and Packaging Updates

Stickers remain one of the most versatile print products all year long. Post‑holiday use cases include:

• Updated logos or messaging for 2026
• Packaging refreshes
• Thank‑you inserts and loyalty campaigns
• Small promotional giveaways

Because stickers are affordable and easy to deploy, they’re often the first print item brands update heading into the new year.

3. Cards for Retention, Gratitude, and Follow‑Ups

Cards don’t stop mattering once gifts are opened. Many brands print cards in late December for:

• Customer thank‑you notes
• Partner and vendor follow‑ups
• Employee appreciation
• New‑year outreach campaigns

Print‑on‑demand allows you to personalize messaging without overordering.

4. Gift Wrapping Paper, Beyond the Holidays

While gift wrap peaks during the holidays, forward‑thinking brands are already planning ahead. Late December is a great time to:

• Test new gift wrap designs
• Prepare for Valentine’s Day, spring launches, and year‑round gifting
• Add branded wrap as a premium upsell

With POD, wrapping paper becomes a branding tool, not just a seasonal product.

Why Print‑on‑Demand Makes Sense Right Now

After holiday deadlines, print‑on‑demand offers clear advantages:

• No inventory risk – print only what you need
• Faster iteration – test, adjust, and refine designs
• Lower upfront costs – ideal for Q1 planning
• Scalable production – ready when demand increases

Rather than rushing into large print runs, brands can move into the new year with confidence and flexibility.

Looking Ahead: Printing With Purpose

December isn’t the end of the print season, it’s the transition point.

Whether you’re refreshing your brand, preparing for upcoming campaigns, or planning your first launches of the new year, print‑on‑demand helps you stay agile without sacrificing quality.

At S&P, we’re here to support your print needs beyond the holidays, with reliable production and white‑label solutions designed to grow with your business.

Ready to start planning what’s next? Let’s make Q1 your strongest quarter yet.