Christmas 2026: How late is too late for Bespoke Packaging?
There isn’t one single “last order date” for Christmas packaging. Every business has its own Christmas deadline, and every packaging project has different production requirements. But if you’re planning bespoke packaging for December 2026, understanding the lead times now could save you a very expensive last-minute scramble.
Order ahead to save Christmas disappointment
Christmas may still feel a little way off, but for businesses ordering bespoke printed packaging, now is the time to be thinking ahead.
As we move into October, production schedules start to fill quickly. If you need packaging designed, approved and produced for the Christmas season, leaving it until November could mean limited options — or missing the window altogether.
At Kudos Creative, we work with businesses to design and supply everything from luxury gift packaging to branded bags, tissue, ribbon, boxes and finishing touches.
Here’s a guide to our typical lead times. The times below start from approval of final artwork/design and are intended as a guide. Lead times can vary depending on specification, quantities and production requirements, so please get in touch if you have a specific requirement you’d like us to check.
| Packaging | Typical lead time | New design | Repeat order |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bags – Overprinted | 3–4 weeks | 4 weeks | 3 weeks |
| Bags – Completely Bespoke Printed | 4–6 weeks | 6 weeks | 4 weeks |
| Gift Boxes – Paper Over Board | 4–6 weeks | 6 weeks | 4 weeks |
| Gift Wrap – Sheets | 3–4 weeks | 4 weeks | 3 weeks |
| Gift Wrap – Rolls | 6–8 weeks | 8 weeks | 6 weeks |
| Dispensers | 3–4 weeks* | — | — |
| Printed Ribbon | 3–4 weeks | 4 weeks | 3 weeks |
| Printed Bows | 8–10 weeks | 10 weeks | 8 weeks |
| Printed Tissue Paper – Sheets | 4–5 weeks | 5 weeks | 4 weeks |
| Printed Tissue Paper – Rolls | 6–8 weeks | 8 weeks | 6 weeks |
| Boxes – Ecommerce / Flat Packed | 4–6 weeks | 6 weeks | 4 weeks |
| Printed Tape | 3–4 weeks | 4 weeks | 3 weeks |
| Printed Mailing Bags | 8–10 weeks | 10 weeks | 8 weeks |
| Gift Tags | 3–4 weeks | 4 weeks | 3 weeks |
| Stationery – Gift cards, instruction cards, receipt wallets & valuation folders | 3–4 weeks | 4 weeks | 3 weeks |
| Printed Labels – Foil | 4–5 weeks | 5 weeks | 4 weeks |
| Printed Labels – Full Colour | 1–2 weeks | 2 weeks | 1 week |
| Completely Bespoke Projects | From 4 weeks | — | — |
* Dispensers: Often available from stock. Please allow 3–4 weeks for non-stock lines.
Lead times start from approval of final artwork/design. These are typical production times and may vary depending on specification, quantity and production requirements. or anything more involved, we recommend getting in touch as early as possible so we can understand what you’re looking to achieve, develop the right solution and build a realistic production timetable.
Please contact Kudos Creative to discuss your specific Christmas deadline.
Every business has a different Christmas timetable, and your packaging requirements may be more involved than simply placing a repeat order.
If you’re planning bespoke packaging for Christmas 2026, contact Kudos Creative now and tell us what you need, when you need it and what you’re looking to achieve.
We can work backwards from your required delivery date and advise on realistic production times, artwork deadlines and the options available to you.
Whether you’re considering bespoke printed bags, luxury boxes, tissue, ribbon, gift wrap, labels or a complete packaging collection, we’d be happy to talk it through.
Contact Kudos Creative to discuss your requirements or ask for a Packaging Innovations Meeting.
The sooner we understand what you’re planning, the more options we have to help you create packaging that makes an impact this Christmas.