Tips for Designing Holiday Print That Doesn’t Look Like Everyone Else’s (AlphaGraphics Tampa Edition)

By the time December arrives, Tampa mailboxes are overflowing with red-and-green cards and generic “Season’s Greetings” messages.

Most are polite, predictable… and instantly forgotten.

At AlphaGraphics Tampa, we believe that if you’re going to invest in holiday print, it should say something, feel special, and stay on someone’s desk or fridge. The good news? You don’t need a massive budget or months of preparation. A few intentional design choices go a long way.

Here are five ways Tampa businesses can make their holiday print stand out this season.

1. Go Beyond Red and Green

Traditional holiday colors are safe—but they also blend into the pile.

Choosing unexpected color palettes helps your print feel modern, premium, and unique.
Some of our favorites for Tampa brands:

• Navy + Silver: Clean, crisp, and winter-inspired without being cliché.

• Plum + Gold: Rich and elegant—great for professional services and nonprofits.

• Teal or Copper Accents: Adds a fresh, Florida-friendly twist while staying festive.

Pro Tip from AlphaGraphics Tampa:
Pair an unexpected color with a metallic or textured finish. You’ll get a standout look without going overboard.

2. Make the Message Personal

A bland “Happy Holidays from all of us” gets skimmed and tossed.

Customers in Tampa—and everywhere—want authenticity. A message that reflects your year and your relationship with your audience feels heartfelt and memorable.

Try something specific and genuine:

• For businesses:
  “Thanks to your support this year, we grew stronger than ever. We can’t wait to serve you in 2026.”

• For nonprofits:
  “Because of your generosity, 42 families enjoyed a Thanksgiving meal. That’s worth celebrating.”

When your message resonates emotionally, people keep it.

3. Surprise With the Format

Why stick to a traditional folded card?

Experimenting with size and shape can instantly make your piece more eye-catching:

• Square cards feel modern and upscale.

• Oversized postcards dominate the mailbox stack.

• Simple postcards with a sincere thank-you often feel more personal than templated folded cards.

Ask yourself: Which format would make someone stop and flip this over?

(If you’re unsure, our Tampa print team can help you choose the best impact-for-budget format.)

4. Add Texture or Shine

Sometimes the most memorable detail isn’t visual—it’s tactile.

People literally feel the difference when you use:

• heavier card stock

• soft-touch coating

• foil stamping

• embossing or debossing

• spot UV gloss

• textured or linen papers

Customers may forget the design, but they won’t forget how your card felt in their hands.

At AlphaGraphics Tampa, we offer quick-turn specialty finishes that elevate your holiday piece without dramatically increasing cost.

5. Keep It On-Brand

Your holiday print doesn’t need to yell “festive” to work.

The strongest designs stay true to who you are:

• Playful brand? Add humor or bold colors.

• Luxury brand? Stick to refined minimalism with one strong accent.

• Community-focused brand? Highlight real people or real impact.

When your holiday message aligns with your identity, it feels authentic—­and authenticity is what people remember.

Make This Year’s Message Count

Holiday print is more than a seasonal formality. It’s a chance to:

✔️ thank your customers
✔️ strengthen loyalty
✔️ reinforce your brand
✔️ stand out in a crowded season

Break away from the red-and-green routine. Add personal touches. Choose formats and finishes that make people pause.

If you want something fast, unique, and memorable, AlphaGraphics Tampa is here to help.

Need quick-turn holiday cards, postcards, or mailers?
Contact AlphaGraphics Tampa today—we’ll help you create print that stands out and gets remembered.