Holiday Stickers: Types, Uses, and Creative Ideas
Updated November 17, 2025 • Originally published December 17, 2022
Holiday stickers are one of those small things that instantly make the season feel more fun. Add them to gifts, packaging, planners, classroom handouts, or retail displays, and suddenly everything feels a little more “holiday-ready.” With the right mix of gift tags, decorative shapes, and specialty designs, you can turn everyday items into festive favorites without much effort.
This guide walks you through the most popular types of holiday stickers, how people use them at home and at work, and what to consider before choosing the right materials and sizes.
Why Holiday Sticker Work So Well
Holiday stickers aren’t just cute decorations- they solve real problems during the busiest season of the year:
- Speed up gift labeling and shipping
- Add seasonal flair to product packaging
- Make classrooms and events feel more festive
- Give kids and families a simple way to craft without any mess
Whether you’re running a warehouse, prepping for a school event, or setting up your own gift-wrapping station at home, a small roll of stickers saves time and adds personality.
Gift Tag Stickers
Gift tag stickers are the holiday hero everyone forgets about until they need them. Instead of juggling paper tags, tape, and string, you just peel, stick, and write.
Most gift tag stickers include a “To/From” space along with holiday illustrations like snowflakes, trees, ornaments, and classic red-and-green patterns. You’ll find everything from playful kids’ designs to clean, minimalist labels for corporate gifting.
Businesses use them on:
- Mailers and subscription boxes
- Retail gift wrap
- Employee appreciation gifts
- Customer giveaways and raffle prizes
Schools and community groups also use gift tag stickers to keep big holiday exchanges organized so every gift ends up where it should.
Decorative Holiday Stickers
Decorative stickers are the fun ones—the snowmen, candy canes, Santa hats, reindeer, wreaths, and cozy winter icons that people stick on basically anything.
Common uses include:
- Planners, calendars, and bullet journals
- Water bottles, laptops, and phone cases
- Holiday cards and gift bags
- Classroom treat bags
- Store displays and signage
Teachers often keep seasonal stickers handy for grading, reward charts, or classroom games. Kids love to “sticker bomb” notebooks, folders, and honestly any flat surface you’ll let them near. And for businesses, decorative stickers work like mini branding moments. Adding one to a receipt or package insert creates a simple, memorable detail customers appreciate.
For businesses, decorative stickers can work like mini seasonal billboards. Add them to packaging or receipts to create a memorable touch that feels personal, even when you are shipping hundreds of orders a day.
Christmas Stickers
Christmas stickers typically feature traditional color palettes—reds, greens, golds—and classic icons like ornaments, Santa, reindeer, and Christmas trees. They’re perfect for bakery boxes, gift sets, donation drives, and church or school holiday programs.
Winter Stickers
Winter stickers extend the festive feeling past December. Think snowflakes, mittens, hot cocoa, winter animals, and cozy patterns. They’re ideal for January events, classroom incentives, winter sports teams, or seasonal promotions.
Stickers for Special Occasions
Holiday stickers aren’t just for Christmas. You can stock up on themed stickers for:
- Valentine’s Day
- St. Patrick’s Day
- Halloween and fall festivals
- Patriotic summer holidays
Plus milestone moments that happen during the season—winter weddings, graduations, year-end parties—with ready-made “Thank You,” “Cheers,” or “Happy New Year” labels. They’re compact, easy to store, and perfect for last-minute finishing touches.
Best Materials for Holiday Stickers
To pick the right sticker, consider where it’s going:
- Matte paper: Warm, rustic, writable; great for gifts and dry indoor surfaces
- Gloss paper: Bright colors and shine; great for product packaging
- Vinyl: Waterproof and durable; ideal for water bottles, outdoor use, or refrigerated foods
If the sticker will see moisture, handling, or temperature changes, choose vinyl. For everyday decorating and gifting, paper is perfect.
How to Choose the Right Holiday Stickers
Ask yourself:
- Will these be used indoors, outdoors, or in cold storage?
- Do they need to be writable?
- What size are the items they’re going on?
- Am I buying for a classroom, business, or event?
Most people end up with three go-to categories:
gift tag stickers, fun decorative stickers, and event message stickers. That combo covers almost every holiday situation.
Holiday Stickers FAQs
What are the most popular types of holiday stickers?
The most popular types include gift tag stickers, Christmas icons, winter designs, classroom reward stickers and waterproof vinyl holiday stickers for water bottles and packaging.
Are holiday stickers waterproof?
Paper holiday stickers are designed for dry, indoor use. For water bottles, outdoor displays or refrigerated products, look for vinyl holiday stickers that are more durable and moisture resistant.
Where can I use holiday stickers?
Holiday stickers work well on gifts, packaging, classroom materials, receipts, handouts, planners, party favors and everyday items like laptops or notebooks.
How do I choose the right size holiday stickers?
Small dots and mini labels work best for planners and small items. Medium sizes fit most packaging and gift tags. Larger stickers are great for boxes, signs and decorations where you want the design or message to stand out.
