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Starting Your Christmas Catalogue: Why It Matters
There’s something special about a Christmas product catalogue that sparks excitement for the season ahead. Whether you’re a retailer unveiling your winter collection or a brand showcasing festive gifts, your catalogue is often the first impression customers get. At Newstyle Print, we’ve printed hundreds of seasonal catalogues across the UK, so we know what works—and what doesn’t.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through practical tips to design a catalogue that feels warm, inviting, and truly reflects your brand’s winter spirit.
Helpful Tips for Designing Your Christmas Catalogue
1. Choose the Right Paper and Finish
Choosing the appropriate paper weight and finish can feel a bit overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to balance quality with budget constraints. For Christmas catalogues, opting for a slightly heavier paper stock—usually between 150 and 250 GSM—lends a solid, premium feel that customers notice when they hold it in their hands. It’s that tactile sensation, you know? Matte finishes often bring a cosy, understated elegance that pairs well with traditional seasonal themes, while glossy finishes add a bit of festive sparkle and vibrancy that can catch the eye on a crowded shelf.
At Newstyle Print, we offer a range of paper stocks and finishes, including eco-friendly recycled options. Choosing recycled paper, for instance, not only aligns with growing consumer environmental awareness but can also subtly communicate your brand’s values without saying a word. However, it’s worth noting that some recycled papers might have a slightly different texture or colour tone, so it’s best to request samples before making a final decision.
2. Prioritise Clear, Seasonal Imagery
Images can make or break your catalogue. Your customers want to visualise products as part of their festive celebrations—whether that’s the perfect Christmas jumper, a unique gift, or seasonal home decor. High-resolution photos with warm lighting and seasonal backgrounds help create that inviting atmosphere. Lifestyle shots, showing products in use or within a holiday setting, often feel more compelling than stark product-only images. For example, a candle displayed on a rustic wooden table with soft fairy lights in the background may evoke a stronger emotional response than the candle on a plain white background.
Keep in mind, less is often more. Avoid cluttering pages with too many images or text; ample white space not only makes the catalogue easier to read but can also add to the overall festive feel by giving each product room to breathe. This deliberate pacing helps customers focus and reduces overwhelm, which is especially important during the busy holiday season.
3. Keep Your Copy Warm and Concise
The holiday season is notoriously hectic, so your catalogue copy should be straightforward and easy to scan. Friendly, approachable language works best—think conversational rather than overly formal. Highlight key product features and benefits without overwhelming readers with jargon or lengthy paragraphs. A brief festive greeting or a short anecdote about a product’s origin can add personality and forge an emotional connection. For instance, mentioning that a particular scarf is handmade by artisans using traditional methods can make it stand out from mass-produced items.
Consider bullet points or short sections to break up information, making it easier for customers to quickly find what interests them. This scanning-friendly approach respects your audience’s time and encourages them to engage rather than skim past.
4. Make Navigation Simple
Logical organisation is critical. Grouping products by category, price range, or even gift recipient (like “for him,” “for her,” or “for kids”) helps customers zero in on what they want without frustration. Including a contents page at the front is a simple yet effective way to guide shoppers, especially if your catalogue is on the larger side.
Clear headings, consistent layouts, and visible page numbers all contribute to a smoother browsing experience. From what we’ve seen, catalogues that feel easy to navigate tend to translate into more sales. It might sound obvious, but a disorganised or cluttered catalogue can leave customers confused and less likely to purchase.
5. Incorporate Eco-Friendly Messaging
Nowadays, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a genuine priority for many shoppers. If your catalogue uses recycled paper or eco-friendly inks, don’t hesitate to highlight that. Small icons or short notes indicating environmentally conscious choices can enhance your brand’s appeal to eco-aware customers. Newstyle Print specialises in eco-conscious print options, from recycled business cards to leaflet printing, so you can weave this message seamlessly into your catalogue.
However, it’s worth avoiding overly heavy-handed claims or greenwashing. Authenticity matters, so if sustainability is a core part of your brand, let the quality and messaging reflect that genuinely.
6. Plan Your Print Run and Timing Carefully
Christmas sneaks up fast, and print deadlines can catch you off guard. Starting your planning at least 6 to 8 weeks before your intended launch date gives you breathing room for design tweaks, proofing, and production. Whether you’re ordering a small batch for a local shop or a large run for nationwide distribution, factoring in turnaround times is crucial.
Newstyle Print’s quick turnaround and free artwork checks can be a lifesaver here. Catching errors early—like low-resolution images or misaligned layouts—can save you time and money. Plus, early planning helps avoid the stress of last-minute rushes and ensures your catalogue arrives when customers are actively shopping for the holidays.
A Quick Case Example: A Local Gift Shop’s Winter Launch
We recently worked with a small gift shop preparing their Christmas catalogue for a winter launch. They chose a recycled 200 GSM matte stock that perfectly reflected their eco-friendly ethos. We helped optimise their artwork by ensuring images were high resolution and that colours popped just right without being overly saturated.
The catalogue was organised into simple, easy-to-navigate sections with clear pricing and little festive stories about the products, like the origins of handcrafted ornaments or the inspiration behind a set of scented candles. This storytelling approach helped customers feel more connected to the items.
The free artwork check caught a few layout inconsistencies early, like text running too close to the page edge and one image that was lower quality than the rest. Fixing these before printing avoided costly delays and ensured the final product looked polished.
The print run arrived well ahead of schedule, and the shop reported a noticeable boost in sales during the early festive season. They also received positive feedback from customers who appreciated the catalogue’s look and feel—especially the recycled paper choice, which aligned with the shop’s values.
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Wrapping It Up: Your Festive Print Partner
Designing a Christmas product catalogue that truly stands out involves a mix of creativity and careful planning. From picking the right paper and finish to crafting warm, clear content that resonates, every detail plays a part in making your catalogue memorable and effective.
If you find yourself unsure about any stage—from artwork setup to choosing finishes—you’re always welcome to reach out to us at Newstyle Print. Our free artwork checks and friendly guidance aim to smooth out the process, helping you avoid common pitfalls and make informed choices.
We’ve been printing across the UK for over a decade, backing our expertise with a 4.9/5 Google rating and free delivery nationwide. Whether you’re ordering a handful of copies or a large run, we’re here to help you get it right the first time.
FAQ
What paper weight is best for Christmas catalogues?
Generally, paper weights between 150 and 250 GSM work well. This range strikes a balance between sturdiness and manageability. Your choice between matte or gloss finishes depends on the vibe you want—matte tends to feel cosy and elegant, while gloss adds shine and vibrant colours.
Can I use recycled paper for my Christmas catalogue?
Absolutely. Recycled paper stocks have come a long way and can look just as premium as virgin papers. Many customers appreciate the environmental consideration, which can enhance your brand’s reputation. We offer a variety of recycled options suited to festive catalogues.
How important is image quality in a product catalogue?
Image quality is crucial. High-resolution, well-lit photos help customers visualise products more effectively, which often translates into higher sales. Blurry or poorly lit images can have the opposite effect, making products look less appealing.
How far in advance should I order Christmas catalogues?
Starting your planning and ordering at least 6 to 8 weeks before your launch is advisable. This timeframe allows for design development, proofing, printing, and delivery without last-minute pressure.
Can Newstyle Print help with artwork issues?
Yes, we provide free artwork checks and can guide you on technical aspects like resolution, colour settings, bleed areas, and more. This service helps ensure your print comes out exactly as expected.
What finishes are popular for festive catalogues?
Matte finishes are favoured for their understated, cosy feel, while gloss finishes are popular for adding shine and colour vibrancy. Spot UV and soft-touch lamination are also trendy choices when you want to add a luxe or tactile element.
Is it better to print large runs or smaller batches?
That depends on your budget and distribution plans. Larger runs usually reduce the cost per copy but come with less flexibility if you need to update content mid-season. Smaller batches offer agility but might be more expensive per unit.
Updated on 3 December 2025
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