As is our tradition when a new year begins, our first creative report of the new year highlights outstanding direct mail examples from the holiday weeks just prior.
There were many examples to choose from in 2025. Look on and be inspired!
More Pages, More Possibility
Holiday is the most important—and competitive—time of year for many retailers. In 2025, many brands responded by showcasing breadth and abundance through high page-count catalogs, signaling value, variety, and “something for everyone” at first glance.
Luxury at First Glance
Some brands signaled holiday luxury through elevated production details such as metallic inks.
(Gold does not render well in this report format. IRL it’s lovely)
Foundrae went a step further, presenting its catalog inside an envelope — turning the mail piece itself into a
gift-like experience before the first page was even opened.
(Gold does not render well in this report format.
IRL it’s lovely)
(Gold does not render well in this report format.
IRL it’s lovely)
Old Format. New Impact.
The broadsheet format is back — and positively disruptive. Folded to mail easily but opening to a dramatic, oversized canvas, it creates instant visual impact. Modern versions elevate the classic newspaper feel with higher-quality paper stocks that deliver strong color and a premium impression.
15×11.5 folded; 15×23 flat opened; 30×23 fully opened; 16 pgs
10x 6 folded; 10×12 flat opened; 20×12 fully opened; 12 pgs
Gifting Guidance
Many brands explicitly labeled their direct mail as a Gift Guide on the cover framing themselves as a helpful holiday partner. Inside, they leaned into higher product density and specific gift ideas to simplify gift-giving decision making for consumers.
Holiday Cues Help Convert
Red and green palettes, ribbons, twinkling lights, and other traditionally festive details instantly signal holiday relevance putting shoppers in a cheerful, gift-ready mindset the moment the direct mail piece is in hand.
Intriguing Cover Wins
These brands leaned into intriguing, unexpected visuals on their holiday covers to create moments of curiosity, stand out in the mailbox, and draw the consumer in.
Looking for a partner to make your 2026 direct mail campaign both impactful and outstanding? Belardi Wong Creative offers hands-on creative production expertise and complimentary reviews of in-progress projects. Reach out to ReneeB@belardiwong.com for more information.
