The turkey isn’t even carved, yet your December calendar’s already full.
Parties. Campaign launches. Gift mailers.
Somewhere between “finish reports” and “buy wrapping paper” sits a tiny task that can make or break your brand’s image: printing.
Every year, thousands of businesses wait until mid-December to order essentials, only to face backlogs, missed shipping cut-offs, or last-minute print shops that can’t deliver.
If you want to look polished, punctual, and prepared, now is your moment.
This article gives you a complete checklist of what to print before the holiday rush hits, including insider shortcuts and 24-hour print solutions from Overnight Prints.
Related read: Corporate Holiday Cards: Why You Should Order in September
Why Timing Is Everything in Print
Printing is a physical process, it needs setup, drying, packaging, and shipping.
Even the best 24-hour printing services (like ours) work faster when you work earlier.
Here’s what changes when you order before December 1:
| Early Order | Late Order |
| Guaranteed stock & materials | Risk of paper/fabric shortages |
| Priority shipping | Standard queues & rush fees |
| Time for design edits | Rushed approval errors |
| Clients impressed by timing | Clients waiting for “delayed delivery” notices |
In short: early means excellence.
Pro tip: Save designs in your Overnight Prints account for quick reorders, perfect for recurring business cards or seasonal marketing prints.
Your Complete Year-End Printing Checklist
Let’s break down the must-haves that will carry your brand confidently.
1. Custom Calendars, The Gift That Works All Year
Your logo shouldn’t vanish after New Year’s Eve.
Custom calendars are a timeless, high-ROI gift that keeps your brand visible for 12 months straight.
Top use cases:
- Corporate thank-you gifts for clients or partners
- Local business giveaways
- Employee recognition or team milestones
Design tip: Include motivational quotes, customer photos, or key brand values month-by-month.
Related blog: Custom Calendar Printing: Wall, Desk & Photo Options
2. Business Cards: Because Networking Doesn’t Take Holidays Off
Even in an AI-driven world, nothing beats a handshake and a business card that feels professional.
Whether you’re attending a holiday mixer or prepping for January conferences, fresh cards say “ready for next year.”
Recommended options:
- Premium Business Cards for high-end partners
- Euro Business Cards for modern minimalist brands
- Ultra Thick Business Cards for luxury appeal
More design ideas: Business Card Trends for Fall: Styles That Stand Out
3. Letterhead & Stationery: Set the Tone for Q1
When clients open a printed letter or invoice with your logo embossed at the top, it instantly elevates perception.
Letterhead isn’t just paperwork, it’s part of your branding system.
It signals trust, consistency, and attention to detail.
Use it for:
- Year-end thank-you notes
- Holiday promotions
- Q1 proposals or partnership letters
Pair it with Envelopes for a cohesive, professional look.
Learn more: How to Create Professional Letterhead
4. Holiday Flyers & Posters: Last-Minute Event Heroes
From in-store signage to restaurant promos, Flyers and Posters are quick-turn lifesavers during holiday chaos.
24-hour printing tip: Upload print-ready PDFs before 3 PM PST and choose overnight shipping for next-day delivery.
Need ideas?
- “12 Days of Deals” campaign posters
- Holiday menus or open-house flyers
- Charity event announcements
Related blog: How Small Businesses Can Use Flyers to Promote Holiday Events
5. Greeting Cards: Add a Personal Touch to Every Shipment
If you didn’t send cards earlier this month, there’s still time.
Greeting Cards are one of the fastest-produced holiday items (often within 24 hours).
Pair them with Envelopes or Notecards and a short handwritten message.
Complementary read: The Complete Guide to Holiday Greeting Card Printing
6. Presentation Folders: Prep for January Meetings
Holiday downtime is when many businesses quietly plan their next big quarter.
That’s your cue to organize proposals, media kits, or conference decks inside Presentation Folders.
Include inserts like postcards or thank-you cards to remind clients of your value going into the new year.
Strategy insight: Folders That Sell: How to Use Pocket & Presentation Folders
7. Branded Packaging for Gift Orders
Even if you’re not in retail, branded packaging shows pride in presentation. Wrap internal or client gifts using custom wrapping paper, tissue, or stickers.
Combine with a thank-you insert to add emotion and texture to your brand.
Visual inspo: Holiday Packaging Ideas 2025: Wrap It, Tag It, Brand It
Your Quick “Rush-Ready” Printing Plan
If you’re reading this close to Thanksgiving or beyond, don’t panic — you still have options.
Here’s your fast-track plan using 24-hour printing services:
1️⃣ Finalize your designs today. Use Overnight Prints templates for cards, flyers, or letterhead.
2️⃣ Upload and order by 3 PM PST. Choose Overnight Delivery.
3️⃣ Receive your prints within 1 business day. (Many metro areas qualify for guaranteed next-day arrival.)
4️⃣ Pack, sign, send. Be the brand that looks effortlessly organized.
Discover what’s possible: Flyer Templates for Small Businesses: Ready-to-Use Design Ideas
Think of It as Your “Print Inventory Reset”
Every November, smart businesses don’t just print for December, they audit for January.
Before the year ends, check your stock of:
- Business cards (new team members?)
- Letterhead (new logo or address?)
- Flyers (updated menu or pricing?)
- Calendars (new promotions for 2026?)
A fresh set of materials helps you start the new year with clarity and confidence.
Bonus resource: 2025 Print Campaigns: Engage & Grow Your Brand Monthly
Final Thought: The Calm Before the Christmas Storm
In a season that celebrates joy, printing should never cause panic.
The difference between last-minute stress and early success comes down to one thing: preparation.
Print is tangible proof of professionalism and it deserves the same planning as your campaigns or sales goals.
So take one hour this week to check your list, upload your files, and cross “printing” off your to-do list.
Your December-self will thank you.
