A brand-new year can often bring a fresh wave of creativity for stationers. So, if you’re feeling that surge of creativity this year (but don’t quite know where to channel it), keep on reading.
We’re going to share three creative ways that will help you serve your customers by keeping them coming back to shop with you again and again.
You may have just rolled your eyes upon reading the word “subscription”, but businesses are using this model for good reason: it works. Not only does it allow you the opportunity to truly surprise and delight your customers, but it also allows you to build instant loyalty. When a customer signs up for a subscription, they’re agreeing to receive your products monthly, quarterly, or yearly.
Subscription boxes give you the opportunity to go all-in for your customer. You can create themed boxes based on the seasons, create a storyline for each box, or offer exclusive designs and products that only exist in these subscriptions. The creativity options are endless!
There are some great brands in the stationery space doing this well. Brands like Cloth & Paper, Archer and Olive, Nicely Noted, and others do this well. Visit their websites for a look at how each brand does its subscription plans.
Subscription boxes aren’t a new idea, but if you haven’t tried it for your business, they might be a great way to serve your customers a serious dose of surprise and delight. Not only that, but you’ll find that you may reach a different or new segment of customers that you may not have reached any other way.
Life is too short to use boring packaging. One of the easiest ways to create a delightful experience for your customer is by using fun, creative, unique, or thoughtful packaging. Think about it this way: Would you rather receive a gift wrapped in its original Amazon packaging or would you rather open a gift wrapped in beautiful wrapping paper, complete with a bow and sprinkled with confetti? For us, it’s the latter option. Instead of wrapping your packages with standard packing tape, why not use the fun tape complete with polka dots? If you’re great at lettering, you could handwrite each address on the front, making each address a work of art. No matter what you choose, just remember the golden rule: Treat others the way you want to be treated. With every order, imagine what it would be like if you were receiving that order yourself. That thought alone will help you take your packaging to the next level with each order.
Handwritten notes are meaningful. And when you pair a handwritten thank you with every order, it’s going to go a long way. People want to know that their dollar counts. So when you take the time to share your gratitude for their business, it can go a long way by creating a lasting connection with you and your customer. Not only do they get to feel valued, but they can actually connect the dots from their dollar to your small business.
So go ahead, throw a little note in with each order. You could also do some stickers, a little “About Me” card to help your customer get to know you and your brand a bit better, and why their purchase made a difference. For instance, if your company donates to a charity with each order, or plants a tree, your customer is going to want to know that. That’s another beautiful way to showcase how their order makes a difference.
Another fun idea might be to create a video of gratitude for your customers and save it to a QR code that you print and put in their package. Once they pull it up, they’ll get to “meet” you and hear more about your brand. In the video, you could share a discount code for their next purchase, give them a behind-the-scenes look at how you made their product, or share a heartfelt word of thanks.
Something your customer may not expect is opening their package to find that you’ve included something extra for them—completely free! Everyone loves free stuff! Whether that’s a sticker, some washi tape, or even a cute bookmark, people love surprises.
A Tennessee-based leather brand includes a leather coaster in all of their leather orders, along with a discount code, and the story of their founder…all packaged beautifully. If your niche is weddings, what would it look like to throw in a custom set of notecards with the bride’s name on it? If you’re a stationery brand that focuses on providing book-themed stationery to book lovers everywhere, a fun bookmark would be the perfect addition to each order. Whatever it is, make it fun! You’ll surely bring a smile to your customer’s face.
Knowing how and when to send a proper thank-you note may have skipped a generation or two. So, with the rise of analog hobbies and practices in 2026, you can help your customers get the most out of each order. If you sell thank-you notes, why not publish an article about the etiquette of when and why to send a thank-you note? Or if you’re in the wedding industry, you might pen an article on when a bride and groom should send out their save-the-dates. Is it three months before or sooner? You can step in, helping newly engaged couples navigate this part of their wedding journeys.
Partner With PrintsWell in 2026
Reading an article like this may have you excited at first. But if you’re a one-person business juggling all of the hats, it may feel impossible to spend a ton of time packaging and drop-ins for every order. We totally get it, and we’re here to help!
We love partnering with stationery designers by bringing your beautiful products to life, from printing to shipping. Did you know we offer blind drop shipping? You provide your branding, and we’ll make sure your orders provide a beautiful unboxing experience for your customers with each and every order. Fill out a quick application, and let’s drop ship some delight to your customers together!