If you haven't ordered Halloween packaging yet, you're not out of options — but you do need to be strategic about what you prioritise with the time left. Here's how to make the most of a late Halloween order.
Why Late Doesn't Mean Too Late
Full custom print runs need real lead time, but that doesn't mean every seasonal touch is off the table this close to Halloween. Lower-commitment options — stickers, existing stock combined with a seasonal seal, or reordering a size you already have artwork approved for — can still be turned around faster than a brand-new custom print project.
Prioritise Impact Over Completeness
With limited time, focus on the packaging your customers see most — usually the takeaway bag or the cup — rather than trying to theme every touchpoint. One well-executed seasonal item beats five rushed ones.
What's Realistic to Order Now
Stickers: Round or square stickers are typically the fastest custom item to produce, and applied to existing stock they still deliver a visible seasonal touch.
Existing stock plus artwork you already have: If you've ordered custom cups or bags before, a reorder with a minor seasonal tweak to existing approved artwork moves faster than starting from scratch.
Unbranded seasonal-adjacent stock: Kraft-toned packaging already reads as autumnal without needing Halloween-specific print at all — sometimes the fastest "seasonal" option is simply what you can get delivered in time.
What to Skip If Time Is Truly Tight
A full custom box redesign or multi-item matching seasonal set is unrealistic on a rushed timeline. Skip these this year and start the design process earlier for next Halloween rather than compromising on quality under time pressure.
Talk to Us About What's Achievable
Production realistically runs around 5 weeks from artwork approval for most custom items, so with Halloween days away, a full custom order won't land in time — but it's always worth asking what can be expedited or what stock-plus-sticker combination gets you seasonal branding fastest.
Get What You Can, Plan Better Next Year
A late order doesn't have to mean no seasonal packaging at all. Start with stickers for a fast seasonal touch, and get in touch to find out what's realistically achievable before 31 October.