October brings fall events, football weekends, and a fresh list of projects for businesses and organizations across Central Ohio. It is also a useful time to start planning what you want customers, employees, and supporters to receive during the holidays.
At R&J Bardon Printing & Graphics in Columbus, Ohio, we help turn those plans into custom holiday cards, business mailings, branded gifts, and event materials. Starting now gives you time to choose the right pieces, prepare your artwork, and work backward from the date you need everything in hand.
Start with your audience and your purpose
Before choosing a product, decide who you want to reach and what you want to say. A customer thank-you calls for a different approach than a holiday sale or an employee appreciation gift.
For customers, a thoughtful card can recognize the relationship you have built throughout the year. For employees, a useful branded item paired with a personal message can express appreciation. For nonprofits and community organizations, a year-end mailing can share accomplishments and explain how supporters can stay involved.
A clear purpose makes the rest of the project easier. It helps you choose the message, quantity, format, and budget without buying items simply because they look festive.
Create holiday cards that sound like your business
Your holiday card should feel like it came from your team. Choose a greeting that fits your audience, include a sincere message, and keep your branding consistent with the materials your customers already recognize.
Flat cards and foldover cards offer different ways to present your message. A flat card can deliver a short greeting, while a foldover card gives you room for a longer note or handwritten signatures. Think about whether you need matching envelopes, printed return addresses, or help with your mailing.
Before approving the design, check names, contact details, spelling, and the final wording. If your card includes holiday hours, confirm those dates before it goes to print.
Choose branded gifts with a useful purpose
Think about how recipients will use a gift after the holidays. A notebook for a customer’s desk, a tote bag for everyday errands, or apparel for your team can connect your branding to something practical.
The right choice depends on your audience and budget. Consider how much space the item gives your logo, whether your design will remain readable, and whether you need sizes or individual personalization.
Ask about availability and production timing before settling on an item. Different products require different schedules, so the date you need the finished order should guide your choices.
Prepare your mailing list before the design is finished
A mailing project needs more than an attractive printed piece. Your recipient list, quantities, envelopes, and delivery goal all affect the plan.
Use October to review addresses, remove duplicates, and confirm any personalized names or messages. If you want to include a year-end update, fundraising message, or seasonal offer, give readers one clear next step.
We can help with personalized mailing, envelope printing, and mailing projects. Discuss the format and mailing plan with us before finalizing your artwork so the pieces work together.
Remember the materials for holiday events
If you are hosting an open house, appreciation lunch, fundraiser, or community gathering, make a list of the printed pieces you need. Invitations, programs, menus, raffle tickets, and thank-you cards can support the event from the first announcement through the final follow-up.
Using the same colors, logo, and design style across those pieces helps make the event feel organized. Include the essentials clearly: date, time, location, RSVP information, and any instructions guests need.
Build your October printing checklist
You do not need a finished design to start the conversation. Bring us these details:
- Audience: Who will receive the cards, gifts, or mailing?
- Purpose: Are you thanking, inviting, informing, or promoting?
- Quantity: How many pieces or recipients are involved?
- Budget: What range do you want to work within?
- Needed date: When must the finished order be ready?
- Artwork: Do you have a completed file, or do you need design assistance?
From there, we can discuss options and a project schedule. Allow time for artwork, proof review, production, and any shipping or mailing involved.
Plan your holiday printing with a Columbus partner
R&J Bardon Printing & Graphics is locally owned and operated, with a printing history dating to 1979. We offer personal service, design assistance, local pickup, and a free consultation to help you get started.
Tell us what you are planning and when you need it. We will help you take the next step toward holiday printing that reflects your business and reaches the people who matter to you.
Request a quote or schedule a free consultation:
Phone: (614) 457-5500
Email: info@rjbardon.com
Visit: 4676 Larwell Dr., Columbus, OH 43220
Website: rjbardon.com
Hit a Grand Slam with Us.
