Hey everyone, it’s Talik Packing here.
Can you feel it? That little hum in the air? Even though we’re still a ways out, I can already smell the pineapple tarts and hear the cheerful chatter of Chinese New Year planning. Here at our workshop, this is when the real magic begins. The phones start ringing and the mail from “Ding dong!”, the design briefs start flying in, and we get to dive headfirst into one of my favorite topics: red packets, or as you say, “ang baos”.
Every year, I see clients get more and more creative. The days of grabbing a generic pack from the supermarket are long gone, especially for those who want to make an impression. A red packet is a tiny billboard for your brand, your taste, and your well-wishes.
So, what’s on the horizon for 2026? Let’s pour a cup of kopi and chat about the red packet printing trends I see coming. This is the fun part!
Top 9 Creative Red Packet Designs
Looking for fresh ideas to wow clients, family, or friends? Check out these nine creative red packet designs for 2026.
Trend #1: Texture and Coated Red Packets
Listen, a red envelope is a physical thing. The way something feels can make a huge impact. For example, a beautifully debossed pattern of a galloping horse that you can trace with your fingertips. Or a soft-touch, velvety laminate that feels incredibly luxurious.
I had a corporate client in Malaysia last year who was hesitant about the extra cost for a textured finish. We sent them a sample, and they called me back the same day to go for it. Their feedback? Customers were holding onto the packets, running their thumbs over the foil logo. That’s brand recall you just can’t buy with an ad.
Trend #2: Digital Interactive Red Packets
Okay, this is where things get really fun, especially for a younger, tech-savvy audience. Your ang bao can be a gateway to a digital experience. It sounds complicated, but it’s surprisingly simple to execute.
The easiest entry point is a well-designed QR code. But not just limited to your company’s homepage. That’s a missed opportunity! Instead, link to:
- A personalized video message: The CEO of your company wishes recipients a Happy New Year.
- An Instagram or TikTok filter: Recipients scan the code and unlock a branded Year of the Horse filter. Instant engagement and user-generated content!
- A simple mobile game or a digital scratch card
Trend #3: Custom Physical Interactive Red Packets
Who says ang baos always have to be the same old rectangle? These days, custom red packets come in all sorts of funky shapes, such as square, round, fan-shaped, and even heart-shaped or lantern-inspired designs. Some brands push it further with designs shaped like clouds or animal silhouettes that tie back to the zodiac.
Besides, many packets now feature playful touches for recipients, such as pull tabs, pop-ups, sliding reveals, or clever folds that conceal a surprise message inside. It feels less like a plain envelope and more like opening a mini gift. Honestly, I’ve seen clients go from skeptical to obsessed once they hand these out—people keep them, post about them, and talk about them long after CNY.
Trend #4: Minimalist Foil and Geometric Red Packets
Minimalist red packets usually feature clean lines, subtle grids, or maybe just one bold motif picked out in silver or gold foil. The look is sleek, classy, and it never really goes out of fashion. That’s why you’ll see banks, luxury shops, and big corporate names jumping on this style. It fits perfectly with their polished image.
From our side at Talik, we also like this trend because it’s simple to produce, which means the cost stays friendly for wholesalers while the packets still look super high-end. If you’re ordering in bulk, that’s a win-win: premium look, smart budget.
Trend #5: Pop Art and Cartoon-Inspired Red Packets
In the next five years and probably much longer, this trend is all about fun, especially for the younger crowd. Pop art and cartoon-inspired red packets are packed with bold colors, quirky graphics, and a hint of nostalgia. It includes, but is not limited classic cartoon characters, comic-strip illustrations, anime-style designs, or even playful pop culture icons from movies, games, and viral memes. Kids are obviously drawn to them, but grown-ups love them too—sometimes even more, especially if the design is collectible.
We can handle multi-color printing, original artwork, or custom licensing if you’ve got a favorite character in mind.
Trend #6: Zodiac-Themed Red Packets
Zodiac designs are always a safe bet because everyone recognizes the 12-year cycle—Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. These animals show up year after year across China, Singapore, and Malaysia, and people love collecting them because of their innovative design that never repeats.
But here’s a fun twist: in Vietnam, the Rabbit is swapped out for the Cat, so when you’re printing for that market, the design needs a little tweak. Talik helps clients adjust artwork easily, whether it’s a traditional gold-foil zodiac or a more playful cartoon style.
Trend #7: Custom Die-Cut Red Packets
Die-cutting is a printing technique that lets us cut red packets into all kinds of creative shapes instead of sticking to the usual rectangle. With the right die, you can make packets shaped like lanterns, blossoms, fans, or even playful outlines that tie into your brand. We’ve also seen clients go for clever cut-out windows that show a peek of the foil design inside. This style is especially popular for festivals and weddings because the unique shapes feel more personal and celebratory. Think heart-shaped packets for newlyweds or horse silhouettes for the Year of the Horse.
Trend #8: Puzzle-Style or Linked Red Packets
Puzzle-style or linked red packets are designed so that two or more envelopes connect to form a bigger picture—like halves of a dragon that come together when all pieces are side by side. Some brands take it further by creating sets of four or six packets that form a mural when arranged together.
They can double as keepsakes. People rarely toss them away when the artwork feels like part of a set. As a customised red packets supplier, we love to do so because they give clients tons of room to be creative without needing complicated techniques—just smart design and good printing.
Trend #9: Eco Red Packets with Sustainable Materials
Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword. More brands are choosing recycled paper, soy-based inks, and biodegradable laminates that still deliver rich colors and smooth textures. Eco-friendly packets don’t always have to look plain. You can still have festive shades like deep red, maroon, or even metallic tones using water-based foils and coatings. Green options are especially popular among younger buyers and companies that want to demonstrate their commitment to the planet. The best part? They let you celebrate tradition while sending a positive message about sustainability at the same time.
How to Choose the Right Designs for Your Brand?
Picking the perfect red packet design can be tricky, but a few simple tips make it easy to match your brand and impress recipients.
- Know Your Audience: Are your recipients corporate clients, young families, or kids? Designs should resonate with them, like minimalism for businesses, happiness for families, and cartoons for children.
- Match Your Brand Identity: Does your brand lean luxury, lifestyle, or playful? Luxury brands might lean toward foil stamping and clean lines, while fun startups can explore cartoon or pop art styles.
- Think About Occasions: Weddings usually need auspicious colors and elegant detailing, Lunar New Year calls for zodiacs and festive symbols, while company events can use subtle logos. Each occasion has its own style cues, so match the packet’s tone carefully.
- Consider Sustainability: Red, gold, and green on recycled paper look premium yet eco-friendly. Green materials signal responsibility, which today’s younger audience values.
So, How Can Talik Help You?
I get it. You’re busy. You need a red packet printing supplier who makes things easy, delivers on time, and gives you a fantastic product without the headache. That’s our whole deal here at Talik Packing.
We’re a one-stop shop. You can come to us with a fully-formed idea, or you can come to us with a blank slate and say, “Help!” Our design team loves a challenge. We’ll work with you to figure out what you need.
And for those of you worried about ordering huge quantities, don’t be. We pride ourselves on an MOQ as low as 1. We work with giant corporations, but we also love helping smaller businesses and families create beautiful custom batches for weddings or special events. Great design shouldn’t be reserved for the big guys. And yes, our bulk pricing is designed to make you smile.
The Year of the Horse is about charging ahead with energy and passion. Your red packets should reflect that. Let’s create something together that people will be talking about long after the last pineapple tart is gone.
Drop us a line. Let’s start the conversation for 2026.
