Tis the season to be creative, and every year designers grasp the opportunity to put a unique and original stamp on traditional Christmas designs, from cards to wrapping paper and beyond. Here's a selection of our favourites in 2013...
- Also read: 10 stunningly beautiful winter designs
01. David Popov (opens in new tab)
A beautiful and playful collection of interactive cards designed by Australian designer, David Popov. These fun cutouts are a great alternative to traditional Christmas cards, and we love the use of neon (opens in new tab).
02. Paperbanana Xmas (opens in new tab)
Roberto Blefari produced this imaginative design for an Italian startup selling unique and original wrapping paper. Despite its hip illustration style, the design cleverly capture the essence of Christmas by throwing us all the way back to childhood.
03. Miguel Palomar (opens in new tab)
Tis' the season for illustrators everywhere to create an original design to wish their followers and supporters a Merry Christmaas. This is London-based illustrator Miguel Palomar’s contribution to the trend, with a quirky and inventive use of typography that truly makes his seasonal greeting stand out.
04. Carli Foot (opens in new tab)
Australian graphic designer Carli Foot produces great bespoke designs with enchanting visuals. These beautiful cards (opens in new tab) are typical of the gorgeous handmade work she sells online, a great example of the 'less is more' trend in action.
05. Madalina Andronic (opens in new tab)
A Romanian designer based in London, Madalina Andronic works with folk-inspired designs on a range of different surfaces. We love these porcelain pendants, which instantly summon up the spirit of the season, but in a way that's totally free of cliche.
06. Keith Haring X Adidas (opens in new tab)
'Christmas in Hollis' is a 1987 track by Run D.M.C. that's become a cult classic over the years, and now Adidas is getting on board the rap nostalgia train with these limited-edition sneaker designs (opens in new tab). We love the inclusion of the iconic sleeve artwork, by the late street art guru Keith Haring, on the tongue (see below).
07. Merry Knitmas
This cute and short animation takes a playful visual approach to the idea of Christmas weather and fills you with the spirit of celebration. Just gorgeous.
08. Bett Norris (opens in new tab)
Another London working illustrator who's chosen to design her holiday wishes, this bespoke piece makes great use of child-like simplicity and the colour combinations evoke the warming feel of nature brilliantly.
09. Starbucks (opens in new tab)
Every year Starbucks launches a new collection of designs for the festive season. As usual, this year’s winter spice red cup campaign features minimalist artwork that's effortlessly stylish.
10. Nike (opens in new tab)
Taking a more traditional approach to Christmas than its rival Adidas (above), Nike's beautiful mellow 'Christmas pack' collection makes great use of colour to summon the spirit of the season.
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