Stickers are one of the simplest and most effective tools small businesses can use. Affordable, versatile and bursting with creative potential, they are the kind of detail that can turn ordinary packaging into a memorable brand experience.
But what do stickers and labels actually stick to? The answer is more surfaces than you might expect. From packaging staples to unusual, creative ideas, stickers give SMEs endless opportunities to show off personality, improve presentation and leave a lasting impression.
Table of Contents
Cardboard Boxes
Paper Bags
Glass Jars and Bottles
Plastic Packaging
Metal Tins and Cans
Envelopes and Mailers
Takeaway Coffee Cups
Wooden Boxes and Crates
Plant Pots
Fridges and Freezers
Notebooks and Stationery
Water Bottles
Conclusion
1. Cardboard Boxes
Cardboard boxes are the backbone of ecommerce packaging, but they can look plain. A branded sticker instantly transforms them into something polished and professional, setting the tone before your customer even opens their order. Stickers can also act as seals, keeping boxes neat and secure.
Here, rectangle stickers are particularly handy, they sit neatly across box flaps and can double as both branding and tamper seals, making packaging look smart and functional at the same time.
2. Paper Bags
Paper bags are a staple for cafes, boutiques and takeaways, but on their own they do little for your branding. Adding a sticker turns them into walking adverts, creating consistency with your logo or colours while keeping costs down compared with custom printed bags.
They also work perfectly as bag seals, saving on staples or tape. Seasonal or themed stickers add another creative touch, whether that is snowflakes at Christmas or autumn leaves for a seasonal menu. Little details like this show customers you care.
3. Glass Jars and Bottles
Glass is one of the smoothest and most sticker friendly surfaces, which is why it is loved by food, drink and lifestyle brands. A simple sticker can label flavours, display ingredients or double as a safety seal, all while making your product look more professional.
From artisan preserves and small batch beers to candles and cosmetics, stickers help products stand out. Waterproof finishes or clear designs keep labels looking sharp even in fridges or coolers, with the option of a sleek “printed on” effect.
4. Plastic Packaging
Plastic tubs, bottles and containers are practical, but they often look generic. Stickers are a low cost way to customise them with branding, instructions or bold design features that customers will notice immediately.
They are especially useful for businesses with changing menus or limited runs. You can update packaging quickly and cheaply by switching stickers, making it easier to adapt products without needing a new design every time.
5. Metal Tins and Cans
Metal packaging has a premium feel, and stickers only enhance that. They give you the freedom to adapt one tin design for multiple flavours or scents without expensive printed tins, making them ideal for coffee, candles or gourmet snacks.
The smooth, reflective surface helps colours pop, and customers often reuse tins, which means your branding lasts well beyond the initial purchase. It is a cost effective way to look professional while staying flexible.
6. Envelopes and Mailers
Plain envelopes and postal mailers can feel dull, but a sticker adds personality straight away. Use them as seals, return address labels or cheerful greetings to make customers smile before they have even opened their post.
It is a small detail that makes a big difference. Whether you are sending promotional mail, handwritten notes or loyalty rewards, a sticker helps your brand stand out in a pile of otherwise ordinary mail.
7. Takeaway Coffee Cups
Few things carry your branding as far as a takeaway cup. Stickers instantly turn plain cups into moving adverts that travel through busy streets, cafes and offices, getting your logo in front of hundreds of eyes.
They can also be functional. Add QR codes that link to loyalty rewards or feature seasonal designs to create buzz. Because they are so easy to update, you can refresh your look for every campaign or celebration throughout the year.
8. Wooden Boxes and Crates
Wood is not the first surface you think of, but smooth wooden packaging or display crates take stickers surprisingly well. A simple logo can transform a plain box into a premium gift set without the cost of engraving or printing.
For artisan food, breweries or eco-conscious brands, this adds rustic charm. Swapping stickers depending on what is inside also gives you the flexibility to create new looks for the same packaging.
9. Plant Pots
Plant pots are a fun and unexpected place to use stickers. Florists and garden centres can add care instructions, while eco-friendly businesses might use them for slogans, quirky designs or seasonal promotions.
Here, circle stickers work especially well, their rounded shape complements curved pots and clings securely without corners peeling away. Durable finishes make sure your branding lasts outdoors, keeping your message visible day after day.
10. Fridges and Freezers
Cold and damp conditions can be a challenge, but the right stickers hold strong. They are perfect for labelling chilled or frozen products like ice cream tubs, ready meals and bottled drinks while keeping branding professional.
This option is especially valuable for SMEs. Instead of investing in expensive printed packaging, stickers allow you to adapt plain tubs and bottles quickly and cost effectively. Clear labelling also makes shopping easier, building customer trust.
11. Notebooks and Stationery
Stickers do not have to be limited to packaging. Adding them to notebooks, diaries or folders is a great way to boost internal branding or create thoughtful giveaways for events and conferences.
Here, square stickers are a great fit. Their clean edges align perfectly on flat covers, leaving enough space for bold logos or slogans while still looking tidy and professional. Used well, they can turn simple stationery into stylish marketing tools that people keep.
12. Water Bottles
Stickers on water bottles might seem like a small detail, but they carry big potential. Bottles travel to gyms, cafes, offices and commutes, putting your brand in front of people in all sorts of places.
Durable stickers that withstand condensation and daily use work best here. Once applied, they turn an everyday item into a mobile advert while feeling like a natural part of a customer’s lifestyle.
Conclusion
So, what do stickers stick to? From everyday essentials like boxes, bags and bottles to more playful ideas like plant pots, wooden crates and water bottles, stickers bring branding to life wherever you use them.
For small businesses, they are an easy, affordable way to make packaging more professional, surprise and delight customers and even transform everyday items into little brand ambassadors. Sometimes, the smallest touches really do stick the most.
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