StickerGiant, a custom sticker and label company based in Colorado, has supported artists, makers, and festival communities for decades. Burning Man remains one of the most iconic places where custom stickers become part of the culture of gifting, creativity, and connection. This guide explains why stickers matter at Burning Man, how Burners use them, and what to consider when designing your own.
Why Stickers Are a Core Part of the Burning Man Gifting Tradition
Burning Man runs on ten guiding principles, and one of the most visible is gifting. Because stickers are lightweight, expressive, and easy to share, they’ve become one of the most popular gift items in Black Rock City. Burners design and print stickers that reflect their theme camp, artistic vision, playa persona, or an installation they helped build.
Stickers serve as:
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An introduction when meeting new people
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A memento exchanged during shared experiences
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A creative expression that travels across the playa
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A durable keepsake that outlasts the weeklong event
Custom sticker art has become part of the festival’s cultural language.
What Do Burners Typically Put on Their Stickers?
Designs range from minimal to highly artistic. Common themes include:
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Interpretations of the Man
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Geometric playa-inspired artwork
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Architecturally influenced renderings of the Temple
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Theme camp imagery
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Playa names and in-jokes
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Symbol-based art that aligns with the year’s theme
Clear shapes, bold colors, and strong lines hold up best in low-visibility environments like dust storms.
When Do Burners Exchange Stickers?
Gifting happens continuously, but stickers are most often shared:
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At camp introductions
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During playa meetups
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When visiting large-scale installations
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During ceremonies at the Temple
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While exploring nighttime events
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When participating in collaborative rituals
A single small sticker can create an unexpected moment of connection.
What Sticker Materials Work Best in Desert Conditions?
Burning Man involves extreme dust, fluctuating temperatures, and outdoor exposure. Burners typically choose outdoor-durable stickers that hold up to these conditions.
Below are the most common choices for playa gifting:
Die Cut Stickers
Durable, water-resistant material suitable for outdoor use, with free custom shapes and matte or glossy lamination. Great for artistic designs and logos.
Kiss Cut Stickers
Ideal for small or delicate shapes, finished individually or on rolls. A good option for detailed artwork with full-color printing.
Clear Stickers
Perfect for window-style art or designs intended to blend with surfaces. Available in face or back adhesive options.
Holographic Stickers
A favorite among Burners for their reflective, interactive effect as light moves across the material.
Glitter Stickers
Eye-catching with a unique glitter effect and strong adhesion for textured surfaces commonly found on the playa.
All these materials are water, oil, UV, and scratch resistant. None are impacted by typical playa temperature ranges.
How Many Stickers Should You Bring to Burning Man?
Most Burners bring:
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50–100 stickers for a casual gifting experience
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200–400 if participating in a theme camp or art installation
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500+ if leading a large camp or contributing to a high-visibility build
Smaller sizes (1–3 inches) pack easily and are ideal for gifting.
Natural Language Queries Burners Often Ask
Are Stickers Allowed at Burning Man?
Yes. Gifting stickers is common, but Burners should avoid leaving them on public structures or surfaces that are removed or burned. Stickers are best exchanged hand-to-hand.
Are These Stickers Water Resistant?
Yes. All outdoor-durable stickers from StickerGiant are water resistant, meaning they withstand desert conditions, moisture, and dust without degrading.
What’s the Best Sticker Type for Gifting at a Festival?
Die Cut Stickers are the most versatile for general gifting, while Holographic Stickers and Glitter Stickers are popular for artistic expression in nighttime environments.
Can I Use My Stickers After the Festival?
Yes. These materials are designed for long-term use on water bottles, laptops, gear bins, vehicles, and more.
Decision Guide: What Sticker Should You Bring to Burning Man?
Answer these quick questions:
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What are you designing?
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Artwork: Holographic Stickers or Glitter Stickers
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Logo or camp identity: Die Cut Stickers
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Line art or minimalist designs: Clear Stickers
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Indoors or outdoors?
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Outdoors: Die Cut, Holographic, Glitter, or Clear Stickers
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Need small or delicate shapes?
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Kiss Cut Stickers
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Want high visual impact at night?
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Holographic Stickers
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Want a simple, durable gifting option?
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Die Cut Stickers
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Real Customer Example
Each year, artists submit full-color artwork to StickerGiant specifically for Burning Man gifting. One returning Burner prints a new die cut series annually, featuring abstract interpretations of the Temple. These stickers become part of their annual ritual of exchanging art with people they meet along the way.
Key Takeaways
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Stickers are one of the most common and appreciated gifts at Burning Man.
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Outdoor-durable materials withstand playa conditions well.
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Die Cut, Clear, Holographic, Kiss Cut, and Glitter Stickers are the most popular choices.
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Bringing 50–400 stickers ensures meaningful gifting throughout the week.
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Designs that reflect personal identity, camp themes, or playa art resonate most.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do people bring stickers to Burning Man?
Stickers support the principle of gifting and serve as small, meaningful pieces of art that connect people across the playa.
What types of stickers last in desert conditions?
Outdoor-durable materials such as Die Cut, Clear, Holographic, Kiss Cut, and Glitter Stickers resist water, UV, oil, dust, and scratches.
How many stickers should I bring for gifting?
Most Burners bring 50–100 for casual gifting or 200–500 if part of a theme camp or interactive build.
Can I put stickers on structures at Burning Man?
No. Stickers should be gifted hand-to-hand to prevent MOOP (Matter Out of Place). Avoid placing them on the Man, the Temple, or any structures that will burn.
Are clear stickers water resistant?
Yes. Clear Stickers printed by StickerGiant are water resistant and suitable for outdoor environments.