The same product can be seen as a purchase or a gift – it all depends on the box! Give someone something wrapped in unmarked paper and it is purchased. Show them the same thing in such a pretty box and it feels like they're given to you. That's what premium packaging does; it makes them something instead of a product. The luxury box is a concept that transforms a simple item into a gift worthy of its specialness.

A Gift Is About the Feeling

Begin by reviewing the definition of a gift. A gift is not just a thing, it's a feeling of caring, work, and event, and packaging makes that feeling.

If it comes beautifully boxed, you know that it was thought of. It's the feeling of effort that's at the core of giving, and that feeling is also in the package as well as the gift itself. A plain box tells the listener this is a thing, whereas a thoughtful one tells the listener this was selected for you.

A gift feeling comes from:

• A caring and work ethic.

• A feeling of occasion.

• Thought made visible.

You give the product; you give the packaging that's what makes it feel like giving.

Expectation is set with the Box

Think about what you're going to be opening. The first impression of a gift is before it's even opened and the box forms the first impression.

A big, gorgeous box in the hand creates suspense before anyone knows what lies within. That's part of the fun of receiving a gift. Luxury boxes establish this anticipation from the moment you deliver it to the moment you receive it.

The box creates anticipation by means of:

• Weight which has weight.

• Value as indicated by a finish.

• An atmosphere of something special inside.

The special feeling that comes with the gift is only accentuated by the box it's placed in, when it is opened at the end of the day.

The mystery is revealed.

Consider opening the present, as that is the most important moment. A great box makes opening a pleasure, and what makes a gift special is the pleasure of the opening.

When the lid lifts easily, the tissue opens to expose the product, this is an elegant reveal, it's a special moment. The difference between ripping open a package and unwrapping a gift.

The one that is memorable involves:

• Smooth and pleasant beginning.

• A fanciful interior view.

• A care package presented.

The tell became the gift making when you first open a product, in the few seconds it takes.

No Wrapping Needed

This is an effective present that people appreciate. A beautiful box is the gift wrap and there's nothing more to do.

A product in a high quality box does not require wrapping paper, ribbon or effort to be ready to give. This is a great convenience for the giver, and a perfect presentation for the brand. Luxury boxes eliminate the hassle of giving and still uphold the beauty.

Ready-to-give packaging offers:

• No need for wrapping paper.

• Instantly look gift ready.

• Giver's convenience.

If the box is really nice, then it's the wrapping paper, and the present is ready to give.

It communicates the value of a product.

Think about the implications of the box for value. A gift should be valuable and having high quality of packaging gives it a higher value than the same product without packaging.

The attention to how the item is packaged conveys attention to the item itself – the whole gift looks more thoughtfully. This is important because a gift is a way of letting the other person know that he or she is important to you. A beautiful box is that thing.

Premium packaging conveys value through:

• Suggesting quality inside.

• Making the gift appear generous.

• Demonstrating to the recipient that they are valued.

A nice box, even for the same product, assumes a whole new level of significance when it becomes a gift.

It makes the brand an integral part of the gift.

Consider the person's memory. A wonderful gift experience becomes attached to the brand and beautiful packaging makes a gift brand goodwill.

If a great gift arrives in the nice box, they'll recall the brand and sometimes even keep the box! That memory - and that kept box - keeps the brand alive long after the gift is opened. Giving is an opportunity to create a memorable moment.

Good packaging is beneficial to the brand because it:

• Makes a great impression.

• Often gets kept.

• Maintains the brand's awareness.

A gift that people remember is one that is remembered by their brand, and the box is the brand.

Designing with gifting in mind.

Then how do you create a gift box that's suitable? There are a couple of options that can make packaging more than protective and make it truly present-worthy.

Pay attention to the start, as that's the emotional high point. Considered interior as the reveal will be what people see. Look for a finish that will feel special in the hand and, figure out how to make the box worth keeping. Luxury boxes, which are given as gifts, consider the entire event.

Gift worthy design emphasizes:

• A memorable opening.

• A considered interior.

• A box to store.

For the feeling of receiving, not only the task of protecting, and the box really does become a gift.

Final Thoughts

The luxury box is an addition to a product that transforms it into a gift, which is after all what a gift is: something special and an experience to remember, something to look forward to, something that will be cared for. The box shows effort before opening, gets the hand excited, and provides a reveal that makes it special.

It also indicates that there is no need to wrap the product, adds a sense of value to the product, and brings a lasting fond memory of the brand. This is all to do with packaging and not the product.

If you are selling any items that people are giving away, then the box is serving more purpose than just protecting it. It's making your product a gift, and the key in making it feel easy and genuine is a well-crafted luxury box.