Corporate gift box packaging: design tips and holiday box ideas

If you are reading this article, you know the importance of the unboxing experience that packaging creates. For this Christmas season, we created an ultimate guide on corporate gift box packaging that will double the effect of the gift inside.

Below, you’ll find: 

• practical tips and creative ideas for corporate gift wrapping
• a variety of gift box options
• average cost breakdown for custom gift boxes
• ready-made, beautifully packaged gift sets to make your presents memorable

What are the latest trends in corporate gift box packaging?

These are the top 5 trends in custom printed gift boxes that companies are embracing now:

Trend No. 1: Sustainable packaging

Currently, there’s a clear shift toward eco-friendly packaging choices. According to research by Shorr, a packaging vendor, 90% of consumers are more likely to purchase from brands that use sustainable packaging. And corporate gifting is no exception.

Swap plastic for paper-based or biodegradable materials that reduce waste.

Use fillers and accents that are planet-friendly. For example, the Swag42 catalog offers biodegradable, decorative heart-shaped fillers made from cornstarch. They look beautiful, protect gifts against bumps during shipping, and are fully compostable.

Many of our clients love our personalized Thank You grass card, made from paper blended with wildflower seeds, such as daisies and mayweed. These cards can literally grow into flowers, tomatoes, peppers, and more, serving as a lasting and memorable symbol of appreciation.

Trend No. 2: Minimalist designs

Minimalism remains the dominant trend in corporate gift box design. In Swag42, for example, our clients are increasingly opting for sleek, minimalist designs that work well across different audiences.

The most popular packaging choices are solid-color magnetic closure boxes, foldable boxes, or envelope-style packaging with simple elements, like a small logo print, a branded sticker, or a short value-driven company message.

Trend No. 3: Bold statements

Your corporate gift box packaging can be a strong storytelling tool. Many brands are opting for custom-printed gift boxes to make bold statements.

For employee gift packaging, consider printing a company slogan, tagline, or core value directly on the packaging to capture attention and effectively communicate the brand’s purpose.

For client or business partner gifts, customize the box with their business name, values, or celebratory message.

Trend No. 4: Custom stickers

Sometimes, the smallest touches can make the most significant difference. At Swag42, the most popular custom gift box packaging is an eco-box made of thick cardboard, customized with a branded sticker. It’s eco-friendly, flexible, and cost-effective.

To elevate your packaging experience, we recommend adding a sticker with a personalized message, seasonal greeting, or company mascot.

Trend No. 5: Branded inner details

Unboxing is an experience, and brands are paying more attention to what’s inside the box as well. So, beyond the outer packaging, companies now brand tissue paper, packing tape, ribbons, and box liners.

All these details turn the unboxing into a branded moment that recipients will remember and share via social networks.

How to make your corporate gift box packaging stand out?

Here are a few proven ways to make your corporate gift box packaging stand out:

1. Add personalization

Go beyond by:

• including a handwritten note or personalized card tailored to the recipient
• adding their name or initials on the box sleeve or ribbon
• using personalized inserts, such as a branded booklet or a story behind the gift

These small details will make your custom gift box packaging experience more memorable.

2. Incorporate modern technology

Add a QR code or NFC tag that links to a personalized thank-you video from your company. Alternatively, they can link to a digital greeting card with festive animations or an online quiz offering prizes to winners.

3. Match the style to the occasion

Relevance is the key. Choose a corporate gift box design that reflects both the target audience and the occasion. 

For example, opt for sleek, minimalist styles for business milestones like renewing a partnership or closing an important deal.

Opt for bold colors, patterns, and festive accents for seasonal gifts, such as Christmas and New Year celebrations.

4. Avoid cheap, off-the-shelf packaging

Even a great present can be ruined by off-the-shelf packaging that feels impersonal or outdated. Your corporate gift box should carry your brand’s unique identity.

• Use your logo, colors, and other brand elements to complete the package.
• Experiment with premium finishes like embossing or textured papers.
• Create reusable boxes that recipients want to keep, turning your gift package into a long-lasting brand reminder.

What’s the average cost for custom corporate gift box packaging?

The cost of custom corporate gift box packaging varies significantly depending on the type (e.g., branded sleeve, craft box, or paper bag), size, and level of customization. A medium-sized custom box typically costs between €4 and €9.

At Swag42, our packaging options are designed to suit different budgets and styles:

• Small (S) packaging: from €0.69 (metallic bag with adhesive strip) up to €3.82 (classic mailer bag).
• Medium (M) packaging: starting from €4.58, with various custom box styles available.
• Large (L) packaging: from €9.79 (branded craft box) up to €29.51 (premium magnetic closure box).

What types of packaging options are available for corporate gift boxes?

The most popular custom gift box packaging options include

• Branded sleeves
• Custom craft boxes
• Classic mailer bags
• Customized paper bags
• Branded delivery boxes
• Magnetic gift boxes

Bonus time: Christmas boxes packaging by Swag42

With Christmas just around the corner, we’ve picked our top 5 gift sets, and we’re giving you a cheat sheet on how to wrap them up in style.

1. Holiday classics sweater in a craft box

This set includes a branded all-time holiday classic: a branded Christmas sweater made from merino wool, a colorful gingerbread candy cane, and a personalized card.

Package everything in a branded craft box with a sticker in size S. Fold the sweater neatly, place it inside the box, ensuring a flat fit. Put the card and candy on top.

2. Cozy winter set in a large box with a magnetic closure

This corporate holiday set includes an organic French-made tea blend, an eco-friendly bamboo travel mug, a plush gingerbread toy, and a teddy sweatshirt.

Package all these items in a sleek black magnetic gift box in size L. Fold the sweatshirt neatly and place it inside the box as shown in the pictures below. Insert the mug in one corner, the tea jar in the opposite corner, and position the toy in between.

3. Travel in style: cosmetic bag with essentials

Perfect for business partners and clients who travel frequently, this gift set comprises a spacious corduroy travel bag, branded warm socks, a BOSS passport holder, the Midnight Magic sleep mask bundled with memory foam earplugs, and a woven keychain.

Pro tip: Instead of using a craft box, package all items into the cosmetic bag. It’s spacious enough to fit all the items.

4. Warm evening set

This set includes a BUYDEEM ceramic mug, complemented by a BUYDEEM mug warmer and a balanced espresso blend, perfect for warm holiday evenings.

Package everything in a craft box in size M. Fill the box with shredded natural paper filler and arrange all items as shown in the photos below. The ceramic mug and coffee warmer should be kept in their original packaging. Ensure there is sufficient filler to keep all items snugly in place.

5. Hygge at home set

This cozy set combines a teddy cosmetic travel bag, soft slippers, a Rituals self-care gift set, and a relaxing aroma soy candle, everything beautifully packaged in a medium-sized craft box.

Place the packaged slippers and cosmetic bag inside the box. Fill the remaining space with shredded natural paper filler (≈ 20 g), then place the Rituals mini gift set and candle.

At Swag42, we believe your packaging should be as thoughtful as the gift itself. It sets the tone, creates anticipation, and leaves a lasting first impression. And, as we know, first impressions matter. 🙂