"Gift boxes are a charming and versatile way to enhance the art of gift-giving. More than just a handful of items assembled in packaging, hand curated gift boxes and baskets are a symbol of care and attention. They offer recipients the joy of unwrapping beautifully presented gifts and the givers an opportunity to personalize the present to show genuine thoughtfulness and make a lasting impression. This guide uncovers the secrets to a custom gift box that will convey all the right messages."
Why a gift box?
Just as a gift, a gift box can be suitable for any occasion, but:
1) Personalized thoughtfulness:
Gift boxes say so much more than a gift. Even if the same or smaller budget is spent, there is more of a personal touch and thought in picking a theme and assembling the box.
2) Being unique:
Standout from the crowd by doing something different than the usual “here, I went shopping for your birthday and got you this…” Originality goes a long way. A well curated gift box will be appreciated as much as a handcrafted gift.
3) Impressive presentation:
The element of surprise is an important ingredient in the practice of exchanging presents. Gift boxes add elements of surprise and elegance to the act of giving, making the exchange even more memorable.
4) Versatility:
Gift boxes can enhance the gift giving process: a well-packaged box is suitable for any occasion and can tell a story with various gifts.
5) Cost-saving:
Yes, many cheaper gifts can amount to less money but more value than an expensive single gift. With gift boxes, the giver can present thoughtful, meaningful gifts even with a limited budget. They will surely be more appreciated than a lavish gift because thoughtfulness and effort go far beyond monetary value.
How to Create the Perfect Gift Box: Step-By-Step
For those who always seek their gift to stand out and go over and beyond, hand curating a gift box allows for the highest degree of creativity without having to actually hand craft a gift. The thoughts and effort that go into putting the gifts together carries much more than the message of the individual gifts themselves, it tells a story and enchants the recipient. This step-by-step guide provides a clear navigational chart to unleash the full potential of the art of giving.
1) Pick a Theme
The very first step is a theme. Simply throwing one face cream, one bottle of wine, and a book together won’t cut it. Including any random items is definitely not the way. The gifts need to be cohesive, but this doesn’t necessarily mean all hair products or all travel items either.
The theme is the type of items that are going to be included in the box or basket and how they go together. It can be anything. Traditionally, gift boxes have food, wine, cheese, or beauty products themes, but more creativity is always welcomed. There are more unique themes, coffee or books-themed boxes can be less expected options to surprise the recipient. One could also go more creative with a beach gift box that includes sun creams, a bathing suit, and a beach towel, or a cuddle-themed gift basket with a book, a blanket, tea, and chocolate - for a chill autumn afternoon.
Above all, the theme should be related to something the intended recipient likes. If they have a hobby or are passionate about something, pick a theme around that. For example, a person that is environmentally conscious could get a theme of not only sustainable gifts but ones that are useful in reducing a household’s carbon footprint. Think plastic free water filters, reusable eye masks, a hemp yoga mat… Giving a good amount of thought to the theme, well, it sets just that, and it creates a path for the type of gifts that will be chosen in the steps below.
2) Pick a Vessel
In a gift box, the vessel, is almost as important as the included items because it builds apprehension.
The most common vessels are boxes or baskets. The box will provide an elegant and refined look, while the basket gives a warmer sensation. Nothing stops the giver from being creative with the vessel as well: a treasure chest or a heart-shaped box are just a few of the options available. A nice fabric bag with a string top could be a welcome change from the typical vessels too.
3) Pick the Items
This is probably the funnest part of assembling the gift basket because it’s time to go shopping!
The most important aspect to consider at this step is how many items to include. There aren’t any rules except for one: there should be at least three presents. This is because one is just a gift in a box as opposed to a gift box, two may seem a little light; it’s at three gifts that the correct effect starts. That said, the physical limits to the number of pieces is the dimension of the box.
Of course, prior to setting out to the shopping center, setting a budget is advisable. Whether shopping online or at actual stores, doing so without a preset budget may not be a good idea. If it’s online shopping, consider shipping costs as well. It’s recommended to avoid buying all the gifts from one place; unless it’s a very well curated gift shop, the presents may end up being monotone. Be creative, be unique, keeping in mind the theme, the person’s likes and hobbies and try to tell a cohesive story with the gifts.
For example, if the theme is cooking, start with a high end knife, add a cutting board from sustainable forestry wood, a fancy knife sharpener, a recycled cotton apron and a beautiful cookbook. If the theme is gardening, try different organic fruit and veggies seeds, a starter tray, a 2lb bag of high quality soil and a bottle of organic fertilizer.
Some would argue steps 2 and 3 can be reversed, and they would be right. Get the gifts first and then find a suitable vessel. Anyone who feels it may be easier is welcome to switch those steps. Our experts feel that, unless it’s a set of very small gifts, the most efficient way is to pick the vessel first as finding a vessel after picking the gifts may prove more challenging and affect the overall look. Picking the vessel first guides the choices. It’s easier to visualize where each gift goes and predict the final look. It also limits the gifts to consider prior to shopping, saving time and helping remain within the set budget.
4) Assemble the Box
The box in one hand, the presents in the other, it’s time to assemble. The secret here is to use fillers to make the box look fuller. Sort the gifts according to the storyline and partially hide them so when the box is opened each is a surprise of its own. Think about the order the recipient would open the gifts or feel free to mark them “start here”, 2, 3… or mark everything with little arrows making it like a fun mini treasure hunt.
Paper shavings, cotton, or proper gift box fillers are all suitable options and will provide the impression that the items are nestled on a soft and welcoming surface in addition to an appearance of fullness and abundance. Using recyclable and biodegradable filler may be a nice touch.
5) Decorate the Box
The final touch is a nice decoration. A simple bow is often enough but colored ribbons, stickers and drawings could also add a personal touch.
More importantly, gift boxes aren’t usually wrapped with colored paper as happens with regular gifts. The box is the wrapping, and if it’s a basket, a transparent wrapping would be appropriate.
6) Adding a Card
Don’t forget a nice card. There are no special rules for this step. The card that one would use for a common gift is also suitable for a gift box. The card could be used to explain the theme of the gift box and the thoughts behind it. For example, the cuddle gift box might require some explanation like “for you (us) to chill on autumn Sundays”.
