Think Outside the Box – 5 Design Choices to Make Your Custom Packaging Unique

elizabethiannuzzi6
May 23
2 min read

Dark blue box with gold star patterns open to reveal a mirror and holiday message. Elegant, festive design with a warm, appreciative tone.

Custom packaging does more than protect your product — it tells your story, sets the tone, and creates a memorable first impression. Whether you're a subscription box brand, a marketing agency, or someone preparing curated corporate or influencer gifts, thinking creatively about your packaging can elevate your brand and deepen customer engagement.

Here are five innovative design choices that can make your packaging unforgettable:

1. Unique Opening / Closing Mechanisms

Think beyond the standard tuck-in flap. The way a box opens sets the stage for the unboxing experience.

Velcro closures, magnetic flaps, or ribbon ties can add an element of surprise and sophistication.

These simple features make your box more interactive and add a touch of luxury — something your recipients will notice and remember.

Bright green box labeled "fill your world with joy," featuring an image of an Instax camera. Text reads "Instax Summer Starter Kit." — Ribbon Tie

Magnetic Flaps

2. Interactive Elements

Create packaging that’s fun to open and even more fun to explore.

Incorporate perforated doors, pull-out drawers, or hidden compartments to add layers of engagement.
This works especially well for advent calendars, event giveaways, influencer kits, or limited-edition drops.

An interactive structure encourages curiosity, and customers are more likely to share their experience on social media — a bonus for brand exposure.

3. Visual Illusions with Graphic Design

Your packaging doesn’t have to look like a box, at least not at first glance.

Through smart use of graphic design, a simple mailer can be made to look like a storybook, a laptop, a suitcase, or even a slice of watermelon.
These clever illusions add humour and charm and help align your packaging with the story you’re trying to tell.

A good structural base and a strong design concept go hand in hand — and at Paq, we collaborate with brands to bring those visions to life.

4. Mix Up the Materials

Texture and transparency can completely change how your packaging feels.

Add a clear window to provide a sneak peek at the product inside — ideal for gift sets or beauty boxes.
Try a textured cardstock sleeve, a metallic finish, or even soft-touch lamination to heighten the sensory experience.

Smart material choices don’t just look great — they signal quality and attention to detail.

5. Choose a Non-Traditional Shape

Who says a box has to be a rectangle?

Your package could take the form of an oven, a milk carton, a gingerbread house, or a custom contour like a tree or star — perfect for seasonal campaigns or themed events.
These creative shapes make your packaging feel like a gift in itself.

At Paq, our in-house structural design team thrives on ideas that push the limits of traditional packaging. If you can dream it, we’ll help build it.

Final Thoughts - Unique Custom Packaging:

The best packaging isn't just functional — it's thoughtful, creative, and memorable. Whether you're building an influencer kit that needs to wow on first glance or designing a corporate gift box that speaks volumes before it’s even opened, these five strategies will help set your brand apart.

Need help turning your vision into something tangible? Let’s talk.

Visit www.paq.design to explore what’s possible.