Two boxes on the desk. Both with the same graphic design — same colour, same logo, same winter motif. One is a Suitcase Box with a handle, opening like a suitcase, printed inside. The other is a standard shipping carton with the same logo. The product inside is identical. What differs is the packaging — and how the recipient opens it and later talks about it.
Most brands plan their seasonal packaging from the graphic side: a Christmas motif, colour palette, winter version of the logo. But the decision that truly determines the final result comes earlier — and it concerns something entirely different.
Seasonal packaging is above all a physical experience
A Q4 limited edition communicates “special” before the recipient reads anything. It does so through tactile sensation: how the box sits in the hand, how it opens, whether it has a handle, what the recipient sees when the flap opens. The construction and closing mechanism are the carriers of the message “this is a gift” — and they determine the first impression before the graphic even comes into play.
Graphic design enhances that experience. But it cannot replace it. The best artwork on the wrong construction will not create a premium feel.
Four Q4 gift packaging formats — each for a different product
LP offers four types of gift boxes made from E-flute board with full-colour printing. Each meets a different need — from an exclusive wine bottle carrier to a small jewellery box.
Bottle Box. Vertical carton for wine, spirits, beer and beverages — the classic format for gift sets and corporate gifting. UV print directly on board, from 50 units.
Display Box. Box with a sliding drawer for storing, transporting and displaying small products. Digital print, inner printing available, from 50 units.
Suitcase Box. Decorative box with a carry handle for packaging and easy transport — ideal for gift sets, marketing materials, bedding, clothing and samples. Eco Case and Double Close Case variants, digital print, from 50 units.
Small Boxes. Small decorative cartons for compact products, limited editions and corporate gifts. Perfect for cosmetics, jewellery and fashion items. Available variants: Windows Box, Honey Box, Long Box, Plate Box. UV print, from 50 units.
One question that clarifies the decision
Will the recipient hold this box in their hands before opening it, or will they only see it after unpacking a shipping carton?
If the first — choose a gift packaging format from the section above. If the second — choose a branded mailer from the FEFCO section below.
Branded unboxing — printed shipping cartons for e-commerce
A shipping carton with full-colour branding is today a marketing tool, not just packaging. In Q4, a parcel is very often a gift — and the first few seconds after receiving it are a moment the recipient will either remember or forget.
Just FEFCO 427 returnable — with tape strips. Corrugated board shipping carton with two self-seal tape strips for returns. Digital, flexo or offset CMYK printing. Compatible with parcel lockers.
Auto FEFCO 710 returnable — with tape strips. Self-assembly returnable carton with tape strips and a tear strip. Auto bottom, flexo CMYK print, personalisation available. Suited to higher dispatch volumes.
Auto Safe FEFCO 710 returnable — with tape strips. Corrugated board shipping carton with two self-adhesive tapes for first closure and return, plus a tear strip. Flexo CMYK print, flat storage.
Why choosing the construction comes before the graphic design
The designer creates artwork for a specific format: surface dimensions, panel proportions, fold placement. Every construction has a different template — and distributes visual emphasis differently. The Bottle Box presents the front on a narrow, tall panel. The Suitcase Box spreads the graphic across the lid and sides of the opening box. The Display Box has a drawer that reveals a second printed surface when pulled out.
If the designer starts without a chosen construction, they are designing in a vacuum — and very often redesign half the materials when the template turns out to be incompatible with the vision. If the construction is chosen first, the designer gets a ready template and designs once.
Pricing and production arrangements do not require a finished design file — decisions on construction, quantity and deadline are enough. That way both tracks can run in parallel: the designer works on the design while we settle the construction, prepare a quote and give you a realistic lead time. Production starts the moment a correct file arrives — the earlier construction and quantity are settled, the less waiting later.
Have a product that needs to look like a gift in Q4?
Write to us with a description of what you are packaging, the quantity and when you need it. We will select the construction, prepare a quote and give you a realistic lead time — before the designer even finishes the design.
AI GENERATED – Concept visual generated using AI. It does not represent an actual Labo Print project.