How Gift Box Designs Have Evolved from Traditional to Modern Styles

Gift boxes are things that can be seen everywhere around us, no matter what you buy, how many things you buy, it seems to be essential as a container for carrying objects (we collectively refer to as “packaging”). However, we have never really understood the development of the gift box, how is it from ancient times to today, gradually evolved into the current appearance? What metamorphosis has it undergone in its lifetime? Next, I will give you a brief introduction to the development history of gift boxes, and a detailed interpretation from both Chinese and Western perspectives.

1. Early gift boxes with traditional elements

The history of gift boxes in the East is a process of slow evolution from ancient times to the present, and it is also a process full of innovation and cultural integration. In ancient times, the design of gift boxes was often closely related to religious ceremonies and certain symbolic meanings. As an object, it must also reflect the aesthetic culture and unique values of the society at that time. For example, in Japan, traditional lacquered wood Yuyama boxes are not only used for daily meals, but also as gifts to celebrate the birth of a bride or a baby. This comes from the agricultural legacy of Tokushima. In traditional society, a large number of people were engaged in agricultural work, and daily life was closely related to the four seasons. To celebrate the agricultural development of spring, villagers would go out for a picnic together with lunch boxes. This kind of bento box not only records people’s beautiful memories, but also reflects the inheritance and unique charm of Oriental design in history and culture.

The Western packaging box appeared in the form of traditional handicrafts in the early days, and the packaging box of this period usually has the characteristics of handicraft industry and focuses on practicality. Soon after, the Western world ushered in the industrial revolution, large-scale machine production to increase the rapid development of commodity exchanges, at the same time, a large number of demand also prompted the rapid development of packaging design, began to pay attention to the balance of functionality and aesthetics.

2. Enter the Modern

2.1 Gift Box Types and Structural Innovation

Over time, gift box designs began to become more complex and diverse. Modern gift box packaging design emphasizes innovation, environmental protection, personalization and quality. For example, folding gift boxes have become a popular design.

In addition, modern gift box design has also introduced many novel structural designs. For example, the double-door gift box structure cleverly hides the handle in the box, and when opened, the two splice parts can be rotated or separated at a certain Angle, increasing practicality. There are also triangular folding gift boxes closed with magnets, which are not only beautiful but also easy to open and close.

In addition, modern gift box design also pays attention to humanization and user experience. For example, some gift boxes have an indication arrow at the opening to help consumers open the box more easily. This detailed design enhances the user experience.

The western gift box has gradually evolved from the traditional simple lid design to the modern diversified and innovative design, including folding, double door, magnet closure and other structural forms. These designs not only enhance the functionality and practicality of the gift box, but also meet the needs of modern consumers for environmental protection and personalization.    

2.2 Modern Simplicity and Advanced Design

With the increasingly fierce competition, modern packaging design is gradually moving closer to the four major design elements, namely, simplicity, exquisiteness, balance and harmony. Only when these aspects are perfectly integrated can we design exciting gift boxes and enhance the attractiveness and competitiveness of products.

2.3 Packaging Design to Increase Festival Theme and Cultural Connotation

In addition, innovative design has also become an important trend in modern gift box design. Designers attract the attention of consumers through unique shapes, materials and structures. For example, Richpack gift boxes use a combined design, combining products with different functions, such as “cultural silk + nuts” gift box, “moon cake + stationery” gift box, which is both innovative and practical. This design not only enhances the use value of the gift box, but also enhances its collection and display functions.

3. Future of Gift Box Packaging

By 2033, the gift packaging market is expected to generate US$ 37.4 billion. The market for gift packaging is very promising, so how can we explore more possibilities in the development opportunities of the gift packaging market? Below, I will take you to explore the two mainstream trends of customization and sustainable design.

3.1 Personalized customization

With the increase of consumers’demand for uniqueness and personalization as this bog emphasized, gift box design pays more and more attention to personalized customization. Enterprises can tailor unique gift box design according to the needs of different customers, so as to enhance brand image and consumer satisfaction. For example, by printing personalized patterns such as corporate logo and texture decoration, the recognition and brand value of the gift box can be increased. In addition, young consumers pay special attention to personalized experience, and they prefer distinctive products and services.

3.2 Explore sustainable design

At the same time, the practice of sustainable design has been widely used in gift box design. Many brands began to adopt environmentally friendly materials and processes to reduce the impact on the environment. For example, Sephora redesigned its Christmas packaging, using FSC-certified recycled paper and plastic-free materials, reducing the use of 26 tons of plastic, and using gift bags made of plant-based ink and recycled cotton. Perrier-Jouët designed a gift box made of 100% natural fiber, which is lighter and completely recyclable. These innovations not only reflect the concern for environmental protection but also meet the expectations of modern consumers for sustainable development.

The Button Line

In this article, we have sorted out the gift packaging trends in ancient and modern Chinese. Gifts are symbols of surprise, and the packaging of gifts determines the emotional impact they bring to people. We are Richpack, gift packaging experts, providing a variety of customized packaging designs and product services. We advocate sustainable jewelry packaging design and can also delve into your packaging needs to perfectly create customized gift packaging solutions tailored to your brand. Click here to contact us and let’s explore more possibilities for gift packaging together.