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When it comes to Christmas gifting, consumers and corporate marketing departments are looking for more than just luxury food and drinks products. Because, with a staggering 25 billion views last year on YouTube alone, unboxing experiences have become an immersive phenomenon that is taking the world by storm. Which suggests that the need for innovative packaging solutions is continually on the rise.  


Believe it or not, if you’re a wine merchant or own a deli or farm shop, providing in-store gifting merchandise is an excellent way of accelerating consumer goodwill and brand visibility. Sounds unlikely? Then let’s jump straight into how this works and what’s hot on the list of things to stock. 

All the wrapping supplies you need for gifting.
Tissue paper for gifting

What’s in it for shoppers? 


At this time of year, convenience is everything, so if you can expedite a seamless customer experience, you’re hitting the nail on the head. And we believe the easiest way to do this is by: 


1. Helping shoppers save valuable time searching for gift wrap elsewhere (which will keep them browsing in your store for longer). 
2. Providing carefully considered packaging made to fit your specific commodities, so they won’t need to engage in trial and error. 
3. Facilitating their ability to create unique presents that will be remembered for decades.  
4. Protecting expensive bottles and jars from breaking during transportation by wrapping them up before they leave your shop. 


What’s in it for you?  


While you may argue that gift wrap is not your field of expertise, providing it to customers as a value-added service has a more far-reaching effect on your marketing power than you think. Why? Because, going back to what we discussed previously, unboxing experiences are all the rage and provide an easy way of driving purchase decisions and creating (cost free) awareness. 


Before we go into it, take a squizz at these stats: 


1. When considering buying a product, 62% of consumers watch these videos as a form of research. 
2. On social media, they are the fourth most influential sway on purchase decisions. 
3. This type of content is proven to help build product awareness, reach wider audiences and strengthen customer goodwill. 
4. Approximately 60 million hours have been spent watching unboxing experiences on YouTube alone. 
5. 77% of people feel more gratified when they unpack goods in branded wrapping because it looks sophisticated and expensive.  


Bottom line? If you provide great gifting merch for your products, you have a higher chance of encouraging user-generated content (UGC), which will significantly increase your reach and boost Christmas sales. 

Gorgeous ribbons for every unboxing experience
Christmas hamper boxes

What type of gift packaging should you stock to create inspired unboxing experiences? 


The joy of unwrapping gifts is a sensory process that involves visual impact, touch, sound and sometimes even smell. And, when put together properly, the entire reveal should tell a story that matches your brand ethos. 


Here are six things worth investing in: 


1. Brand as many elements as you can – from ribbons and tissue paper to gorgeous presentation boxes, we can get it done.  
2. Choose packaging that matches your corporate colours. 
3. Find unique options that create a wow factor. 
4. Make sure that the items you opt for structurally support your merchandise. 
5. Go sustainable...it’s very much on-trend. 
6. If you also have an online trade, don’t forget about good transit boxes. 


Expert observations: Gift containers that compliment your offerings naturally become part of your identity and unique selling proposition (USP), giving you a competitive edge and keeping you firmly in the limelight. 


Our packaging suggestions include: 


The container:

 
At the foundation of any impressive unboxing experience is a noteworthy container. And, whether you choose to supply customers with a lovely selection of gift bags, jar carriers and branded totes or build your own tantelising hampers in luxurious wicker baskets, simple trays or wooden bottle boxes, we have just about everything you can think of to make gifting spectacular.  

Luxurious wicker hampers
Wooden hamper boxes

The fillers 


Have a good supply of eye-catching box fillers on hand to keep your products safe and add pizzazz to the reveal. Natural wood wool, sizzlepack shred and tissue paper are all excellent ideas and come in a variety of colours to suit your theme. 

Wood wool and shred for gift hampers
Tissue paper in various colours

The finishes 


Aim for spectacular with beautiful ribbons, bows, gift wrap and tags...and remember to add messaging that creates curiosity.  

Cellophane hamper bags
Bows for gift wrapping

The transit 


If you’re an ecommerce trader, then safe delivery is everything. So, whether you need strong boxes, Pulpsafe or honeycomb paper, WBC is your partner of choice. We suggest your final touch should be a branded sticker...just to add to the anticipation! 

Transit boxes for hampers
Ecommerce boxes for hampers

Let’s get your gift packaging needs wrapped up in time for Christmas 


Adopt a customer-centric approach this festive season and give your shoppers everything they need to create the most exciting unboxing experiences yet. Or make up your own hampers and help take the stress out of searching for the perfect gift. 


Either way, we’re here to help...and can get all your branding done before the final rush - so call our sales team today to make sure you don’t miss out. 


WBC cut-off dates: 


Standard orders 
Last day: 19th December 2024 
Branded orders 
Digital transfer: 4th December 2024 
Printed packaging tape: 4th December 2024 
Express printed bags: 11th December 2024 
Screen print: 11th December 2024 

Published: 5th Nov 2024