41 Creative Packaging Design Ideas for Inspiration

A discussion on some of the latest trends that most graphic designers gravitate toward.

Great packaging allows businesses to sell more products. But coming up with fresh designs isn’t a walk in the park for most graphic designers. One can only do so many before they find themselves starved for new ideas.

If you find yourself in the same boat, don’t worry. In today’s post, we’re featuring over 40 packaging designs for your inspiration. We’re also going to look at some of the latest trends that most designers seem to gravitate toward.

Let’s get started.

Illustration

A lot of designers and business owners like using illustrations in their packaging. But they don’t use just any graphics. The ones they feature are characters associated with their respective brands. 

This is a smart move because it makes their brands easier to remember and they get to show their personalities. They’re making it easier for themselves to connect with their target audience.

Circle Roll Labels by Celestial Bia
Circle Roll Labels by Celestial Bia

Custom Packaging Tape by Made by Chanamon
Custom Packaging Tape by Made by Chanamon

Thank You Roll Labels by Belugabee
Thank You Roll Labels by Belugabee

Mailer Boxes by Kamiari Studio
Mailer Boxes by Kamiari Studio

Thank You Cards by Peachcream Prints
Thank You Cards by Peachcream Prints

Eco-Friendly Packaging Tape by Sugar Shine Meadows
Eco-Friendly Packaging Tape by Sugar Shine Meadows

Plushy Mailer Boxes by Lulu Sweet Kawaii Shop
Plushy Mailer Boxes by Lulu Sweet Kawaii Shop

Vibrant Thank You Cards by Ayeoops
Vibrant Thank You Cards by Ayeoops

Cute Mailer Box by Xephii
Cute Mailer Box by Xephii

Sticker Boxes by Happpyal
Sticker Boxes by Happpyal

Custom Boxes by PeachesNPlushies
Custom Boxes by PeachesNPlushies

Color

Making color the foundation of your packaging is another option. There are so many ways to play with color. You can do gradients or use certain palettes. Some designers seem to favor pastels while others stick to complementing or contrasting colors.

If you’re in a creative rut, experiment with some colors until you find a combination that works for you.

Poly Mailer and Tissue Paper by Gia Design Co.
Poly Mailer and Tissue Paper by Gia Design Co.

Gradient Mailer Box by Skylar Grace Co.
Gradient Mailer Box by Skylar Grace Co.

Caviar Box by Golden Reserve Caviar
Caviar Box by Golden Reserve Caviar

Branded Thank You Cards by Summit Creative Co.
Branded Thank You Cards by Summit Creative Co.

Gradient Packaging by PitaChan
Gradient Packaging by PitaChan

Gradient Apparel Mailers by Tinted Apparel
Gradient Apparel Mailers by Tinted Apparel

Pastel Candle Boxes by Mochiglow
Pastel Candle Boxes by Mochiglow

Pastel Flat Cards by The Rosy Redhead
Pastel Flat Cards by The Rosy Redhead

Typography

The use of different fonts and font sizes has a way of elevating a design. It can make them look fancy or whimsical, depending on how you use them. 

And it’s so easy to do. Anyone who’s not comfortable working with graphic design software can start with a typography-heavy design and get away with it. Just look at these examples to see how great they can be.

Square Roll Labels by Bakes & Berries
Square Roll Labels by Bakes & Berries

Wedding Invitation Boxes by Here and There Weddings
Wedding Invitation Boxes by Here and There Weddings

Retro Mailer Boxes by Roo and Roo
Retro Mailer Boxes by Roo and Roo

Apparel Packaging by Katie Denson Designs
Apparel Packaging by Katie Denson Designs

Market Gift Bags by Kelsey Haver Designs
Market Gift Bags by Kelsey Haver Designs

Message

Designers will sometimes make a brand’s core message the focal point of their designs. Whether it’s to thank customers for their support or to impart positive thoughts, message-driven designs make packaging more appealing.

And this is fantastic for branding. Customers will immediately know what the business is all about. 

Thank You Labels by Mardoodles Company
Thank You Labels by Mardoodles Company

Cookie Boxes by Laura the Cookie Lady
Cookie Boxes by Laura the Cookie Lady

Skincare Mailer Boxes by Luminous Essentials
Skincare Mailer Boxes by Luminous Essentials

Candle Boxes by Monica’s Collective
Candle Boxes by Monica’s Collective

Designer Packaging by Estephania Designs
Designer Packaging by Estephania Designs

Shipping Boxes by Curly Cue Design Studio
Shipping Boxes by Curly Cue Design Studio

Confetti Boxes by Anna Rowell Designs
Confetti Boxes by Anna Rowell Designs

Candle Gift Boxes by WK Creative
Candle Gift Boxes by WK Creative

Minimalism

When in doubt, keep it simple. Minimalist designs make a product feel more sophisticated. There’s a timeless appeal to them that all customers can get behind. You’ll be able to target a larger audience.

Minimalism also redirects where a customer’s attention should be — to the product itself. This type of design works for those who are attempting to design packaging for the first time. It just doesn't get any simpler than this.

Gift Bags by SweetD Designs
Gift Bags by SweetD Designs

Custom Labels by Laine Irene
Custom Labels by Laine Irene

Packaging Tape by Pop! Shop Jewelry
Packaging Tape by Pop! Shop Jewelry

Minimalist Packaging Tape by Nikki Jewels
Minimalist Packaging Tape by Nikki Jewels

Minimalist Candle Boxes by Whipped Bath Co.
Minimalist Candle Boxes by Whipped Bath Co.

Floral

Some designers find floral designs alluring. And they would be right in thinking that. It has its way of making an emotional connection. And since not all brands use this design language, it can make your products stand out from the competition.

Mailer Boxes by Hart & Flora
Mailer Boxes by Hart & Flora

Floral Packaging Tape by Munespice
Floral Packaging Tape by Munespice

Custom Boxes by Hello Teddy Co.
Custom Boxes by Hello Teddy Co.

Floral Cookie Box by Cakes by Drea
Floral Cookie Box by Cakes by Drea

If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out the PackM Design Hub where we feature packaging designs made by our customers. And for those who want to learn more about our different packaging printing services, give us a call or chat with one of our representatives.

Here are other blog resources about packaging that you might find useful.

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