Chocolate Gift Boxes: 8 Tricks to Create a Unique Design

There’s no doubt Britain has a sweet tooth. And the proof is in the (chocolate) pudding.

Between 2020 and 2021, UK households ate an average of:

  • 56 grams of filled chocolate bars per person
  • 55 grams of solid chocolate bars per person

Safe to say, little effort must be exerted to convince the UK to eat chocolate. What’s a little more challenging is getting someone to choose yours. 

That’s where a thoughtfully designed chocolate box can make all the difference. And we’re here to inject some design inspiration. 

In this article, you’ll:

  • Appreciate the psychology behind packaging and why it’s important
  • Learn about seven chocolate gift box design ideas
  • Understand why a consistent brand identity trumps even the best designs

If you sell chocolates or design chocolate boxes, this article is for you.

People buy chocolate based on feeling more than taste

The basic building blocks of chocolate are the same. And yes, many have their own preferences when it comes to flavours. Some prefer mint, others milk, and the more health-conscious lean towards dark chocolate.

Yet, with so many chocolates on the market, the initial lure before purchasing isn’t based on the taste. It’s the packaging. They know what taste they want. It depends on what packaging convinces them their chocolate will hit the spot.

Shoppers are naturally drawn to visually captivating packaging. They interpret it as a direct reflection of ‌chocolate’s inherent value and quality.

The reality is no matter how old you are, you prefer shiny items. And so do your customers.

In fact, 72% of respondents to a survey admit packaging influences their purchasing decisions. The number is even higher when it comes to gift selection – 81%!

It’s no secret we buy based on emotion and use logic to back it up. 

Well-designed packaging can instantly attract attention, evoke emotions, and communicate the essence of the product. If done right, the evidence shows people will buy without a second thought — literally.

And if we’re not eating chocolates, we’re buying them for others. 

The local market for chocolate gifts is worth about 1.8 billion pounds, according to data firm Circana — making chocolates one of the most popular gift items among Britons.

That’s if the gifter can resist not eating them beforehand! A survey from Nestle revealed that 43% of Britons eat the chocolate they were supposed to gift. 

And although we’re going through a cost-of-living crisis, we’re not going to give up our chocolate expenditure. In an interview, Susan Nash, trade communications manager at Mondelēz, said: 

“Through challenging times, consumers often review their discretionary spending. However, they are less likely to reduce their spending on confectionery gifting.”

The stats suggest that, although pockets may be leaner, we’re willing to invest in the right chocolate for ourselves or as a gift to someone else

That’s why it’s important to get your gift packaging right. Here are eight ideas.

The vintage elegance

Vintage elegance incorporates a subdued and timeless colour palette. Tones such as soft creams, pale pinks, dusty blues, and antique whites are common. Hints of gold, silver, or muted metallics add a touch of luxury.

The typography in vintage elegance designs is often reminiscent of classic fonts such as serif or script fonts. These fonts exude a sense of sophistication and nostalgia.

Vintage patterns like damask, lace, toile, or delicate floral prints are often used as background or border designs.

Intricate and ornate motifs (filigree, scrolls, or Victorian-inspired illustrations) add intricate detailing.

Quality materials personify vintage elegance. Thick, textured paper or cardstock gives the box a luxurious feel. Satin or silk ribbons in muted tones are used for closures and embellishments.

For an extra touch of elegance, try incorporating man-made diamonds. These lab-grown diamonds have identical qualities to their mined counterparts. Yet, they’re sustainable and budget-friendly. 

You can use these to add a touch of sparkle to your chocolate boxes or even introduce them as a surprise within your gift. They offer a unique way to express affection and admiration. 

Also, consider foil stamping in gold or silver — and if you feel like adding even more — hand-tied bows or custom wax seals. 

Nothing says luxury like a one-of-a-kind gift in a custom box.

Who should adopt vintage elegance:

  • Chocolate gift boxes for special occasions
  • Premium chocolate brands
  • Gourmet chocolate brands

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