Affordable DIY Packaging Ideas For Your Small Business

1. Why choose DIY packaging?

Homemade or DIY packaging is an ideal choice for companies that want to make their products more personal without spending a lot of money. When you create your own packaging, you can design something unique that truly represents your brand and the type of product you are selling.

Moreover, self-made packaging can be more customised and personalised, helping you to stand out from the crowd and make a strong impression on customers. It's an excellent way to add value to your product and establish a good brand name without breaking the bank.

So, what are some DIY packaging ideas that could benefit your small business? Let's take a look

2. Using glitter on plain boxes

Glitter can be used to make plain boxes look beautiful. This works particularly well with items such as earrings and necklaces, as it is a great way to match the bright colours of the glitter to the jewellery in the box, making your packaging stand out.

What's more, you can easily buy plain boxes and glitter in department stores and start designing right away. Since the materials used for this type of packaging are inexpensive and readily available, you don't need to worry about your budget.

3. Personalised stamps for every occasion

Another great DIY idea is to buy a personalised stamp for under 50 dollars. If you sell handcrafted goods, custom-stamped prints of your logo on boxes will save you money and are also great for brands with a minimalist approach.

The best thing about custom stamps is that they can be used numerous times on any type of packaging, whether it's a plain box for storing items such as jewellery, paper bags for storing biscuits and other small items, or canvas bags.

4. Basic canvas bags with a DIY flair

Canvas bags are also a great, inexpensive DIY packaging solution for small businesses. They have minimal environmental impact, are light, and are not chemically treated. They are popular for packaging favours for events such as weddings, birthdays and baby showers, and are well suited to small items such as jewellery, handcrafted products, cosmetics, soaps and tea.

To make your canvas bags stand out further, you can also add your own stamp to the material with your brand's logo, providing your customers with an even more personalised experience. The great thing about this option is that your customers will be able to reuse the bags!

5. Custom Stickers and Tapes

As well as the design, tailor-made stickers and tapes can be used to close and seal boxes securely.

Stickers can be easily customised and, when used and designed properly, can make for an amazing unboxing experience. They can be used on the inside and outside of your package, making them a versatile DIY customisation tool that can be created at home or through a professional sticker manufacturer at a relatively low cost.

Custom tapes are slightly more expensive, but when you have one with your logo printed all over it, it can be applied to boxes of any size and creates more of a 'wow' factor than stickers.

One of the best uses for custom stickers and tapes is on plain, basic boxes or food-safe treat bags for baked goods such as biscuits or sweets. Decorating your bags with stickers and tapes is an effective way to personalise them without spending a lot.

6. Custom cards

This is one option if you are artistic. Another trendy and glamorous way to package your product is to design personalised cards featuring a distinctive drawing or your company logo. This cost-effective DIY alternative is particularly useful for small businesses that want to showcase their creativity, particularly for items such as earrings, necklaces and other accessories.

7. Colourful bubble mailers

Bubble mailers are an ideal choice for shipping larger or heavier products. They are lightweight, convenient and provide an affordable way of transporting goods. They are made with a layer of bubble wrap on the inside, which acts as a cushion and prevents products from being damaged during transit.

In addition, bubble mailers can be customised, making them a great choice for businesses looking to add a personal touch to their packaging. Elements such as stickers, labels and tapes can easily be added to the mailer to display your brand's logo, message or design.

The versatility of bubble mailers is one of their best features. They can be used to transport a wide range of products, such as notebooks, shirts, books, gym clothes and car parts. The extra security that the bubble wrap provides makes them ideal for delicate or expensive goods.

Furthermore, custom-made or professionally designed stickers and labels can be used to enhance the overall appearance of your packaging. While you may be sending regular bubble mailers, these additions can enhance the unboxing experience for customers and help build a memorable brand experience.

8. Kraft paper, twine and botanicals

However, if you want to create your product packaging from scratch, a nice, trendy option would be to use renewable, natural materials such as kraft paper and twine, and add dried botanicals to make the package look more attractive. As mentioned throughout this article, you can also add other DIY packaging elements, such as stickers and stamps, to make your package stand out.

Kraft paper and twine are ideal for wrapping products, particularly handcrafted items, clothing, and smaller items.

9. Custom Fabrics

Alternatively, if you don't want to use kraft paper, you can use beautiful fabrics in a modern or vintage style. Covering your products in fashionable, velvety fabric makes them look unique and delicate, which is ideal for products such as clothing and handcrafted items.

10. Home decorating ideas for the inside of your box

We have discussed numerous DIY packaging ideas for the outside of your box, but what about the inside? There are many inexpensive options, some of which we have already discussed above. Stickers, stamps, dried botanicals and glitter can all be used to decorate the inside of your box!

However, if you need any other ideas, we can help. Crinkle paper is a great homemade packaging filler, and it can also enhance the unboxing experience. All you need is a paper crinkler and a shredder to turn paper into strips.

Fill your container with paper to give the inside of your box texture and dimension. We recommend coloured paper to match your package or product.

Other DIY packaging concepts that you can use inside your box include handwritten thank you notes to create a personal connection with consumers, stylish postcards, and free samples to encourage customers to buy more. These are all customisation options that can be used on your package!

11. How to Succeed with DIY Packaging

Designing good, appealing DIY packaging is important for ensuring that your product stands out from competitors'. Adding a personal touch is a fun and inexpensive way to package your product, especially when using homemade packaging. However, to make your packaging successful, consider the following tips:

--Select materials that align with your brand

The materials you use must reflect your brand and the type of product. For example, if you are selling eco products, you could consider using recycled or biodegradable materials to wrap your products.

--Develop a consistent appearance for all your packaging

Consistency is critical. Ensure that all your packaging looks and feels consistent to build a powerful brand. This may involve using the same colours, fonts, and design features on all your packaging. Having a consistent appearance across all your packaging will make your products more familiar, memorable and professional.

--Ensure that the packaging is convenient and safe

While it is important to make your packaging appealing, it should also be practical. Make sure your packaging is robust enough to protect your product during delivery and easy for customers to open and use. When selecting the packaging material, consider the weight and size of your product to ensure it is practical and affordable for you and your customers.

--Add personal touches to the packaging

You can also customise your packaging to make your product look more special to your customers and connect with them better. Such minor acts of individualisation can create a pleasant and unforgettable customer experience, encouraging repeat custom and brand loyalty.

In conclusion, DIY packaging is a relatively inexpensive way to personalise your product and create a more meaningful bond with your customers. It offers endless customisation and flexibility, as well as aligning with brand values such as sustainability.

These tips and ideas can help you create memorable and effective packaging for your small business. So, when you're ready to get started, just give us a call!