How Can I Make My Gift Packaging More Instagram-Worthy?
The perfect aesthetic is within reach—and it’s not confined to Instagram or TikTok. With just a few simple tricks, you can elevate your gift packaging to an entirely new level, making it effortlessly photo-ready for your Instagram feed. This can be particularly beneficial for influencers or e-commerce businesses looking to showcase their products in a visually appealing way. So, how can you do this? Here are our top tips!
Tip #1: Choose a Cohesive Color Palette
Color catches the eye! It’s one of the first things that grabs someone’s attention when they’re scrolling—or sifting through a pile of gifts. But the cohesiveness is key; ideally, you want two to three colors that go well together to create the perfect palette. These colors should either align with your brand or the message or emotion you’re intending to invoke in the recipient.
For instance, gold goes well with neutral colors, making the glittering yellow stand out from the rest. Bright pastels pair well together for a gentle, softer look and feel. So, experiment here! What works well with the occasion or for the recipient? Or what colors align with your brand?
| Tip # | Title | Description | Example/Idea |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Choose a Cohesive Color Palette | Select 2-3 colors that align with your brand or occasion. Color cohesion catches the eye. | Gold + neutrals, bright pastels, or on-brand colors |
| 2 | Select Quality Materials | Use high-quality or eco-friendly materials to enhance photo appeal and add value. | Kraft paper, cloth wrap, branded tags |
| 3 | Add Personal or On-Brand Touches | Personalization or branding boosts aesthetic and emotional impact. | Wax seals, handwritten notes, brand stickers |
| 4 | Use Good Lighting | Lighting can elevate or ruin a photo—natural light or soft artificial light works best. | Morning light by a window, ring light if indoors |
| 5 | Create Dimensions With Layers | Add layers and height to avoid flat visuals and create depth for photos. | Tissue, shredded filler, stacked boxes, side greenery |
| 6 | Stay on Trend But Be Authentic | Trends help stay fresh but keep it aligned with your brand or personality. | Monochrome themes, minimal eco-style, bold colors for playful brands |
Tip #2: Select Quality Materials
While you want to stick within your budget, quality is undeniably important. But you don’t have to blow your budget. Invest in a few high-quality materials; maybe this means choosing quality ribbons or tags or labels. This will not only make it easier to photograph but also add to the overall aesthetic, too.
At the same time, quality can mean eco-friendly. If your brand (or the recipient) stands behind eco-friendly values, choosing materials, such as Kraft paper, biodegradable filler, or reusable cloths or fabric, can be great additions to your gift packaging.
Tip #3: Add Personal or On-Brand Touches
Perhaps one the easiest ways to really elevate your gift packaging skills is by adding a personalized or very on-brand touch.
For personal gifts, consider handwritten notes or name tags. Get creative and add wax seals or other creative flairs as you see fit. For a more business get-up, stick to colors that make your brand easily recognizable. If you have one main color, consider back-drops or small touches of black and white. Additionally, you could add branded labels or stickers. These small details matter more than you think—yes, you’re recipient or customers will notice!
| Element | Why It Matters | Examples / Suggestions | Styling Suggestion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color Palette | Grabs attention, sets mood, defines brand or occasion | Gold + neutrals, pastels, bold contrast | Stick to 2-3 cohesive colors |
| Material Choice | Adds tactile and visual quality to packaging | Kraft paper, cloth, premium ribbon | Balance budget with a few quality touches |
| Personalization | Makes the gift more meaningful or enhances brand visibility | Name tags, wax seals, branded labels | Handwritten or printed, but thoughtful |
| Lighting | Determines how vibrant and appealing the packaging looks in photos | Morning/afternoon window light, soft ring lights | Avoid harsh midday sunlight |
| Layering | Creates visual depth and makes packaging more dynamic in images | Tissue, shredded filler, stacked boxes, greenery | Layer textures and heights |
| Trend Alignment | Keeps the packaging current while maintaining brand authenticity | Monochrome, eco-packaging, bold playful styles | Mix trends subtly with your brand’s identity |
Tip #4: Use Good Lighting
On Instagram and TikTok, lighting is everything. It can make or break the aesthetic feel of any post. Even the most beautifully wrapped gift can look dull or washed out without proper lighting. But you don’t necessarily need a professional studio setup—natural light is your best friend.
So, if you’re posting an unboxing (or sending these gifts out to multiple influencers), try to take your photo near a window. An ideal time is in the morning or late afternoon when the sun is a little bit softer. Harsh sunlight can actually create harsh shadows and highlights, and may even distort certain colors.
No natural light? No problem! Try ring lights or even your phone light. Experiment to find the right angle that makes your gift packaging truly shine.
Tip #5: Create Dimensions With Layers
Flat, one-dimensional packaging, well, fall flat. But adding layers and depth to your gift wrapping can instantly make it more visually interesting and Instagram-friendly.
Start by incorporating multiple elements; consider adding tissue paper inside a box, filler like shredded paper or crinkle cut kraft, and a beautiful layer of wrapping or ribbon on the outside.
You can also create height and depth by stacking boxes of different sizes or adding embellishments like greenery or ornaments (especially off to the side or in the background).
When photographing your packaging, layering also gives you more options for styling your shots. You can create dynamic flat lays, overhead shots, or angled lifestyle photos that show off the layers and textures you’ve carefully chosen.
Tip #6: Stay on Trend But Authentic To You or Your Brand
While it’s tempting to follow every trending packaging style on Instagram, it’s important to stay true to your own personal or brand aesthetic. Trends can inspire you, but your packaging should ultimately feel authentic and consistent with the message you want to convey.
For example, if your brand is known for being eco-conscious, lean into natural and minimalist packaging styles rather than glossy or overly ornate designs. If your personal style is playful and bold, incorporate bright colors, patterns, and fun embellishments.
With that said, keeping an eye on trends can help you stay fresh and relevant. Current popular trends include sustainable packaging, hand-drawn illustrations, monochrome palettes, and layered textures. Blend these elements with your own aesthetic to create packaging that feels both current and uniquely yours!
Curious about what kinds of unique gift packaging you can use? Hammont provides premium packaging, helping you take your gifts to the next level. Browse our collections today.
