Packaging Ideas for Valentine’s Day

Still confused about the best packaging for Valentine’s Day gifts? Whether you are an individual or a business owner, you need to ensure that the spirit of this celebration of love is expressed in the packaging. Make every package nothing less than a gift. This will definitely bring a smile on the face of the person who receives it.

Here are some packaging ideas for Valentine’s Day to help you get started.

Come Up With a Special Valentine Theme

Irrespective of the item that needs to be packed, you need to come up with a Valentine Day theme for the packaging. Make good use of hearts, red color, emoticons, stickers, quotes and just about anything that can invoke the sense of love. This will make your task much easier.

Use Gift Packing Boxes

   Gift packing boxes are the easiest way to pack gifts and products for Valentine’s Day. They have    their own custom printed designs and there is not much that needs to be done to make it more attractive. Surely you can add ribbons or decoration flowers, but the packing box can be used just as it is without adding any accessories.  This is a great option for small businesses and for people who are running short on time.

Make Stenciled Gift Bags

Get a polti bag or gift bag and personalize it by coming up with love-themed elements. Use your creativity to make it as appealing as possible. If you are not sure about a particular design, then keep it simple instead of going over the board with it.

Keep It Simple With White Paper Bags

You can never go wrong with paper bags. Just put the item inside the bag and tie it with a piece of string or use tap to seal the package. Add a heart shaped note or sticker to complete the presentation. Trust me, it works every time. 

Eraser Stamp Hearts

If you need a quick makeover for the packaging, then use an eraser to stamp hearts or any other design that you want. Carefully cut the eraser to form a stamp with a design of your choice. Hearts are the most obvious selection but there are other designs to choose from. Coat the stamp with paint and then use it to apply the designs directly on to the packing paper. It’s easy and fun. Try it out for yourself.

What are your plans for Valentine’s Day? Share your packaging ideas and suggestions in the comments section below. We would love to know about your creative ideas.

How are Flipkart Orders Packed?

Despite controversies and delivery errors, Flipkart still remains a popular online store in India where people across the nation try their best to lay their hands on amazing deals. Once you have placed your order, you wait eagerly for the product to be delivered. The moment you see the package, you are obviously impressed by the packaging. If you don’t believe me, then ask someone to take a pic of your expression when you receive the package. You can check out your expression for yourself.

Flipkart is an online marketplace which means that it offers a wide range of products from different brands. There are several sellers online who offer their best prices for the same product. However, packaging remains the same for all irrespective of the seller whose products you purchase. This is one standard that has been adopted by all Flipkart sellers. Due to this, the online platform has been able to maintain its service quality across product lines.

This is how the products are packed at Flipkart before they are dispatched to the mentioned addresses.

1.      The product is wrapped in a layer of bubble wrap and sealed with strong packing tape. This adds the first layer of protection for the product. For most products such as books and apparels, this should be sufficient to protect it from external forces during shipping. Plus, the bubble wrap provides adequate protection from moisture and dust.

2.      If the product includes electronic items or fragile goods, then a second (and third) layer of bubble wrap is added and sealed with more packing tape.

3.      The next step involves selecting the right packing box. The box needs to be absolutely perfect. It should not be too big as this will require more cushioning materials. If the box is too small, then the walls may break when the product (after being wrapped in bubble wrap) is forced into it. The ideal box will provide a tight fit after the product has been wrapped.

4.      The box is sealed properly with packing tape especially along the seams so that there is very little scope of the product being exposed to the external environment.

5.      If the box has branding, then there is no need to add any other packaging material. For plain boxes, an additional layer of branded packaging material is added to give the package a characteristic “Flipkart” look.

6.      The final step involves a thorough inspection of the package and addition of the label containing the address of the customer.

Flipkart, just like any other online market place, takes its packaging very seriously. Working with Flipkart packaging materials make the process smoother and hassle-free. The sellers do not have to go through the effort of ensuring adequate branding which is a mandatory requirement for the platform. Plus, the boxes are prepared according to Flipkart’s specifications.

If you need high quality Flipkart packaging materials, then check out this reputed packaging materials supplier online. It is a leading packaging store and has helped several businesses with their branding through high quality packaging solutions. 

How to Pack a Shoebox

Packaging plays a vital role in impressing customers. There is a fine line between impressive packing and absolute blunder. Unless you want to damage your brand’s reputation, don’t compromise on the packaging at all. Let’s take a look at the best way to pack a shoe box to understand the impact of packaging on customers.

A shoe box is simple. It is just a cardboard box that may or may not have custom printing on it. It may be called a shoebox, but you don’t always have to pack shoes in them. They can be used for packing gifts, small items or apparel. The box offers adequate durability and the regular shape helps in packing the box easily.

Use the following steps to pack a shoe box like a pro.

Get the Right Packing Box

The problem with the box size is that if the box is large and the gift item isn’t, then it just crushes the expectations of the person receiving the gift. Ideally, the box should be just perfect – not too big and not too small. The best way to choose the right box is to get the gift items first and then find a box that has just enough space to accommodate the added cushioning.

Who is the Gift For?

When selecting gifts, make sure that you understand who the gift is for. You cannot gift a toy to a person in the late 20s. Similarly, a child would have no use for a golf set (unless he or she is super talented in the game). Identify the person to whom the gift will be given. It will make your task easier, especially when it comes to packing the gift.

Choose Appropriate Gifts

This should not be difficult to understand. Choose the right gift in terms of type, value and usage. You should give “usage” the priority when selecting gifts. If the person doesn’t have a use or emotional value for the gift item, then it will probably lie somewhere only to be forgotten over time. Choose gifts wisely to avoid running into such hassles later.

Use the Best Gift Packaging Materials

Your gift will be the best when you pack them with the best gift packaging materials in the market. These materials have high quality standards and they make packing quite easy. Plus, you can get as creative as you want. If you are having a hard time finding a good packaging materials supplier, then check out this amazing online packaging store. It has everything – from gift packing materials to shipping supplies. Use ribbons, decorations flowers and floral designs sparingly. Add cushioning if the gift item is fragile in nature.

Add Labels

Don’t forget to add appropriate labels to the gift pack, especially if the gift item is fragile or needs to be handled with care. This will be beneficial while shipping the item to the intended recipient. You can never be too sure about the package’s handling. Unless specified, packages are usually subjected to rough handling due to the tight delivery schedule and work load.

Don’t Forget a Personal Note

Every gift should be accompanied with a personal note. It adds value to the gift and also shows that you care for the person who gets the gift. If you are at a loss for words, then simply stick to cliché lines and end with warm wishes.

This should help you to come up with the best gift and you would have managed to impress the person with nothing more than a shoe box, a gift, some packaging materials and loads of creativity. How cool is that?

Cardboard Boxes Will Get Cheaper

Yes, cardboard boxes will definitely get cheaper. This is not a marketing gimmick by packaging material suppliers. In fact, this is the result of the drop in price for Kraft innerboard.

For those of you who are not aware of Kraft innerboard, this is the material that is used to produce containerboards which further get used up for creating cardboard boxes. Industry publication Pulp & Paper Week had estimated that the prices for the containerboard will fall as much as $20 per ton. This is a serious drop as compared to the levels which were present in December, 2015.

Not only has the price fallen just once, it is being speculated that the prices will continue to fall and eventually the price drop will reflect on the product of cardboard boxes where the prices will quite less. A reduction in the price of cardboard boxes around the globe will have a direct impact on logistics, shipping and courier. Less charges for corrugated boxes will obviously reduce the shipping costs and will also make it easy for new ecommerce businesses and startups to send out their products safely.

‘The linerboard price drop is a surprise given commentary on stronger-than-expected December box shipments, analysts at Citigroup Inc. said in a note. Still, supplies have been increasing, and the competitiveness of exports to Latin America have suffered from the strength of the U.S. dollar”, BMO’s Wilde said. “We’ll continue to see pressure on containerboard pricing because demand has been fairly static," Wilde said Monday in a telephone interview. “It will have an impact on earnings with these companies."

If the current statistics were to be considered, then there could be a further drop of $10 per ton in February. All in all, the drop in price will benefit the customers and shipping companies. However, it might not be good for the packaging material suppliers as the costs will come down. There is a bleak possibility that the reduction in prices might lead to an increase in demand for the cardboard boxes which will eventually turn out to be a winning prospect for packaging material suppliers.

Only time will reveal the direction in which the cardboard box prices go. One thing is certain – a reduction in price will definitely give a much needed boost to startups and small businesses and help them to compete effectively in the market. 

Why Do Cats Absolutely Love Cardboard Boxes?

Cats are simply adorable with an extra dose of cuteness added to their furry awesomeness. You can find them chasing birds, their own shadow, lights, and just about anything that manages to get their attention. If you own a cat, then you will relate to all of this instantly. 

Have you ever noticed that your cat has extra affection for boxes, especially cardboard boxes? If you have some old cardboard boxes lying around, then let your cats have fun in them. They will probably spend a good time lying in them or playing around. Watching them play around with a box will make you go “Awwww!!!”

Why do cats love cardboard boxes so much? What is it about the corrugated material that appeals so much to them? Is it the smell? Is it the feel? A group of researchers have come up with an answer to this puzzling question. According to their report, Cardboard boxes helps in reducing stress in cats. In fact, these boxes help them in adjusting to a new environment. Cats with lower stress levels are less prone to diseases. Plus, they are happier than other cats.

The researchers also found that cats seem to love the smell of cardboard. This is why any other box just isn’t good enough for them. Cats also love hiding in the cardboard boxes. It helps them in getting used to a new environment. So if you have used or old boxes, give it to your cat instead of throwing the boxes away. Your cat will be very happy to get its very own hiding box. 

You might even find a cat moving around with its cardboard box just so that it doesn’t get lost. Yeah, cats can get possessive too!

Probably the only downside to a simple cardboard box is that it isn’t visually appealing. If the box is old or used, then it will have torn labels and signs of damage. Cats wont find this cool enough! Use your creativity and craft skills to create the perfect cardboard house for your cat. You can use old boxes as long as you make sure that the labels are removed and damages are repaired. Don’t apply paint as it will mask the smell of the cardboard and your cat wont find it appealing enough. 

Check out some cool “cat house” ideas below. 

The Glamorous Home

Double ‘em Up

“White House” – For Cats Only

The Modern Cat House

So now you know the reason behind cats loving cardboard boxes so much. The next time you think about throwing away those old boxes, just wait and think of the ways in which they can be reused. I am sure your cat (or your neighbour’s cat) will love to get a new hiding place. 

Just let them have fun and you won’t have to bother about scratched sofas and damaged curtains ever again.

Say Hello to PlastiCorrTM - The World's First Plastic Reusable Corrugated Box

You would have heard about plastic corrugated boxes. You may even have heard about reusable boxes. But a plastic reusable corrugated box is the first of its kind to be developed. Orbis Corporation has introduced PlastiCorrTM which happens to be reusable corrugated box made from plastic and compatible with the current system of automated packaging lines.

Orbis Corporation is known for its efforts for creating sustainable reusable packaging and supply chain optimization. As reported by Packaging News UK, “the product brings unprecedented environmental, economic, cleanliness and operational benefits to today’s food, beverage and consumer packaged goods companies.” The need of the hour today is to come up with sustainable packaging ideas that are eco-friendly, cost effective and scalable in order to meet current as well as future demands.

The design of this one of a kind packaging material is such that the flaps return to a straight position after every use. This has been made possible with the use of a flap design. Due to this feature, the box is good enough to be reused, thereby reducing the need to procure new packaging material all the time. From a cost perspective, this allows a considerable amount of investments to be saved up and utilized elsewhere. Perhaps this is the beginning of a whole new line of packaging materials that will redefine packaging solutions in the years to come.

“Historically, fiber corrugated boxes have been the backbone of most automated packaging lines and shipping scenarios within supply chains, but as supply chains have evolved, so too has the need for a comprehensive reusable solution that can holistically address the many needs of modern supply chains. With PlastiCorr, companies are now able to implement reusable packaging solutions that meet the automation requirements of packaging applications with a drop-in replacement while offering significant financial, operational and environmental benefits.”, said Bill McMahon, director of business development for Orbis Corporation.

The new packaging material has been specifically designed to maintain compatibility with modern packaging lines and can be used in all types of low, medium and high-speed lines. The plastic box should provide adequate protection from dust and moisture while the rigid structure of the box will allow greater durability. The presence of proper flaps on the box allow it to be reused without any difficulty. It is features like this that make this box a truly exceptional packaging material that is in reality, the need of the hour.

Some may argue that supporting plastic packaging is not in line with conventional sustainable concepts. Well, as long as the usage is controlled properly and reuse is ensured, there is not much threat to the environment. We need to be responsible while using as well as reusing it. This will ensure that plastic is not misused. Moreover, it will help in reducing the use of paper based packaging material. This will prove to be beneficial for the environment.

School Stationery of the 90’s That Kids Couldn’t Live Without

Before you read ahead, a word of caution to all of you – a huge dose of nostalgia is about to come your way. Prepare to shed some tears and enjoy probably some of the fondest memories of your life if you are a 90s kid. Those were the golden times when back-to-school stationery was a way of proving your cool quotient. Nowadays, it’s all about who has the coolest smartphone or tablet. Back then, the one who had the fanciest stationery was the show stopper. 

Here are some of the back-to-school 90s stationery that every kid yearned for.

Push Pencils

Who needs boring pencils when you can have these push pencils where you only need to replace the lead in the front and push it in the back to get a new sharpened lead. This was indeed a complete package where you no longer needed sharpeners, it looked cool enough, and the eraser on the top (inside the plastic cap) was really handy. 

Chelpark Ink 

Back in the day, the first pen that a child used to get was an ink pen. But what is an ink pen without the ink? Do you remember the times when you used to take up ink in a dropper from one of these Chelpark bottles and then put the ink in the pen? The smell of the ink and the dab of spilt ink on your fingers might have seemed messy back then, but we surely miss it now. Without a bottle of Chelpark ink, your life would have seemed incomplete.

Pilot Pen

I still remember the craze that we had for the pilot pens. Known for their characteristic white casing (body) and the fine tip that allowed greater precision while writing, the humble pilot pen was a rage among the kids in the 90s. Apart from getting an ink pen, this is the only thing that kids actually wanted and would do anything to have it in their hands, even if for a few minutes. 

Wooden Ruler

 

 

Is your palm hurting already? This was the choice of weapon used by teachers to inflict pain on the kids for not doing homework, talking too much in class, or anything that was a breach of discipline. 90s kids will know this dreaded rule very nicely. However, there was that kid in the class who would bring along this wooden ruler and hand it to the teacher when the need arose. This was a sturdy measuring tool and was preferred. The plastic rules might were used more, but nothing could reduce the importance of the wooden ruler. 

Multi-Coloured Ball Pens

When you couldn’t decide on the colour of the ball pen that you needed, this was the best option worth the money. Just push down on the colour that you wanted and voila – the pen would start writing in that colour. This was indeed a life saver and reduced the need to change pens every time you had to write in a different colour. Plus, the bulky grip was comfortable for most kids.

Natraj Geometry Boxes

 

Maths, especially geometry, was one of the things that gave me a nightmare. No kid was ever seen without the geometry box or the compass box which was an aluminium case containing a protractor, a plastic ruler, compass, divider, tangent and a pencil. This was one of the most precious asset that a kid could have in those days.

All in One Pencil Box

 

Oh how I envied that kid who had this fancy pencil box with all sorts of buttons, hidden compartments, a magnetic latch, and some really crazy features. From the soft covers to the pencil holders (which used to double as imaginary missile launchers and the boxes became moving battle tanks), everything about this box was special and kids like me had to achieve something to get their hands on this magnificent beauty. Every box had its own set of buttons and hidden compartments. There was a pencil sharpener built into the side of the box. One just could not get enough of these pencil cases.

Blo-Pens

 One day, a kid in my class came with this drawing where a spray effect had been used. I was surprised because it took a lot of time to get the spray effect with water paints. This guy used to do it in like no time. When he revealed that he used Blo-Pens, I lost no time in convincing my parents to get me a set. These blo-pens worked like a regular sketch pen but when it was reversed and the tube was inserted, you only had to blow and watch colours being sprayed out from the other end. These sets usually came with templates and it was a lot of fun to show off one’s creativity with these blo-pens.

Magic Pens

If you have had the fortune of owning one of these, then you already know the importance of the white pen. That was the one that did the magic. We could change the colour of the ink by simply using the white pen over any  line made with the other pens. These pens turned kids into mini-wizards who now had the power of changing colours. I wish I could have these back.

Neon Coloured Pencil Grips

All of a sudden, there was a rise in these neon coloured grips. Kids used to push their pencils into the grips and do all sort of things, from creating wide grips, to making a long chain of connected pencils. There was nothing too fancy about these grips, except their colour, but it had an appeal that no child could resist back then.