How To Brand Basic Packaging For A Subscription Box

Learn how to take basic subscription box packaging to the next level with affordable custom touches.

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The packaging you choose for your subscription box matters—a lot.

You’ve worked hard curating the perfect items for your subscribers. But the unboxing experience starts long before the tape is peeled back. It begins the moment your box lands on your subscriber’s doorstep. That’s why creating a memorable first impression is so important.

Does that mean you need to splurge on custom-designed packaging right out of the gate?

Absolutely not.

When you’re starting out, spending thousands on custom packaging isn’t a smart business move. Those first months of running a subscription box are filled with learning—about your audience, your operations, and yes, even whether the box size you chose will work long-term.

Imagine pouring money into custom boxes only to realize they’re the wrong size. Ouch! That’s an expensive lesson I’d love for you to skip.

Custom packaging is something to invest in later—once your subscription box generates consistent, reliable revenue and you can justify the cost. Remember, the goal is to build a profitable business from the start.

Check out this blog post  for more on how to make your subscription box profitable from the beginning. 

Even without custom boxes, it's still essential to brand your packaging. You need to increase brand exposure and get your subscribers excited about their subscription before they even open the box. 

So, how can you have branded packaging and stay on budget? 

Let’s talk about ways to take inexpensive, basic packaging to the next level and create a first impression that excites subscribers. 

Basic doesn’t have to mean boring! 

Check out this blog for more on subscription box packaging.

Transform Basic Subscription Box Packaging with a Custom Stamp

It’s easy to turn a basic box into one that is on-brand and full of excitement using a simple stamp. 

When I first started my Monogram Box™ subscription, I knew I couldn’t invest in custom packaging and be profitable. Since being profitable from the start was very important to me, basic packaging was the only choice that made sense for my business.

I started with basic brown craft boxes and plain tissue paper. Then I used a custom stamp to add personality and excitement to my box. Yes, it was basic packaging. But the stamp turned that plain box into an on-brand, fun billboard for my business. 

This basic packaging with a custom stamp worked perfectly until I reached my revenue goal and invested more in packaging.  

Members of Launch Your Box amaze me with their creativity when it comes to using stamps to customize basic boxes. You can, too! All you need is a custom stamp and some ink to make your basic packaging pop.

Custom Labels Level Up Basic Subscription Box Packaging  

Custom Labels are another great option. They are more cost-effective than custom packaging but can still make a big impact.

Out of the Box - Pride Box Subscription

A colorful, on-brand label large enough to cover the top of your box is very effective.

The Beautiful Movement Subscription Box

You can print labels yourself, order them online, or have them printed at a local print shop.

Dress Up Basic Packaging with Your Brand Colors

When you curate experiences for your subscribers every month, choose a theme or color palette for each box. It’s all part of the experience.

The same is true for the packaging. Brand colors are a great way to add personality and brand identity to your box. Purchase poly mailers, tape, or tissue paper in your brand colors.

So Simple Custom Tape Brings Your Brand to Life on Basic Packaging

Another fun way to dress up a basic white or brown box is with custom tape. It’s an easy and cost-effective way to bring your brand colors, logo, and some excitement to your box. 

The BookJoy Club

Custom tape is also a clean-looking way to seal the box without a lot of extra packing tape.

The Creative Spark Art Box

Use Tissue Paper to Bring Your Brand Inside the Box

You can’t see it on the outside of the box, but tissue paper is an inexpensive way to bring branding inside. 

Your options are almost endless when it comes to tissue paper. Choose paper in your brand colors, a fun design, or have it custom-printed with your logo. 

Wrap select items in custom-printed paper or layer it into your box mixed with less expensive solid colors to make it go farther.

Go Beyond Basic with a Custom Insert

Inside each box, continue branding your packaging with an informational insert. I use a cute 5x7 printed card that matches the content of my box, but you can choose the size that works best for your box.

Inserts should highlight the products in your box, talk about your inspiration for the box, and include a personal touch. 

A custom insert is your chance to connect with your subscribers on a deeper level while reinforcing your brand. Learn more about subscription box inserts HERE.

Packaging is one of my favorite parts of planning a subscription box. Over the years, my packaging has evolved from basic brown boxes to the swoon-worthy turquoise boxes and poly mailers my subscribers love today.

But guess what? I didn’t start there, and you don’t have to either. Choose one—or a few—of these tips to elevate your packaging while staying within budget.

Ready to learn more? Download my FREE Packaging Cheat Sheet and start turning your basic boxes into branded experiences today!