13 Best Packaging Design Examples + Tips for 2024

When potential customers engage with your packaging designs, you already have a foot in the door, long before they have even used your product. This can be a massive competitive advantage for your brand.

At Magic Design, we've designed over 50+ packages for various DTC brands, and  I know it may feel overwhelming knowing where to start. But don't stress!

We’re going to walk you through 13 of the best packaging design examples to give you a better idea of what makes them so powerful.

You’ll see how a great package design almost instantly establishes brand identity and recognition. Customers know exactly what they’re getting based on the packaging designs in the examples below. These brands all appeal directly to their target demographic by using colors, fonts, illustrations, images, text, and even how a package feels to hold.

Let’s learn from some of the best packaging designs that have set the bar. We also have some tips at the end that can help you create better packaging designs.

‍

1. Apple’s iPhone Packaging

Apple’s iPhone has one of the cleanest and most elegant packaging designs you’ll ever see. It’s minimalism at its best. It’s just a white box with the Apple logo, an image of the phone, and “iPhone” written on the side.

Apple makes the unboxing experience luxurious and seamless. People love unboxing the iPhone so much that it has transformed into somewhat of a ritual among Apple enthusiasts.

It feels like Apple has thought of every detail, from how snug the phone sits in the cutout to how smooth the tear-away tabs are. The packaging reinforces Apple’s attention to detail and commitment to quality - the two core values we associate with the company.

Most of Apple’s packaging is also now fiber-based instead of plastic. This is something to consider as it could be a factor in attracting customers who prefer sustainable packaging for the environment.

‍

Why does it work?

• The packaging protects the phone well
• Unboxing the phone is a fun and satisfying experience for customers
• Sustainability is front and center with most of the packaging now being fiber-based

2. McDonald’s Happy Meal Box

McDonald's iconic Happy Meal box is arguably the best packaging design for fast food targeted towards kids. It’s light, bright, and easy to carry.

Millions of kids across the world also love opening the box to find the toys inside. It gives them another experience in addition to eating the food. The package itself is a huge part of the McDonald's experience for kids. The bright red color and the golden yellow arches are unmistakably McDonald’s, which makes it feel that much more exciting.

‍

Why does it work?

• Colorful, engaging design appeals to children
• The portable design makes it practical and easy for kids to carry

3. Tiffany & Co.

Tiffany & Co.'s blue box is a perfect example of how packaging design can communicate luxury and sophistication. The brand went so far as to trademark the ‘Robin’s Egg Blue’ color that makes the box instantly recognizable. However, what makes the blue box one of the best packaging designs is its simplicity.

The blue box, with the iconic white ribbon, is classy and elegant. People who receive a Tiffany & Co. gift feel the anticipation from the box alone. They’re excited to open it up and see what jewelry is inside.

Unlike most other packages, people typically don’t throw away the signature blue box. Now, that’s package designing done right.

‍

Why does it work?

• Distinctive color that symbolizes luxury
• The simple design is elegant and perfect for the target demographic

4. Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream

Rather than going for the minimalistic, sleek look, Ben & Jerry’s went with a bold and fun design for its packaging. All the Ben & Jerry’s packages you see on supermarket shelves have vibrant illustrations and bold typography. Even the names of the flavors are quirky.

They’ve managed to keep this theme going without it being too chaotic. It feels like every element, every font, and every illustration has been chosen carefully.

You can also clearly see an image of the ice cream with the name of the flavor and a description right underneath. This makes it easy for customers to know exactly what they’re buying, even when some of the ice cream flavors look similar.

The packaging also includes environmental messages, driving home the brand’s commitment to being environmentally conscious.

‍

Why does it work?

• The design stands out from typical ice cream tubs
• The environmental messaging appeals to eco-friendly customers
• Clear images of flavors with descriptions on the front of the tub

5. Help Remedies

Help Remedies is one of the market leaders in over-the-counter medicines that does something unique. Rather than having complex medical terminology on the package like most OTC products, Help Remedies has simplified its product packaging.

With a mission of making their packaging as user-friendly as possible, Help Remedies came up with a brilliant package design featuring a simple statement that solves a specific problem. For instance, on their OTC painkiller tablets, you’ll find the sentence “Help- I have an aching body”. How simple and effective is that?

‍

Why does it work?

• The customer experience is prioritized
• Unique design makes it easily recognizable
• Recycled and environmentally friendly material used in the packaging

6. Boxed Water Is Better

You’ll find that sustainability is a key element in the brand strategies of many companies today. Boxed Water Is Better is a prime example of this strategy. Rather than using plastic bottles, the brand uses cardboard cartons.

The unique choice of material combined with a minimalistic design makes the packaging a perfect way to communicate the company's core message.

Since its launch in 2009, the company has offered a unique alternative to traditional bottled water.

‍

Why does it work?

• The unique choice of material makes it stand out
• The message of sustainability is heard loud and clear
• The minimalistic artwork on the package

7. Coca-Cola

The Coca-Cola bottle has appeared everywhere, in movies, music, art, and sports - we even associate it with Christmas! Its classic bottle design has made it an icon in packaging design and helped the brand become the most popular soda ever. In fact, it’s considered one of the most influential designs ever.

The red and white logo/font is instantly recognizable. Even today, with various flavors and diet options, the red and white colors still stand out as the original, and everyone knows it.

The bottle has a sleek, contoured design that was actually trademarked in the U.S. It’s also easy to hold, meaning that they were thinking practically too.

Over the years, we’ve seen slightly different takes on the classic Coca-Cola bottle but it has always consistently remained on-brand. Coca-Cola’s bottle is arguably the best example of how simplicity, coupled with purpose, can be a powerful marketing tool.

‍

Why does it work?

• The bottle design is easy to hold, making it aesthetic and functional
• The simple font and colors make the bottle stand out
• The design has a legacy value that has remained in pop culture for over a century

8. Glossier

Glossier’s packaging is pretty minimalistic. The brand uses simple text with pale pink and soft pastel colors. This is a deliberate move by Glossier that tells customers they care more about the quality of their products rather than overshadowing it with bold packaging.

One of the most distinguishing parts of Glossier’s packaging is the pink bubble wrap pouch. The pouch is practical as it protects the products during shipping, but customers can also use it afterward. People use the pouch to store makeup and skincare products or even to organize sections in their bags.

This shows how a genuinely practical and useful element in your design packaging can elevate your customer’s experience with a product.

‍

Why does it work?

• Easily distinguishable by the pale pink color
• The minimalist approach to text lets customers know what’s in the bottle without overwhelming them
• The reusable pouch is practical and useful

9. Harry’s

Harry’s is a men’s grooming brand that has a minimalistic approach to package design. All its products come in a brown box, made from recycled material with a simple “H” logo on top.

We love the simple, no-nonsense design. There are no distracting colors, loud typography, or crazy designs. This is because Harry’s understands their demographic - men who want quality shaving products. That means using a simple, low-key design that lets you know what’s in each bottle/box. Harry’s understands that less is more in this instance.

They also add elements to their packaging that make opening and using the products feel luxurious. For example, there are magnetic closures and compartments dedicated to each type of cream, lotion, and balm. This allows customers to effortlessly keep their products organized.

‍

Why does it work?

• Simple, minimalistic design that knows its target demographic
• The smart use of magnets in the packaging gives the product a luxurious feel
• Practical features with compartments to easily organize the products

10. Starbucks Coffee

Starbucks has a variety of products outside of their coffee shops available in supermarkets, including coffee pods, double espressos, frappuccinos cold brews, and more. Whilst each of them has different designs and colors, the green and white mermaid logo is distinctive across all of their products.

We instantly associate the logo with Starbucks coffee, regardless of what packaging it’s attached to.

Starbucks is also known for offering new cup designs each year at their coffee shops. These are usually based on the season and festivities, which makes it more exciting for people to buy coffee from them.

Each time the new cup designs are available, social media gets flooded with images of people enjoying their coffee in a new cup. The coffee is the same, but the packaging makes it feel fresh and exciting.

Starbucks uses paper straws, and compostable cups, and sells reusable cups. These are all part of their packaging design efforts to appeal to eco-conscious customers.

‍

Why does it work?

• The seasonal cup designs make it feel more exciting to get coffee
• The unique mermaid logo is instantly recognizable
• Reflects sustainability values, appealing to eco-conscious buyers

11. Absolut Vodka

The packaging design of Absolut Vodka is unique and artistic. The clear bottle, which resembles old Swedish medicine packaging, is one of the most easily recognizable features of Absolut.

What sets their packaging apart is the fact that they partner with famous artists. Absolut often releases special edition designs on their bottles, turning their labels into pieces of art.

These collaborations range from colorful and complex geometric designs to detailed illustrations, making the bottle designs genuinely unique. Absolut also ensures that their bottle shapes stay consistent, but the designs and colors add new and exciting elements. This goes to show that changing up just a few design elements can be enough to keep your packaging new and fun for customers.

‍

Why does it work?

• The distinctive bottle shape enhances brand recognition
• The collaboration with artists results in unique and exciting designs
• The clear glass showcases product purity and craftsmanship

12. Nintendo Switch

We like how the Nintendo Switch box has logos, basic text, and images of the console. It also has images showing the different ways you can use the Nintendo Switch, which can pique the interest of potential customers to make the buying decision.

As a result, the packaging design is both informational and promotional. The simple red background and white font also don’t overshadow the images of the Nintendo Switch.

‍

Why does it work?

• It clearly showcases the different ways you can use the console
• The simple colors and text put the console’s uses at the forefront

13. Method Body

Method Body is focused on simplicity and sustainable packaging. Most of the brand’s materials are made from recycled plastics which is appealing to environmentally conscious customers.

Each product also has a distinct color but the fonts are the same and the information is arranged in the same order for each product. Each bottle includes the ingredients, the name of the product, and the purpose of the product (for example, body wash). This makes it easy for customers to compare products and decide which one is right for them.

‍

Why does it work?

• The sustainable packaging appeals to eco-conscious consumers
• The simple design and colors are aesthetically pleasing
• The design clearly lets customers know what’s inside each bottle and what its purpose is

Tips for creating the best packaging design in 2024

When you truly understand your demographic and have a clear purpose for your designs, you can start to craft packages that strongly appeal to your customers.

Here are some actionable tips to help with your brand design in 2024.

‍

Personalize the customer experience

Research shows that up to 80% of consumers prefer shopping with a brand that offers them a personalized experience. You may feel it’s impossible to create a genuinely individual experience for every customer, but hear us out.

You can tailor your packaging design in a way that makes your customers feel like they’ve had a more personal experience.

Let’s take a quick look at how Hershey’s Chocolate uses this idea to create a stronger and more personal connection with its customers.

Hershey’s uses a QR code on its packaging that people can scan to learn about where and how Hershey's sources the cocoa for the chocolate they are consuming. Customers who are concerned about how chocolate companies source their cocoa can feel more at ease enjoying Hershey’s Chocolate as they’ve been given an insight into the process.

It shows a level of transparency between the company and the customer which has helped improve its trustworthiness.

The bottom line is that you can use QR codes to give people an experience or information that extends beyond just the product/service itself. You can even use QR codes to deliver coupons or surprise offers and prizes.

‍

Focus on sustainability

Sustainability is huge in 2024. Your customers will feel more confident in your brand when they see that you have put in an effort to minimize waste and embraced sustainable packaging.

Take the example of the brand “Boxed Water Is Better.” Instead of using a plastic bottle, like most of the other packaged water brands, this brand uses a 100% recyclable cardboard box to package water. It drastically reduces the carbon footprint compared to plastic bottles.

This smart product design strategy has helped the brand generate revenue of upwards of $10 million in a competitive market.

Sustainable packaging ideas can help you stand out and cater to the more environmentally conscious customers in 2024.

‍

Embrace minimalism

The concept of minimalism isn’t new. You’ll find many businesses that have embraced the power of minimalism to elevate their brand recognition.

Customers are instinctively attracted to a visually appealing packaging design that is crisp and to the point. A cluttered look runs the risk of distracting your customers and drawing them away from the product itself.

From business giants like Apple and McDonald’s to startups like Clutch Bodyshop, minimalism is here to stay because it works.

‍

Study your competition

Overhauling your entire packaging design is an important task for branding. If you’re unsure where to start, analyze your competitors. See which ones are the most successful and whether there are similarities in their packaging designs. Take note of what package design aspects work to draw inspiration.

We certainly don’t mean that you can’t think outside of the box and try something brand new; but instead of changing everything about a design, maybe you only need to change a couple of key elements.

‍

Create a multi-sensory experience

Many brands are moving away from glossy finishes to matte and textured finishes in 2024.

Most customers associate the touch and feel of a package with the quality of the product inside. Using quality material can certainly help you achieve this.

For instance, a soft-touch finish will help you create a multi-sensory experience that looks classy and is not a fingerprint magnet.

You can even create an innovative package design with fragrances embedded into the material. This is something worth considering if you have fragrant products.

‍

Conclusion

The best packaging design is the one that aligns with your brand and understands your customer's needs. Use the examples above for inspiration on packaging design ideas to use for your own brand.

At Magic Design, we help you create packaging designs that resonate with your customers. Book a free demo today to learn more about how we can help you stand out!

‍

Frequently asked questions

Here are a few FAQs that might help you answer some of your packaging design questions:

1. What are some creative packaging design ideas for boosting brand recognition?

Use distinctive colors, and experiment with different textures and package shapes that reflect your brand’s identity. You can even add interactive elements like QR codes or AR (augmented reality) features to your package design to make your brand stand out.

2. How can sustainable packaging ideas benefit my brand?

People care more about sustainability in 2024 than ever before. Using sustainable packaging ideas, like recycled materials, and reducing waste can improve your brand’s appeal. It will help you convey to your potential customers that you’re committed to helping the environment and reducing your carbon footprint.

3. How can you judge the quality of your packaging design?

You can test the new elements you add to packaging designs with your target audience. You can see whether a certain font, color, image, or shape appeals most to your customers. This will help you narrow down the elements that need changing and the ones that can stay the same.

Maybe you need to overhaul your entire packaging design. In other cases, you may just need to change a few things that make a big difference. You’ll get to know all of this when testing new packaging designs with your audience.