Packaging

Packaging serves two purposes: it contains and protects your product, and it represents your brand. Both matter. The most beautiful packaging in the world doesn't help if your lotion leaks or your ceramic mug arrives broken. The goal is to find packaging that does both, protects what you made and reflects who you are, at whatever level your budget allows right now.

A Note on Budget

Packaging doesn't have to be expensive to stand out and be effective. When you're starting out, simple and thoughtful beats elaborate and expensive every time. Pinterest is a great resource for budget-friendly ideas that still look intentional and on-brand. Makers come up with creative ideas to save money and brand their packages, you might find the spark that inspires your packaging. As your business grows and you learn what your customers respond to, you can invest in more.

Physical Packaging

Packaging can be broken down into three layers.

Product Packaging: The actual container your product lives in. The jar, bottle, tin, bag, or box that holds what you make. It should fit your product, suit your brand, and be appropriate for what's inside.

Inner Packaging: What keeps your product safe and presentable. Tissue paper, bubble wrap, filler, foam inserts. This layer matters most when shipping, but it can also elevate the experience for customers opening a gift or a purchase.

Outer Packaging: The first thing a customer sees, and what protects everything during transport or presents your product at market. If you sell in person, this might be a simple branded bag. If you ship, it needs to survive the journey.

The layers don't have to be elaborate, they just have to be intentional. Our digital guide goes deeper with product-specific guidance if you want more.

Branding Through Packaging

You've figured out the physical packaging you need, and now you can use every layer of that packaging to make an impression. The jar, the box, the bag, the tissue paper - all of it can reflect who you are as a maker and what your brand stands for.

Make it recognizable: Your colors, your logo, your fonts - whatever you've established as your brand should show up in your packaging too. A customer who follows you on Instagram and then receives your order should immediately recognize it as yours.

Make it memorable: The moment someone opens your package is a real brand moment, especially if they ordered online. A thank you card, a stamp on your kraft paper bag, tissue paper in your brand color are small details that make someone feel like they received something special, not just something they ordered.

Make it yours: Your packaging doesn't have to look like everyone else's. As long as it represents you, it is going to be great!

And remember - none of this has to be expensive. Some of the most memorable packaging comes from creative and budget-friendly ideas. When you're ready to explore, Pinterest is always a great place to start.

Sustainability

Many makers choose packaging that reflects their values as much as their brand.

Recycled materials, compostable mailers, minimal packaging, and plastic-free options are all widely available and often surprisingly affordable. If keeping your carbon footprint low matters to you, it's worth building that into your packaging decisions from the start, and worth mentioning to your customers. It's a selling point that resonates, especially with buyers who are already choosing handmade over mass produced.

Packaging Suppliers

ULINE: Boxes, mailers, bags, bubble wrap, tissue, and more. Industry standard for small business packaging supplies.

Noissue: Sustainable, custom-branded packaging including tissue paper, mailers, and tape. Popular with makers and eco-conscious brands.

Packlane: Custom printed boxes with low minimums. Good for a branded unboxing experience without ordering thousands at a time.

SKS Bottle & Packaging: Jars, bottles, and containers for makers selling liquids, creams, balms, and similar products.

Paper Mart: Bags, boxes, tissue, ribbon, and gift packaging at wholesale prices with lower minimums orders than most suppliers.