Elevate Your Sticker Packaging with DIY Mailers, Boxes and Bags

Introduction to Elevating Your Sticker Packaging

Stickers have become an increasingly popular item for small business owners, artists, crafters, and hobbyists to make and sell. With the ability to easily print stickers at home using a Cricut machine or other cutting devices, many people have started their own sticker shops on platforms like Etsy, Shopify, and more. However, with so many options for buying stickers online now, it's important to make your sticker packaging stand out from the competition.

Elevating your sticker packaging is a great way to add perceived value to your products, get your brand noticed, and delight your customers when they receive their order. Well-designed packaging shows care and attention to detail went into your sticker creation process. There are many easy ways to upgrade your packaging with items you may already have on hand!

Utilizing Cricut and Procreate for Custom Packaging

Two popular tools for creating DIY stickers are Cricut cutting machines and the Procreate illustration app. Both Cricut and Procreate also have excellent features to help design customized sticker packaging.

Cricut machines can cut out sticker sheets, die cut shapes, score fold lines, and add text to boxes, bags, and other packaging materials. The possibilities are endless for unique Cricut-made packaging. Try using Cricut printable sticker paper to create seamless sticker sheets that match your box or bag design.

Procreate on an iPad offers digital illustration and hand lettering tools to design packaging graphics. An illustrated logo, cute character, or handwritten font text are great details to include. Procreate makes it easy to mockup designs on 3D box templates or flat lay packaging that can be printed from your iPad.

DIY Packaging Materials and Techniques

You don't have to purchase fancy packaging supplies to create an elevated unboxing experience. Many materials around the house can be repurposed into sticker mailers or boxes.

Here are some DIY packaging ideas to try:

• Reuse clear cellophane treat bags, tissue paper, and ribbon from gift bags
• Wrap sticker sheets in printed paper or pages from magazines, calendars, or wrapping paper
• Upcycle cereal boxes, cracker boxes, and food cartons into custom printed boxes
• Cut and score cardboard pieces to create origami inspired envelopes or sleeves
• Use washi tape, scrapbooking paper, and stickers to decorate kraft paper pouches and poly mailers

Avoid using too many different elements and keep your packaging cohesive with your sticker theme or brand look. Printable sticker seals are an easy way to embellish any mailer or box with a matching design.

Presentation Touches

It's not just the packaging materials that contribute to an elevated unboxing experience. How you arrange and present your stickers can wow your customers too.

Some ideas for sticker presentation include:

• Roll stickers up in tissue paper or cellophane to resemble a bouquet
• Tie stacks of sticker sheets together with ribbon or twine
• Display stickers in a box out of their backing sheets for a floating effect
• Organize sheets or die cuts in compartments made from scrapbooking paper
• Add shredded paper, confetti, or additional branded stickers to fill empty space
• Arrange small gifts like candy, pins, or keychains with sticker purchases
• Include freebie samples of new or bestselling designs

Handwritten notes and business cards are also nice touches that make your package feel more special. Consider including care instructions for vinyl and other specialty sticker types as well.

Benefits of Elevated Packaging

It's easy to overlook packaging when you are busy with sticker production and managing online orders. But going the extra mile shows your customers you appreciate their purchase and are proud of the products you create.

Other benefits of elevated packaging include:

• Increases perceived value - When packaging looks high-end, customers assign value to the quality of products inside as well
• Provides branding/marketing opportunities - Blank packaging is a missed chance to reinforce your brand identity and story
• Improves customer experience - Surprising and delighting customers with special packaging makes them more excited to buy from you again
• Differentiates your business - Standing out with unique or unusual packaging makes your brand more memorable
• Creates shareable moments - Customers often post unboxing videos and photos which spreads awareness about your business
• Adds protection - Secure and sturdy packaging reduces damages and improves survival of contents inside

Packaging Ideas for Sticker Shops

Now that you know the benefits of taking your packaging up a notch, here are some elevated packaging ideas to inspire your own sticker mailers, boxes, and bags:

Matcha/Tea Theme

• Forest green kraft boxes with twine closure
• Custom sticker seal made from washi tape
• Tissue paper matched to sticker color scheme
• Tea bag tag with care instructions attached to box
• Die cut stickers used to embellish packaging

Cottagecore Style

• Clear treat bags tied with burlap ribbon
• Floral and mushroom stickers inside bag
• Tissue paper stacked below stickers
• Wax seal sticker on flap
• Kraft paper address label with calligraphy

Kawaii/Anime Inspired

• Glossy holographic bubble mailer
• Professional full-color box print
• Tissue paper in bright pastels
• Stickers attached around inside edges
• Free surprise goods like collectible pins and candy

Minimalist/Neutral Tones

• Kraft paper pouch with cotton drawstring closure
• Logo sticker seal on flap
• Stickers rolled up in brown parchment paper
• Raffia bow tied around bundle
• Paper stuffing to prevent shaking

Tips for Elevating Sticker Packaging

Elevating your sticker packaging may seem daunting, especially when you are first starting out. Here are some tips to help you upgrade your packaging without breaking the bank:

• Start simple - Add one unique detail like a thank you card or branded seal before designing an elaborate package
• Repurpose materials - Check your recycling bins and craft supplies before buying anything new
• Buy affordable bulk supplies - Plain colored tissue, mailers, and boxes can be dressed up with stickers
• Save custom packaging for higher price points or bundles - Offer a bonus special package with 3+ sticker sheets purchased
• Reuse hard plastic mailers and boxes - Cover any old markings with your own labels and stickers
• Work within your existing packaging budget - Decorate what you already have for minimal extra cost
• Ask for packaging feedback - Customers will tell you if special details delighted them

Don't let packaging intimidate you from starting your own sticker business. Part of the fun of selling stickers is that you can decorate mailers however you like! Use your creativity and existing supplies to gradually enhance unboxing experiences as your budget allows.

Conclusion

Sticker packaging is often overlooked as simply a means of protection during shipping. But with some imagination and DIY spirit, it can become an integral part of expressing your artistic brand and bringing joy to customers. Experiment with different looks until you find a packaging style that excites you and conveys your sticker shop's unique personality.

Elevated packaging is appreciated by customers and helps make your brand and products more memorable. As your business grows, you can invest in more custom packaging elements like branded tissue paper, custom boxes, and even sticker subscription boxes or bags. But start small and simply work with what you have. The effort you put into sticker packaging is sure to pay off!

FAQs

What are some easy DIY packaging materials to use?

Some easy DIY packaging options include: reused boxes, bags and tissue paper, scrapbook paper, magazine or calendar pages, washi tape, stickers, ribbon, and more. Get creative with materials you already have at home.

Should my packaging match my sticker design?

Matching your packaging with your sticker design or color scheme helps create a cohesive, eye-catching look. But it's not strictly necessary, feel free to get creative and use contrasting designs too.

How much should I spend on custom sticker packaging?

When starting out, try to decorate existing packaging for minimal cost. As your business grows, you can invest more in custom boxes, mailing bags, tissue, stickers, etc. Upgrade packaging for special collections or bundles.

What are quick ways to embellish plain packaging?

Some quick embellishments include: address labels, custom seals, sticker embellishments, printed tissue paper, twine/ribbon, handwritten notes, confetti, free samples or gifts.

Should I include care instructions with my stickers?

Yes, include basic care instructions! Let customers know if stickers are dishwasher safe, best practices for application/removal, and how to store them. Print directly on packaging or on an info card.