Written February 22, 2020. Edited for 2023.
It all begins with unboxing – that special moment when achild opens a package and starts imagining. How can you design toy packaging that is not just a container, but starts a movie of happiness and joy? In this post are some tips to make your toy’s box turn into a gateway to playtime:
1. Know Your Audience:
Age matters: Reflect on the stage of development of your target age group. For instance, toddlers love bright colors and simple pictures while older kids prefer more complex stories and paintings.
Cater to the decision-makers: It must be remembered that parents usually make purchasing decisions. Highlight the toy’s advantages as well as its relevance to certain ages to get more children interested in it.
2. Make it a Conversation:
Talk to emotions: Toy packaging is not about information but about setting up an adventure in the minds. Use playful language, puns and captivating stories so that children can’t help being curious.
Interactive elements: Do you want something beyond plain images? You may try out die-cut windows for toy inside look, textured surfaces or furry patches, or even QR codes leading to augmented reality quests.
3. Play with Visuals:
Color Palette Fiesta: Let color do its trick! Bright colors pull attention; soft pastels bring kind fun. Stab bold color blocking or use playful gradients for an edgy look.
Character-driven design: If there is a mascot for your toy, feature them prominently! They should guide the child’s eye movement, speak through expressions and serve as an invitation into their world.
Action in motion: Show don’t tell! Use dynamic illustrations or action shots demonstrating what sort of things you can do with such a thing as this toy represents. Capture the excitement of play and inspire kids to envision themselves joining the fun.
5. Pick the Right Material
The material you use for your product packaging is an important part of your product and brand image. Avoid using any materials that appear low quality or unsafe. Also, in this increasingly eco-friendly world, people are looking for sustainable materials so be sure to consider this when deciding on the packaging you want to use.
6. Sustainable Magic:
Eco-conscious choices: Demonstrate commitment towards environment by using recycled materials, biodegradable packaging and soy-based inks which will not only make a difference in conserving our environment but will also resonate with parents who appreciate responsible choices.
Second-life packaging: The idea is to design such packaging that can be used as a part of the play. A rigid box can become a fort, plastic tray can be turned into a boat, and paper insert can be transformed into a coloring page.
7. Make the Packaging Functional
Products should be easy to unwrap and easy for a child to hold on to in their packaged state. If the packaging can be used to store the product, this will be an added bonus. Use a case that is partially clear and keep interactive buttons accessible to increase the likelihood of a purchase.
8. Remember, Safety First:
Clear age markings: Make sure age guidelines are visible and clear. This aids parents in making informed decisions and also prevents children from accessing toys that are beyond their ages.
Tamper-proof packaging: Choose closures that children cannot open easily but which adults can quickly access. This way, parents will not worry about anything while their little fingers are safe.
If you are in the toy manufacturing business, coming up with a product children will enjoy playing with may be your main focus. But the packaging you use for that product is very important as well. In fact, the right packaging can set your product apart making it stand out from the competition.
Keeping that in mind, here are some things to be aware of when you design custom packaging for your toy products.
9. Consider the Age of the Child
Safety should always be taken account, especially if you are manufacturing products targeted to children under three years of age. If this is the case, avoid using any plastic bags or other wrapping that can be associated with suffocation risks. If you are marketing to older children, bioplastic bags and wrapping can be used but it’s best to stay away from non-recyclable items like wire ties and plastic bindings.
10. Make the Packaging Part of the Experience
In some cases, packaging can even be part of the play experience. For instance, if you are selling dolls or figures, think of providing packaging that can turn into secret lairs or castles.
11. Create an Appealing Visual
It goes without saying that you will want to create packaging that makes your product appealing to both children and parents. Therefore, think of using colors and shapes that make your product stand out and work well with both your product and brand image.
If you have recently created a new toy or are looking to update the packaging of an existing product, an expert can help you achieve the results you are looking for. Lien Design is a design branding agency located in San Diego, CA. Their years in the industry ensure they have an innate understanding of the latest trends and they can help with premium graphic design that is right for you.
Product packaging is so important, especially in the toy industry. Put your best foot forward by providing packaging that is safe, attractive, functional and eco-friendly. There is no telling what kind of impact these toys can make on a child’s life.
By following these tips, you would create toy packaging that is more than just a container but an exciting introduction to playing with them. Besides being able to tell stories using words, good toy packaging may act as your playmate or remind you of future adventures. Thus, set loose your creative imagination; let the spirit of play possess you and design packages that ignite imaginations and quicken little hearts to race. In other words, every great toy should have a grand entrance like this one.
All designs and trademarks are the property of their respective companies and are being shown for educational purposes only.