Packaging Blog Page

We believe great service goes beyond the sale. 📦That’s why we’ve invested in our YouTube tutorial channel, a value-added resource designed to make assembling our boxes simple, quick, and stress-free. We post step-by-step folding tutorials so our customers can spend less time figuring things out and more time growing their businesses.But this isn’t just about folding boxes.Having a YouTube channel as a business allows us to:• Provide ongoing support outside of store hours• Reduce frustration and save our customers time• Visually demonstrate product quality and functionality• Build trust and transparency• Create a library of helpful, evergreen contentIn today’s digital world, customers appreciate brands that educate, not just sell. Video content gives us the opportunity to add real value, strengthen relationships, and enhance the overall customer experience.If you haven’t explored our tutorials yet, visit our YouTube channel and see how easy packaging can be.Checkout our Youtube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@inthebox_za

We have the privilege of working with small businesses at every stage of their journey. Behind every order packed is a founder navigating growth, change and real-life responsibilities (often all at once).As part of our Small Business Sundays initiative, we spotlight the entrepreneurs within our community whose stories deserve to be told.This week, we’re featuring Treats by Raeesah; a custom gifting brand specialising in personalised hot air balloons, acrylic keepsakes, baby sets, mini chocs and thoughtfully curated gifts for every occasion.Founded in 2020 during the uncertainty of Covid-19, the business began with 1kg gummies and imported treats. Recognising the need to build visibility and connect directly with customers, Raeesah expanded into markets and home pop-up shops. This helped her shape the brand’s next chapter.Over time, Treats by Raeesah evolved into a personalised gifting business, with custom hot air balloons and acrylic pieces becoming standout bestsellers for birthdays, corporate gifting and milestone celebrations. Treats by Raeesah is more than a gifting brand. It’s a reflection of resilience, responsiveness and the courage to pivot when necessary.Small businesses don’t just create products.They create opportunities, memories and livelihoods.We’re proud to support founders like Raeesah — not only through packaging solutions, but by sharing and celebrating their journeys.If you’re building a business, keep going. Your story matters.

Sleek. Minimal. Elevated. We’ve taken three of our most popular shipper boxes and reimagined them in a bold, sophisticated black finish.  Whether you’re shipping orders, curating gift boxes, or upgrading your brand presentation, these boxes combine durability with modern elegance. The range consists of: Flip Lid Box (Black) 125x118x38mm   Black Shipper Box 237x153x58mm Protective Black Box 120x100x55mm If you’re looking for something protective without compromising on aesthetic, this is it. They are perfect for beauty products, gift sets, PR boxes, makeup and even candles. 

Ramadan and Eid are seasons of reflection, community, and beautiful moments shared with loved ones. Whether you’re preparing dates for Iftar, gifting sweets after Tarawih, or creating unforgettable eid hampers, thoughtful packaging can make every gift feel more special. We have curated a stunning Ramadan and Eid range that brings style, joy, and meaningful presentation to your celebrations. Elegant Eid Packaging & Gifting Essentials From beautifully printed boxes to novelty keepsake options and thoughtful finishing touches, the Eid collection offers everything you need to create heartfelt gifts: Printed Boxes: A selection of different printed boxes ideal for sweets, small gifts, and festive treats which include our popular biscuit box and coffee box. These boxes bring elegance to every special delivery.  Eid Novelty Boxes: You can create curated gifts with our Little Ramadan Boxes or assemble a delectable snack platter with our Peanut Wheel. Gift Tags & Money Card Holders: Add a personal touch with stylish gift tags or classic money card holders. They are perfect for giving eidi or heartfelt messages.  Cake Toppers & Lantern Lights: Small details like cake toppers and lantern battery lights add a festive look to your Eid table or dessert spread. Whether you’re gifting to family, friends, or customers, these packaging pieces help tell a story of care and celebration Little Ramadan Boxes – A Meaningful Ramadan Countdown Our Little Ramadan Boxes are a beautiful way to make each day of Ramadan feel intentional and exciting. Designed as a Ramadan advent calendar, these boxes can be filled with small treats, duas, good deed prompts, or thoughtful surprises for children and loved ones. They’re perfect for families wanting to build meaningful traditions, encourage reflection, and create moments of joy throughout the month.  Click here to shop our full range.

To our valued customers, As part of our ongoing commitment to delivering the quality and service you expect from In The Box, we’d like to let you know that we will be implementing a price adjustment effective 1 March 2026. This decision has not been made lightly. Like many businesses, we’ve experienced continued increases in material and operational costs, and this adjustment allows us to maintain the standards, reliability and turnaround times that are so important to both you and us. We value your continued support & understanding. If you have any questions or would like to chat through upcoming orders, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Warm regards,

When it comes to Easter packaging, colour is everything. Which is why our 1L buckets are now available in five new amazing colours: pink, purple, blue, green, and yellow. These buckets instantly bring the Easter charm to any display. Pair it with our Easter themed shredded paper and mini easter eggs and you have a winner! They are perfect for filling with chocolate eggs, sweet treats, small gifts, bath products, or party favours. If you’re planning your Easter range, now’s the time to stock up. Cute, colourful and guaranteed to attract attention. Our Pastel 1 Litre Buckets are ready to be filled with your creativity. Please note that they are sold in packs of 10 online. You can purchase them individually at our walk in store at Unit 23, Gateway Business Park, Berkley Road, Ndabeni. You can also purchase our multicolor bundle (2 of each colours in a pack). 

We are incredibly proud to announce that In The Box has officially received Shopify’s 10,000 Order Award on our online store! This milestone represents more than just a number - it represents 10,000 individual orders placed by customers who chose to trust us with their packaging needs. And for that, we are deeply grateful.

This week on Small Business Sundays, we're featuring MemoMag, a beautiful brand turning memories into 5cmx5cm customised fridge magnets you'll treasure every day. Founded by Michelle, after she courageously left her high-paying corporate job, MemoMag began as a heartfelt tribute to her father, who believed that your home should tell your story. Now, she's helping families do exactly that, one tiny memory at a time.

When given the topic for this post, I had to really sit back and think about how I was going to write this. "What makes In The Box different?" is tougher to answer than one might think. In The Box covers all the bases of great quality, locally produced, fast turnaround time, creative innovation and the list goes on. And while thats great, and what is instilled in all of our employees across the company.. its generic. For me, In The Box is a feeling. Its the feeling of having a warm hug, a caring mentor or a crowd standing on the side of the road cheering you through race day. What we really try to do at In The Box is build relationships, become your side-hustle hype girl and hold your hand through the daunting process of choosing packaging. We want our customers to feel heard, supported and valued in our company. And we really try to carry this through in the speed in which we answer enquiries, to the personalised hand-written thank you cards in our online orders, to the friendly sales assistants in our walk-in store who love to know how your business is growing and what we can do to assist. We want your heart to feel warm and fuzzy when you hear "In The Box", much like ours does when we get your support. We're not just a supplier, we're a collaborator. And we can't wait to make magic with you. For now, I'll get off my (soap) box!Until next time-Jess

Our online store has officially closed for the year, and any orders placed from today onward will be processed when we reopen on 5 January.If you’ve already placed your order, don’t worry, it will be prepared and shipped as planned. Anything new will join our January queue. We really appreciate your understanding as we take this time to rest, reset, and get ready for an exciting year ahead. Our Physical Store Is Still Open (But Not for Long!) If you’d still like to shop with us before Christmas, our store will remain open until: 🗓️ 19 December at 10am Please note: we’ll be closed on 16 December for the public holiday. It’s the perfect time to pop in for last-minute gifts, candles, stocking fillers, and all the cute things you love. Thank You for an Incredible Year Every order, message, share, and visit means the world. As we wrap up the year, we’re beyond grateful for the community we’ve built with you. We can’t wait to welcome you back in January with fresh energy, new creations, and more little moments of joy. Wishing you a restful, safe, and magical holiday season. ✨See you in 2026!

As the festive season approaches, the In The Box team will be taking a short break to recharge, spend time with family, and prepare for an exciting year ahead. To help you plan your orders smoothly, please take note of our official closing and reopening dates, as well as our final fulfilment cut-off for 2025 orders. 🎄 Closure Dates We will be closed from 19 December 2024and will reopen on 5 January 2025. During this period: Our shop will be closed No orders will be processed No collections or deliveries will take place Emails and WhatsApps will be responded to when we reopen 📦 Final Fulfilment Cut-Off: 10 December To ensure your orders are ready before we close, the final date for 2025 fulfilment is 10 December. Orders placed after 10 December will only be processed when we reopen in January. We recommend placing your festive and year-end orders early to avoid disappointmenT. December is always a busy month, and we want to make sure your packaging needs are sorted well in advance. ✨ Thank You for an Incredible Year Thank you for your support throughout 2024. Whether you shopped online, visited our store, or shared our products with others, you helped make this year truly special. We can’t wait to bring you even more exciting packaging solutions in 2025! Wishing you a joyful, safe, and restful festive season. With love,The In The Box Team

At In the Box, we’re all about smart, sustainable packaging solutions and our latest addition fits right in! Introducing our brand-new Honeycomb Wrapping Paper, an eco-friendly alternative to traditional bubble wrap that’s perfect for small businesses, gift packaging, and anyone who loves protecting their items and the planet. What Is Honeycomb Paper? Honeycomb paper is a clever, paper-based wrapping material designed with a unique expandable honeycomb structure. When stretched, it forms a 3D cushioning layer that securely wraps around your products, offering both strength and flexibility. Why You’ll Love It 1. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Made from 100% recycled paper, honeycomb wrap is fully recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable. It’s a simple way to reduce plastic waste while keeping your packaging stylish and responsible. 2. Lightweight Yet Protective Don’t let its soft texture fool you, the honeycomb structure provides excellent shock absorption while remaining lightweight. That means less weight for shipping and more savings for you. 3. Easy to Use Forget the scissors and tape! Just stretch, wrap, and tear. The interlocking design keeps everything secure without extra fuss. 4. Flexible and Versatile Honeycomb paper molds perfectly around items of any shape. It's ideal for candles, glass jars, mugs, and more. It’s especially handy for small business owners who need packaging that looks as good as it protects. 5. Aesthetic Appeal Beyond functionality, honeycomb paper gives your packaging a beautiful, natural finish. It’s clean, minimalist, and perfect for brands that want their unboxing moments to feel special. 🌍 Perfect for Eco-Conscious Businesses If your brand prides itself on sustainability, honeycomb paper is a must-have. It’s a small switch that makes a big impact — both visually and environmentally. Customers notice and appreciate brands that go the extra mile to reduce plastic use. You can now shop Honeycomb paper here or come visit our store at 📍 Unit 23, Gateway Business Park, Berkley Road, Ndabeni

Yesterday we took to visit the Stellenberg Feesmark to see if we could spot our packaging in the wild, and we were not disappointed! This market is one we visit annually. It has a wide variety of gifting options for all budgets, great food options and really gets one in the Christmas spirit!  We spotted a range of our packaging including gift tags, combination packaging and pouches filled with dog treats, bath salts, wooden decor houses and more.  We highly recommend visiting this market, but don't leave it too late! Its only on until the 8th. Visit their website to find out more.       

At In the Box, we’re all about packaging that’s practical and pretty and one of our secret heroes is Mandini paper! This versatile kraft-style paper is a must-have for small businesses, crafters, and anyone who loves clean, professional packaging with a natural touch. Here’s why we love it (and why you will too): 1. Wrapping Products Mandini paper is strong yet flexible, making it perfect for wrapping items like candles, glass bottles, stationery, and gifts. It keeps your products safe from scratches and gives your packaging a beautiful, earthy look. 2. Box Lining and Filler Use it to line boxes or scrunch it up as filler to protect fragile items during shipping. It’s a sustainable alternative to plastic fillers and it looks so much neater when your customer opens their order! 3. Branding and Aesthetics Pair Mandini paper with a branded sticker or thank-you tag for that Pinterest-worthy unboxing moment. The neutral brown tone complements all colour schemes, making it ideal for rustic, minimalist, or eco-inspired branding. 4. In-store Packaging If you run a shop or sell at markets, Mandini paper is a great option for wrapping purchases on the spot. It’s quick, neat, and eco-friendly — customers love that you care about sustainability! 5. DIY and Craft Projects Beyond packaging, Mandini paper can be used for journaling, handmade tags, or even as a backdrop for product photos. It’s one of those materials that always finds a use in any creative space.   IN STORE: 610mmx80gsm (Big roll) 760mmx80gsm  (Big roll) 610mmx80gsm 10m ONLINE  610mmx80gsm 10m Whether you’re packing orders or wrapping gifts, Mandini paper is a simple way to make your packaging look thoughtful and professional.

The Springboks are back in action, and we’re keeping the gees going all month long with Bok Weekends! If you pop into our shop wearing your Springbok jersey or anything green and gold, you’ll score 10% off your entire basket. 🎉 Whether you’re stocking up on packaging for your small business, grabbing supplies for your next project, or just browsing for something new; show your support for the Bokke and we’ll give you a little something back. Shop like a CHAMPION this November 🇿🇦💚💛 Valid every weekend in November (Friday and Saturday) Cannot be combined with existing promos Cannot be used on snacks (p.s. enjoy this AI generated image of Wilton as a Springbok)  

1️⃣ Guessing the Size Instead of Measuring It’s tempting to eyeball your product and hope it fits in the box or pouch you’ve chosen — but that’s the quickest way to waste money and materials.Fix: Always measure your product (length, width, height) and compare it to the inner dimensions of your packaging.  2️⃣ Choosing Packaging by ml or Weight We see this often: people ask for a “150ml pouch” without realizing that capacity depends on the shape and density of the product.Fix: Focus on measurements (e.g. 10x15cm pouch) instead of volume. If you’re unsure, contact us — we’ll help you find the right fit for your product. 3️⃣ Overlooking Branding Plain packaging gets the job done, but it doesn’t help your brand stand out.Fix: Add small branding touches like a sticker, thank-you card, or tissue paper. These small details make your customer’s unboxing feel more special and memorable. 4️⃣ Ignoring Protection for Fragile Items Cute doesn’t count if the product arrives broken or dented.Fix: Use bubble wrap, tissue, or shredded paper to fill empty spaces inside the box.  5️⃣ Using Oversized Packaging Bigger isn’t better when it comes to packaging. Oversized boxes cost more to ship and can make your product look smaller.Fix: Choose packaging that fits snugly. It looks more professional and saves you money on courier costs. 6️⃣ Not Thinking About the Unboxing Experience Customers love that “wow” moment when they open a package. If your packaging looks rushed or messy, it can make your brand feel less premium.Fix: Keep it neat — add a layer of tissue, a thank-you card, or a simple ribbon. It’s not about spending more; it’s about presentation. 7️⃣ Forgetting About Sustainability More and more customers care about eco-friendly packaging.Fix: Choose recyclable or reusable options like kraft boxes or mylar pouches that can be repurposed. Mention “eco-friendly” in your product listing — it’s a selling point! The Takeaway Your packaging is part of your product. Taking a few extra minutes to measure, brand, and protect your items can turn a simple order into an experience your customers remember. At In The Box, we’re here to help you find packaging that fits perfectly, looks beautiful, and leaves a lasting impression. 

Last year, we held our very first ever Small Business Black Friday. A traffic brainchild that has the idea of bringing Black Friday a month forward for all of our small business & side hustling customers! While (normal) Black Friday is always well received, it seems pointless to stock up on packaging with only two weeks left for the year. We understand (oh we UNDERSTAND) cash flow limitations when it comes to small businesses and side hustles and we know that you simply cannot sit on unused stock until the new year. We get it!Soooo... we launched Small Business Black Friday! Held on the last Friday of October (this one is on Halloween, oooooh); it gives businesses the opportunity to stock up on advent calendars, packaging supplies for their own Black Friday and festive gifting for all of the Christmas markets happening!  Details below:Date: 31 October 2025Where: online only (collection options still available)Discount: moenie voorbarig wees nie - check back in on Friday to find out more PLEASE note that we do expect longer packing lead times than usual. While we have a team working all weekend - we are expecting high order volumes. Please allow for up to 5-7 working days for processing. Additional lead times will apply for delivery.  See you there! (except "there" is online.) Happy shopping!  Jess

Want to win a R500 packaging voucher? 👀Invite us to collaborate on your cute packaging pictures on Instagram and the post with the most likes wins 🤩 T's & C's:The competition closes on 31 October 2025 and the winner will be announced on 3 November 2025.The voucher can only be used online.By entering this competition you give In The Box consent to repost your picture.

User Generated Content (or UGC if you're in the know) is a fantastic way to generate real life action shots of your products. When we started In The Box, I set up my little light box and snapped away at boxes until the cows came home. But man, the photos were boring. Lets be real, a box is a box. And yes, we could try to dress it up in the studio with a ribbon or some tissue paper, but the images still fell flat.  In time, we then started growing our social media pages and a wonderful thing happened. Our customers started tagging us in their images of their products in OUR boxes! Problem solved. The UGC was far more beautiful and believable than what I could create with my little light box. Think cosmetics, cupcakes, apparel, photos of our products at market stalls and the list goes on. Inadvertently, what happened was that it started giving our other customers inspiration on different ways to use our packaging (think cookies in chocolate boxes, socks in coffee boxes) and our following and community grew.  So, whether you're a fashion brand, an events company or a candle maker - get into the habit of culminating a community on social media, where your followers WANT to share photos of your products. Hype them up in the comments, repost to your feed and tell them you appreciate the content. It makes your brand more believable, builds trust in your business and in a time of micro-influencers; customers love to see their images shared.  We owe a large portion of our social media growth to our customers and their beautiful content they share with us on the daily. We appreciate you! Alright, let me get off my box. Jess

Corporate gifting is more than just a gesture, it’s a strategy. Whether you’re thanking loyal clients, celebrating employees, or strengthening business relationships, the right gift can leave a lasting impression. But here’s the secret: it’s not only about what you give, it’s about how you give it. From thoughtful presentation to intentional packaging, every detail contributes to how your gift is received. We’ve seen how packaging can transform a simple token of appreciation into a memorable experience. Here’s your step-by-step guide to getting corporate gifting right this season. Step 1: Understand the purpose behind your gift Before choosing a single item, ask yourself why you’re gifting. Is it to thank loyal clients for their support? To celebrate your team’s hard work? Or to make a great first impression with new partners? The purpose helps shape your budget, tone, and even your packaging style. A client thank-you gift might lean toward elegant minimalism, while a staff appreciation box could be fun and colourful. Step 2: Choose gifts that align with your brand Your corporate gift should reflect who you are as a company. If your brand is eco-conscious, consider sustainable items wrapped in kraft boxes or eco-friendly gift bags. If you’re a luxury brand, opt for sleek packaging with PVC sleeves and custom printing for that high-end touch. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel — sometimes simple, useful items (like candles, notebooks, mugs or gourmet snacks) become meaningful when presented beautifully. Step 3: Invest in beautiful presentation A beautifully packaged gift elevates even the simplest of contents. It’s the unboxing moment that creates the “wow.” Here are some tried-and-tested packaging options we love at In The Box: Sliding Kraft Boxes with PVC Sleeves — A modern way to present gifts, with a subtle reveal effect. E-Flute Kraft Boxes — Perfect for sturdier items, and can easily be customized with ribbons or printed branding. PVC Gift Bags — Sleek and transparent, ideal for corporate events or hampers. Tags, Twine & Finishing Touches — Because small details make a big difference. If you’d like to add your logo, message, or design, good news, we print directly onto boxes! A subtle logo or message can turn packaging into brand storytelling. Step 4: Personalize where possible A handwritten note. A tag with your client’s name. A quote that reflects your brand values. These little touches transform a transactional gift into something personal. Recipients remember the effort — not just the item. Tip: Include your business card or a small insert that explains the meaning behind your gift (“crafted to thank you for being part of our journey this year”). Don't forget to plan ahead! Corporate gifting tends to peak around year-end. Don’t wait until November to start planning! Order your boxes and packaging supplies early. Prepare your branded elements in advance (printing, stickers, ribbon colours). Create a checklist for what goes inside each box. Planning ensures you don’t miss deadlines — and your gifts arrive looking as polished as your brand. 💬 Final thoughts Corporate gifting doesn’t have to be complicated. When done thoughtfully, it’s one of the simplest and most meaningful ways to build relationships that last. At In The Box, we believe that presentation speaks volumes. From sliding boxes and kraft bags to custom-printed packaging, we’re here to help you turn every gift into a memorable moment. So as you plan your next client drop or employee appreciation box, start with the box, and let the story unfold from there.

Are you shopping for corporate gifts and looking for something different this year? Ditch the branded mugs, diaries and calendars and give your team, customers or suppliers the gift of counting down to Christmas! We've got printed and blank Advent Calendar options just waiting to be filled with treats, trinkets and chocolates. Customise them to your brand with printed stickers (we love Minuteman in the M5 Business Park for stickers) and share the love this festive season! Our fill it yourself advent calendar options are a great allergy and dietary friendly option for those who can't usually enjoy the traditional store bought calendars.  PLUS, we offer wholesale pricing! Contact sales@in-the-box.co.za to find out more. 

Last Friday, the marketing team took a little outing and ended up at Sheeca's Spring Market! (Follow @sheecas_markets_ on Instagram to find out more). Its always good for us to ditch the laptops for an afternoon and have a look at whats trending in the market, network and meet our current customers!  We loved the Spring Market and managed to spot a couple of our boxes in use at the various stalls. This was a wonderfully diverse market with handcrafted items, jewellery, clothing and fantastic food options (there are fewer things better than a potato samosa). We managed to gain some insight into what our customers are currently using from our range, and where we have gaps in our product offering. We also realised that while we think we've got most of the local market covered, we don't! There are always opportunities to increase our footprint and make new connections; starting with gifting & Christmas markets! It got us brainstorming and re-strategising our approach to small businesses.  So, this is a reminder to close the laptop, step outside, connect with those around you and you might just come up with something new! Watch this space.😉 Thats it from me, let me climb back into my box!Jess(image: our PVC boxes in use at Concreo & Co. Let your product do the talking!)

This Heritage Month, we’re celebrating the incredible spirit of South African entrepreneurship.Throughout September, we’ll be shining a light on some inspiring local businesses. The makers, creators, and dreamers who bring so much flavour, colour, and innovation to our communities.Every week, we’ll be featuring two different businesses, sharing their stories and showing what makes them truly lekker.Because Heritage Month is about more than just our past; it’s about honouring the entrepreneurs building tomorrow, today.Keep an eye on our socials for the different features 👀

Last month, we celebrated hitting 40 000 TikTok followers! So, Aqeelah googled what 40 000 people look like in one image and photos of stadiums flooded her laptop screen. "Yoh, thats a lot of people!" we all exclaimed. And it is a lot of people!  A few days later I visited a client of ours who was commenting on our social media and how much they enjoy it. She was disappointed though - she said her staff weren't willing to be in the social media. Which made me realise just how lucky we are to have a team that is so aware of the power of social media and its importance for business growth! TikTok (or any active social media channels) are so important for any business this day in age. An active and engaged community, who absorbs your content, gives input, provides feedback and celebrates your business wins with you is a huge asset in 2025.  Anyone I meet starting a new business (which is quite a few in our line of work), always gets the same question from me: "Do you have Instagram and TikTok?" Because without it.. you will struggle to grow and increase your footprint. Some might say its the second most important thing a business needs, after good packaging of course.😉 So.. if you're reading this and you want some tips from someone 9 years in the game, I'd suggest the below:1. Remain consistent and active on social media. 2. Adapt your content for each channel. What does well on TikTok, won't necessarily reach the right audience on Instagram. What gets fantastic engagement on Facebook, usually doesn't have the same reach on Instagram. 3. Show your face! We know its daunting and can take some practice (there are many a blooper video of me on TikTok); but viewers want to see a face behind the brand! It engages them and allows them to connect emotionally with your brand. 4. Get your staff involved! Play games, have quizzes, play light-hearted pranks, show them doing their craft, have them announce product launches. It goes a long way! And, don't forget to thank them afterwards. 5. Make use of UCG (user generated content). If your customer buys a product of yours and loves it enough to style a photo, upload it AND tag you.. You're onto a winner! Repost repost repost. People love to get given credit and feel as if their effort is appreciated. Its free marketing, so show them that you appreciate it! Thats it from me today!I'll climb back into my box. Jess