Influencer Boxes & PR
Influencers now play a powerful role in shaping consumer behaviour and brand perception across a wide range of industries. From fashion and cosmetics to household and cleaning products, they not only spark and set trends but also have a direct impact on purchasing decisions.
As viewers, we're no longer just interested in the product itself — the packaging has become part of the appeal. This is widely known as the unboxing experience.
Take Kylie Jenner’s promotional packaging for her perfume, for example: a rotating box that lit up as it turned, showcasing the product inside. A deliberately eye-catching and highly 'filmable' PR package designed to captivate on camera.
See it here.
DESIGN DESIGN DESIGN
As packaging designers, creating influencer boxes involves more than simply making something that looks great. While aesthetics are key, there are a few essential factors we always have to consider.
It all starts with the client’s vision, and sometimes that means tackling some truly wild ideas. We love the challenge, and we always do our best to bring these concepts to life. But now and then, we have to gently bring things back down to earth.
Practicality matters - is the box easy to open? Will it survive the journey in transit? And then there’s the manufacturing side — think round boxes produced in the UK (not so easy!), or ambitious print finishes (a fully gold foil box, anyone?).
Because influencer campaigns typically involve small runs, usually between 50 and 150 boxes, we’re fortunate enough to be able to handle everything in-house. From production to fulfilment, we can even ship directly to your influencers if needed. This flexibility allows us to create intricate, eye-catching designs that truly wow viewers and leave a lasting impression of your product.
Image: A light up influencer box for Cîroc, designed and produced all in house at Pillbox. Made with acrylic & metallic board with orange foiled logos.
Take the example above — an absolute showstopper. Imagine the moment it’s opened on camera, slowly revealing the bottle nestled inside. It’s the kind of packaging that demands attention.
Light-up features are fast becoming a favourite. They add a real sense of drama and surprise, giving both the influencer and their audience a chance to experience the product in all its glory - all without even touching it yet.
Pillbox has recently begun exploring the use of moving elements within influencer boxes — like a present that unwraps itself.
Gif: Slide & reveal box, designed, produced, fulfilled & dispatched to UK influencers by Pillbox.
As exciting as all of this sounds, packaging designers must also consider sustainability — especially what happens after the elusive unboxing video has been posted.
PR and influencer packs should be made as recyclable as possible. That means avoiding obscure plastics that require specialist recycling facilities, and instead focusing on materials that can go straight into standard household recycling bins.
Where mixed materials are used, the design should make it easy to separate the components, so each part can be recycled properly with minimal effort.
LUXURY LUXURY LUXURY
We’ve covered unboxing and sustainability, let’s talk what can make a PR Influencer box luxury.
Luxury starts with materials - think heavyweight boards, soft-touch finishes, foils, embossing, and tactile elements that feel as good as they look. Opening the box should feel like peeling back the layers of a high-end gift, where every moment builds anticipation.
Precision is key. Flawless construction, perfectly aligned print, and clean-cut edges show quality from the first glance. And then there are the extras — satin ribbons, magnetic closures, hidden compartments, or personalised touches like foil-stamped names or handwritten notes — the kinds of features that make recipients feel truly valued.
Luxury isn’t about being flashy for the sake of it; it’s about thoughtful craftsmanship, design that tells a story, and packaging that reflects the premium nature of the product inside.
Image: Chivas Regal glass sample PR box, designed and manufactured by Pillbox.
Image: Christmas themed PR influencer box for Courvoisier, designed and manufactured by Pillbox.
GRAPHICS GRAPHICS GRAPHICS
The very first thing your influencer sees is the postal box — often just a plain brown one. It’s nothing exciting, but it does the job.
However, a printed postal box sets your package apart from the rest of the PR pile and that might be the reason they reach for that one first. Then without saying a word, it instantly gives viewers a positive impression of the product — all before they’ve even seen what’s inside.
Gif: 2024 Sharpie campaign, influencer box designed and manufactured by Pillbox (artwork attributes done by Digital Natives).
Of course, the graphics on the inside matter just as much. This could mean vibrant, playful artwork like the example above, or, if your branding leans towards a more refined look, clean and elegant monochrome elements. Either way, thoughtful design ensures your packaging stands out from the rest.
If you have an influencer box or PR idea you want to bring to life, fill in our contact form or give us a call on 01509 323001.