From Ordinary to Iconic: How Custom Packaging Inserts Elevate Branding for Tech & Gadgets
There’s a quiet kind of magic in the smallest of details. As designers, we see ordinary packaging that merely serves its functional purpose, but we also experience the thrill of designing packaging that even gets our hearts racing. And what that means is this:
Ordinary packaging works.
Extraordinary packaging moves people, including the creators behind it.
When we design packaging that captures that feeling — that sense of excitement, anticipation, wonder — it reminds us why we fell in love with this craft in the first place.
And when it comes to tech and gadgets, where expectations are sky-high and loyalty is hard-won, those subtle experiences aren’t just pleasant to have.
They’re everything.
Now, you may find this an exaggerated piece of writing about packaging inserts and their marketing value, but continue reading, and you will discover how powerful these packaging tools are as branding gadgets.
The Role of Packaging In Branding Gadgets & Technology
Gadgets and smartphones are among the expensive products we own. At the same time, they are also the most valuable in terms of use and utility. These premium purchases today not only carry financial significance but also emotional significance. For they are part of our everyday lives. We use technology to work, earn, communicate, and for leisure.
Every aspect of that product—from the screen resolution to the protective case it comes in—must reinforce the feeling that the investment was worth it. Custom boxes are the first and most immediate confirmation that trusting the brand was the right decision.
Opening tech packaging is part ritual, part reward.
Especially when gadgets are given as gifts, tech packaging becomes the first impression—a gateway to excitement and emotional connection. It builds anticipation, amplifies the moment, and sets expectations before the product even breathes into life.
Read how custom rigid boxes can help your tech brand stand out in a crowded market here: https://themailerbox.com/Blog/rigid-box-customizations-to-help-your-tech-brand-stand-out-in-a-crowded-market/
And its value doesn’t end after that first unboxing thrill. Packaging continues to matter months, even years, down the road.
When it’s time to upgrade or resell, original packaging becomes a badge of pride — a sign of authenticity, care, and lasting worth. A product with its original packaging simply feels more complete. And that feeling of completeness is no accident. It’s by design.
Proof from the Best of the Industry- How Custom Packaging Inserts Redefined Packaging for Apple
We are living in the world of ASMR’s and unboxing videos taking the internet by storm. Most of what people own has to be “reel” worthy, an experience they can proudly unwrap in front of their social community. This is proven by the official stats of YouTube, with a whooping 25 millions views on videos with the title “Unboxing”.
So what is it about unboxing these custom boxes that makes people go crazy?
It’s the anticipation.
The elements of surprise and curiosity are the key drivers of consumerism in 2025.
And what is better than unboxing a product than doing it yourself? Brands like Apple well understood this concept and capitalized on this human desire to engage with packaging in the most stunning way.
Since the foundation of Apple, their marketing philosophy revolves around emphasizing on “impute, focus and empathy”.
These elements have remained the guiding principles in their marketing and branding efforts. By “impute”, the brand suggests that customers form an opinion about your product based on the signals they receive. In his biography on Steve Jobs, Walter Isaacson states:
“We may have the best product, the highest quality, the most useful software etc.; if we present them in a slipshod manner, they will be perceived as slipshod; if we present them in a creative, professional manner, we will impute the desired qualities.”
And this concept was beautifully captured by Jony Ive, the designer of Apple’s iconic products and packaging.
The brand utilized packaging inserts to organize everything with purpose, ensuring that every accessory feels as thoughtfully designed as the phone itself. But here’s the best part — the unboxing experience is engineered not just for the buyer, but also for the next buyer, should the customer choose to resell the product.
The customized packaging inserts here are more than just protectors; they’re integral to a future-proof experience. Every layer has been designed with the foresight of potential resale. The inserts hold the product securely, but they also hold its value. They communicate that this product, and everything surrounding it, is worth holding on to.
Read more about how packaging inserts enhance box customization here: https://themailerbox.com/Blog/styles-and-techniques-of-packaging-inserts/
1. Purposeful Protection — The Art of Adding Custom Inserts
Designed by The Mailer Box
Depending on the type of packaging you opt for, custom packaging inserts could be made of paper, molded pulp, cardboard, or foam. Each material serves a function. The molded foam inserts we often see in tech packaging add that precision fit—it’s like the product was made to rest there, and only there.
Choosing the right insert material also creates a tactile experience that one must consider. Let’s take Apple, for example. The smooth feel of the packaging remains consistent from the lid to the inserts, so everything has the same tactile experience from the beginning to the end.
When you slide a device into place, a sleek, well-padded foam insert feels like a high-end finish. On the other hand, a cardboard insert, although functional, might not offer the same luxury feel. This is where custom packaging inserts can create the wow factor that Apple, Samsung, and other high-end brands have perfected.
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2.Designing The Packaging Inserts
1. Start with the Product Layout
Before creating materials or visuals, map out the components: Is there a charging cable? A USB dongle? An instruction manual? Sketch a layout that prioritizes accessibility and visual balance. Arrange items in a way that feels logical and intuitive to the user.
2. Choose the Right Material
Each material serves a different purpose and aesthetic.
- EVA foam: Offers a sleek, premium feel with precise die-cutting for snug fits. Great for electronics, smartwatches, or earbuds.
- Molded pulp or paperboard inserts: Eco-friendly, customizable, and ideal for brands prioritizing sustainability.
- Corrugated cardboard or chipboard: cost-effective, recyclable, and can be easily cut and printed for branded touches.
- PET or thermoformed trays: Clear plastic inserts are perfect when you want the product to be visible immediately, but remember recyclability.
3. Prototype Early and Iterate
Once you’ve selected a layout and material, create prototypes to test for:
- Fit: Ensure each component sits securely without being too tight.
- Ease of removal: Gadgets should lift out effortlessly without shaking or digging.
- Stacking and transport durability: packaging Inserts should protect the product through handling, shipping, and unboxing.
So What About it?
The first rule of packaging is protecting the product. But conceptualizing this protection doesn’t have to be uninspired or ugly. Custom packaging inserts are one element of protection that keeps your product in place and adds character to it. They speak to the consumer and make them feel as if they have been nurtured and cared for.
Partner with a custom packaging manufacturer who can style your products while protecting them. For details on how to get the most awesome packaging solutions, contact our sales and customer support team today at info@themailerbox.com or reach us faster at +1 801-783-4566.
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Ayesha Khubaib
Ayesha has a diverse experience in areas of marketing and management. Over the years, Ayesha has been involved in the packaging sector in various capacities and now aims to share packaging market insights with her readers
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