UK GREETINGS - product range

In order to look closer at the chosen theme, I wanted to look at product range, and how illustration, pattern and colour can be applied to a set. This may include gift wrap, tags, boxes and bags. Again, I chose to look at what Paperchase had to offer, however, I will make sure to branch out and look at different brands so that I get an overall view of the current market and competition.

Product range

These products display a fun and light hearted illustration appropriate to the theme. The pattern is made up of a number of different penguins wearing Christmas hats, offering a humorous product. When applied to a smaller product, such as the gift tags, the illustrations have been kept to the same scale, however they still manage to work effectively. The tags then have a complimentary ribbon that can be used to attach to a gift.

This gift wrap is a little bit too busy. It has a lot going on in terms of colour, pattern and imagery, which doesn't quite work. Whilst the gift tags are extremely effective due to the house of hand written type and red ribbon, which is fun and playful, the wrap itself is quite garish.

This wrap is extremely effective, and looks visually attractive and interesting. It is very appropriate to the theme and has a nostalgic feel to it. The colours are really dreamy, but not necessarily your standard Christmas colour scheme. The tags work well with the wrap, offering an unusual format in the shape of a snow globe.

Although not the most exciting gift wrap, this shows a different process. A simple white tree shape has been screen printed on recycled brown paper to build up a repeated pattern. This process shows that time and effort has been taken in order to produce the product. It is also quite a personal method, making the recipient feel special. They may also be more inclined to keep the wrap.

Hand drawn type has been used to build up a pattern that has then been repeated and applied to the gift wrap. Using just one colour has made this wrap more effective, than if a number of colours had been introduced, which would have made it too busy. The gift tags then go on to create a nice contrast, by switching the background colour to the block red, and the type to the white.

This is a simple yet effective gift wrap design, using colours that are evidently reflective of Christmas. It is also quite reminiscent of a candy cane, which is appropriate to the theme. This pattern will work for any sized gift, allowing for it to still be visible and effective on either a small or large package. 

Gift boxes and bags

Paperchase also offer a range of gift boxes and bags. They come in a range of different sizes, formats and prints, that allow the user to package products of different shapes and sizes. 

Below, are ten little kraft boxes, that have each been individually tied with a ribbon. These little boxes are intended for party favours, ideal for the Christmas season. They are simple, yet effective, and evidently follow a Christmas themed colour scheme.

This gift box below is part of a set, that can be purchased with matching wrap, tissue and other accessories. It is fun and festive, and has a glossy finish. It is a really personal and special way to package a gift, which would then become a keepsake, as it is something that the user would not just want to throw away afterwards. It could then be used again and recycled by the recipient. 

This large jute bag is intended for giving large presents or as a stocking to hold gifts. This is a really fun and unique way of packaging gifts for christmas. The fabric used is not something you would usually see used for such a purpose, but it works well with the block white illustration printed on.

This bag is part of a set from the penguin illustration range seen before. It is both festive and stylish, however I feel that the illustration becomes a little lost due to it's scale. The penguins should have been larger so that they didn't become lost within the format. The grosgrain ribbon handle is a nice addition however, and it compliments the pattern well. 

The over sized gift tag used on this bag is a quirky addition, as are the rope handles. This bag is lined with a tartan pattern, therefore carrying on the outside design to the rest of the product. As the inside of the bag is looked at by the recipient, lining the inside shows extra care and thought.

This gift bag is ideally designed for holding a bottle of alcohol. The handle on this gift bag takes on a different approach to usual, so that the user can get a better grip. Ribbon or rope handles may not be able to hold the weight of a glass bottle. The gift tag has also been attached in a clever manner so that it is not simply just tied around the handle.

Festive accessory packs

An accessory pack is offered to compliment all of the above designs, that come in a range of colours that appropriate and reflective of the Christmas season. These packs include standard ribbon, decorative ribbon, foil wrap, shredded foil, star confetti, gift tags and bows.