Christmas gifts in original packaging - The Packaging of the Year competition is a great inspiration

“Good packaging is like a first impression – immensely important. This year we saw incredible concepts that not only protect the contents but also tell a story in their own right. And precisely this kind of packaging offers ideal gift ideas for the approaching Christmas season,” says Iva Werbynská, director of the Obal roku competition.

Gift Packaging Offers an Experience in Its Own Right

In the Gift Packaging category, lovers of exceptional gifts will be drawn, for example, to the packaging , which impresses with its matt lamination, hot foil stamping and 3D varnish. The packaging from Cieszynskie Zaklady Kartoniarskie SA showcases precision craftsmanship and gives you a sense of exclusivity even before you open the box. Malinovice can be an ideal gift for gourmets and design enthusiasts. Equally interesting is the G(o)rila Box project from THIMM, a gift set that combines sustainability and modern technologies, such as laser cutting and recyclable corrugated board. The slogan “Let's gorilla!” lends the gift a playfulness that many will welcome under the Christmas tree.

Malinovice RESERVE – luxury gift packaging for a limited-edition fruit spirit

Functionality Meets Storytelling

The winners in the Other category take a completely different but equally impressive approach. One example is the LEGO® Pick a Brick packaging from Grafobal, which replaced the original plastic boxes with recyclable paperboard. The creators of this design reduced the company's plastic waste by tens of tonnes a year while introducing a practical, foldable design that turned this packaging into an environmentally friendly solution. Fans of lego building sets therefore have something to think about this year and an incentive to look around at home to see what they are still missing. For sports enthusiasts, there is the Combo Ski packaging for skis or snowshoes from VAN DE VELDE PACKAGING Unipap, which adds a new dimension to the experience from the moment of unboxing. The mountain-inspired outer sleeve and the black inner boxes for individual ski components protect the product and highlight its uniqueness.

LEGO® Pick a Brick packaging from Grafobal

Packaging for the Curious and Playful

This year's gift ideas from the Other category must also include the packaging from THIMM for the original board game Psina, which is durable and functional to accommodate fun for both people and their pet dogs. Recyclable corrugated board, a dog-paw-shaped insert and playful elements such as movable eyes and a tongue add dynamism and originality to the packaging. The packaging from THIMM for the versatile AlbiLAB science station/building kit is also more than just packaging. The modular system allows easy modification and expansion, while the creative packaging design, which can be used as part of the building kit, encourages playfulness and sustainability. Thanks to digital technologies, including a QR code, the packaging becomes an active guide to the fascinating world of science and plants.

Cosmetics Can Be Sophisticated Too

In the Cosmetics category, the judges were particularly impressed this year by the Růže skincare collection from Manufaktura. The packaging for this range combines soft pastel colours, botanical watercolours by artist Diana Delevová and modern graphic minimalism, all of which together create a sense of exclusive skincare. Replaceable refills for the facial elixir ensure environmental sustainability, while the airless packaging for the serum and mask guarantees hygiene and gentle protection of the natural ingredients. Glass bottles with droppers protect the contents and ensure precise, clean application. This packaging design combines practicality, sophistication and a love of detail, making it a gift for every woman.

Růže skincare collection from Manufaktura

Inspiration That Goes Beyond Design

The winning packaging in the Obal roku 2024 competition shows that the right design turns a gift into something exceptional and unforgettable. So whether you are looking for a practical gift with an environmental dimension or a luxury experience wrapped in a creative concept, this year's award-winning packaging from this prestigious competition can be an excellent source of inspiration.