January 17th, 2024
A carousel of Christmas wonders
The story behind Falconer’s 2023 Christmas gift pack
Introduction
Last year’s Nutcracker-themed Christmas gift set from Falconer captivated customers with its story-driven design and illuminative charm. This year, Falconer aimed to surpass that success with a concept that combines premium aesthetics and innovative functionality.
The inspiration
The inspiration behind this year’s gift pack was to create something that wasn’t just visually appealing, but also offered a multi-sensory experience. The added dimension of light-reactive sound, playing the famed Christmas song ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’ when the lid is lifted, brings an unexpected joy, perfect for sharing with family, friends, or colleagues. This feature is symbolic of Falconer’s philosophy of creating lasting impressions through innovative carton designs.
The rationale behind the packs
Four years ago, Falconer decided to shift from traditional gift-giving practices, like wines and spirits, towards bespoke gift packaging that resonates with their philosophy of meaningful and thoughtfully designed presents. The aim was to offer customers a gift that they would be proud to give themselves, thereby aligning with the company’s commitment to creating lasting impressions.
Musical/Carousel theme inspiration
The carousel theme was chosen for its complex, visually impactful shape and its quintessential association with Christmas. The design needed to be not only aesthetically pleasing, but also durable enough for postal delivery. The premium feel was accentuated using Cyan and Cool Grey 10 for the graphics, complemented by the luxurious 457 gold foil, used on all elements of the gift set.
Technical details
Falconer selected Iggesund Incada silk, a 590-micron material, for its strength and press performance. The design incorporated a significant amount of Kurtz 457 foil, chosen for its reflective yet soft appearance. The carousel design, accompanied by an E-flute carry case, was meticulously crafted by Falconer’s in-house CAD team, enhancing the unboxing experience.
Production and distribution
A total of 500 units were produced, with every customer receiving one.In addition, each Falconer employee received a gift set; it’s always been our tradition to show our appreciation in this way, and we’ve been thrilled to hear such positive feedback.
Objectives and achievements
The aim was to prove that giving gifts can be exceptional if well-planned. The gift set is evidence of Falconer’s ability to incorporate different visual elements and innovative features, such as music, into a unified and impressive product. The roof of the carousel, where the soundbar is located, is a prime example of this inventive integration.
What makes it extra special
This year’s gift pack is a premium mini replica of a carousel, notable for its striking design and structural strength to securely hold gifts. It stands out as a unique, one-of-a-kind offering.
Gifts inside the pack
The carousel’s design includes three boxed segments for housing gifts, with each containing an array of festive delights:
• Rum Collection included: Libations Pina Edition Spiced Rum, Jolly’s Cornish Cola and Cajun Zanzibar Chilli Zest Cashew nuts.
• Gin Collection included: Silent Pool Distillers Spiced Redcurrant Gin, Jolly’s Cornish Tonic Water and Pecorino, Rosemary and Seaweed drinks biscuits.
• Vodka Collection included: Esker Spirit Orange & Pomegranate Vodka, Fever-Tree Italian Blood Orange Soda and Forest Feast 60% Cocoa Dark Chocolate Sour Cherries.
Sustainability
In line with Falconer’s commitment to sustainability, all components of the gift pack are fully recyclable.
“Innovation and attention to detail are at the heart of everything we do at Falconer. With this year’s gift pack, we wanted to push the boundaries of traditional gifting. We aimed to craft a package that not only serves as a beautiful gift, but also delivers an unforgettable experience. We believe we’ve achieved this by combining elegant design with an element of surprise, ensuring that each unboxing is a memorable moment.”
Colin Pow
Sales & Marketing Director
Falconer
Various customer comments…
“Thank you for the gift. Incredible thing, amazing skill putting it together but more so I can report that the rum is lovely. I enjoyed a nice couple of glasses that Friday you left it for me, as I just couldn’t wait. I am going to say there is a strong chance it will be the best thing I get this year!”
“Thank you so much for the amazing Christmas gifts.They are gorgeous – not only in terms of delicious content but the packaging too of course!! So creative…they really have the wow factor, and the lids have been lifted several times in the office so that everyone could enjoy the music and message.”
“We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks for the Christmas gift Troy left us during his visit to Alchemy House! The box and presentation were amazing and everyone in the office loved it!”