November 21, 2024

The ‘Advent’ure Continues

Our Choice of Captivating Designs for the 2024 Holidays

Advent calendars have become an enduring holiday tradition that continues to captivate consumers and brands alike. What was once a modest “nice-to-have” is now a full-fledged product category, with global brands across industries vying to create the most enchanting and memorable advent calendar experiences.

From high-end skincare brands like Dior and Lancôme to gourmet chocolatiers like Godiva, premium fragrances from Jo Malone to designer accessories from Tiffany & Co., the options for luxury advent calendar gifts have expanded exponentially in recent years.

IPL Elevates the Advent Calendar Experience

The IPL Design Team has long been at the forefront of this growing trend, creating innovative and visually striking advent calendar solutions for a range of renowned brands. Whether it’s a book-style rigid box that unfolds to reveal individual gin samples for Whitley Neill, Berkshire Gin and JJ Whitley, or a drawer-style pack that tantalises with a dozen flavoured rums from Dead Man’s Fingers, IPL’s designs demonstrate the endless possibilities in this festive packaging format.

Design Inspirations for the 2024 Holiday Season

As brands strive to stand out in the crowded advent calendar market, the IPL Design Team has identified key trends and sources of inspiration that are shaping this year’s most captivating holiday packaging.

Below they share some of their favourite advent calendar designs that dazzle this 2024 festive season, creative examples by other leading brands and designers.

LB Odendaal, Head of Design, describes Dior’s Trunk of Dreams, glowing in gold against a pristine white background, as a masterclass in luxury packaging design. Beyond a typical advent calendar, it is an heirloom piece that will endure well past the holiday season. The wooden construction, wrapped in beautiful Toile du Marais fabric features an artistic rendering of Dior’s iconic flagship store and the Tuileries Garden, transforming what could have been just packaging into a 24-drawer collectable art piece that showcases both brand and architectural storytelling.

Odendaal notes that the £3,400 price tag is justified by the limited edition of 120 units and the fact that it is essentially a piece of luxury ‘furniture’ that will enhance any space.

Lauren Watt, Senior Packaging Designer, highlights the captivating design of hip, high-quality coffee roaster, Onyx’s 2024 Advent calendar. With its striking ‘accordion-style’ structure and sophisticated black and gold colour palette, the calendar instantly commands attention. Intricate illustrations and the “Peace on Earth” messaging create a high-quality, holiday aesthetic.

Upon opening, the fan-like arch of numbered pockets, each holding a pouch of whole-bean coffee, adds an artful, decorative touch that invites the user to indulge in a new blend daily. Easy-to-access tabs allow the calendar to unfurl, offering a smooth and enjoyable ritual that combines festive charm with a sense of luxury. Watt describes it as both a stylish centrepiece and a delightful treat.

Karen Groenewald, Senior Packaging Designer, is impressed by how Missoma’s 2024 Advent Calendar blends functionality, reusability, and sustainability with a sense of excitement and anticipation. The jewellery box-style packaging features a two-level design with a large mirror and individual gift boxes for each Missoma jewellery piece.

Sustainability is at the forefront of this pack, notes Groenewald, with the use of recyclable and FSC-approved materials, as well as soy-based inks. Additionally, Missoma has taken meaningful steps to offset carbon emissions from its packaging operations, supporting biodiversity initiatives such as reforestation and rainforest protection.

Duane Falconer, Senior 3D Visualiser, showcases Rituals’ Deluxe Advent Calendar, which transforms into an enchanting Amsterdam-inspired scene. Following a straightforward assembly guide, users construct miniature buildings that capture the city’s UNESCO heritage architecture. The experience is enhanced by integrated string lights that illuminate the village to create a magical holiday display.

Each glowing house conceals one of 24 carefully curated surprises from Rituals’ collection, including bestsellers, limited editions, and new innovations l. The calendar features full-size products, LED lights, and candles, combining the joy of discovery with the creation of a festive centrepiece that celebrates both Dutch architectural heritage and holiday traditions.

Maritz Erasmus, Industrial Designer & 3D Visualiser, praises the Porsche 911 Carrera advent calendar for its blend of design, automotive passion, and innovative packaging. The miniature boxes of varying sizes harmoniously form a stunning image of the iconic 911 model, with each daily unveiling contributing to the cult classic’s majestic presence.

The exceptional packaging, featuring vibrant printing on the outer sleeve and a sturdy, wide-walled inner box, elevates the unboxing experience. The advent calendar also includes a high-quality plastic base with a sound module and LED showroom lighting.

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