How brandbox Uses Personalization to Pack a Bigger Punch
Tired of the Same Old Corporate Swag?
You’re not alone. Most corporate swag feels like it was chosen on a whim, wrapped in a sea of logos, and sent out in bulk with a wish and a prayer. Generic, impersonal, and honestly? Kind of forgettable.
But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Imagine opening a branded box with your name printed on the outside, a personal message tucked inside, and thoughtful, well-designed products that actually make sense for you. That’s not just swag — it’s a branded experience. That’s what we do at brandbox.
Thanks to Variable Data Printing (VDP), we’re turning the volume up on personalization (without turning up the workload for your team).
What Is Variable Data Printing (VDP), Exactly?
Variable Data Printing is a digital printing method that allows us to change certain elements — like text, graphics, or images — without stopping or slowing down the printing process. In other words, we can print 500 boxes or notecards, each with a unique name or message, all in a single run.
The artwork stays the same, but the words can change. Think of it as mass customization — tailored, but scalable.
This lets you do things like:
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Add a recipient’s name to a notecard
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Customize messaging for different departments, clients, or campaigns
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Print a company name or phrase on the outside of each box
No extra time, no extra vendors, no extra headache. Just a better experience — for both you and the people receiving your swag.
For a deeper dive into how VDP works and how to incorporate it into your print campaigns, check out this guide from Lahlouh.
Why Personalization Hits Harder Than Ever
Personalization isn’t just a nice touch. It’s a proven way to increase engagement, boost brand perception, and make your recipients feel like more than just a line on a spreadsheet.
Let’s talk numbers:
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80% of consumers are more likely to do business with a company that offers personalized experiences
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Personalized gifts drive higher open rates, greater retention, and more meaningful connections
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A branded box with someone’s name or company on it is statistically more likely to be kept, used, or shared
In short: personalization works because people want to feel seen.
And right now — when many teams are still remote, employee engagement is top of mind, and everyone’s inbox is overflowing — a thoughtful physical gift with a personal touch stands out more than ever.
How brandbox Makes It Easy
You already know that brandbox is your one-stop shop for corporate kitting, custom swag, and promotional products your team actually wants. But now, we’re making it even easier to take things a step further with personalization that feels premium but doesn’t complicate your workflow.
Here’s what’s available right now with our VDP setup:
Personalized Notecards
Whether it’s a heartfelt welcome or a branded thank-you, our notecards are now fully customizable with:
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Individual names
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Custom messages per group or campaign
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Variable copy for internal vs. external audiences
You can keep the visual design locked in while tailoring the tone or wording for different recipients.
Custom Box Messaging
Boxes don’t have to be static. With VDP, we can update:
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Company names on the exterior of the box
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Messaging or slogans based on audience type
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Text elements inside the box for additional branding or instructions
That means your client gets a box that says “Welcome to [Their Company Name],” while your internal team gets one that reads “You Make [Your Company] Better.” Same design. Different message. More impact.
And best of all? It’s all done under one roof — printing, kitting, packaging, and shipping. You send us the data and creative direction; we make the magic happen.
Not Just Personalized — Purposeful
Now let’s clear something up: the products inside the box aren’t variable-data printed. But that doesn’t mean they’re generic. Everything in your brandbox is still:
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Custom branded with your logo, design, or colors
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Curated to match your audience’s interests, values, and needs
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Delivered in a cohesive, elevated unboxing experience
Think of it this way: the inside is thoughtful and custom. The outside takes it to the next level with personalization.
You’re not just sending stuff. You’re sending something that tells your story, celebrates your people, and leaves a lasting impression.
Why Now? The Case for Personalized Gifting in 2025
The world of work has changed — and so has the way we show appreciation, build culture, and nurture client relationships.
In 2025, personalization isn’t a trend. It’s a baseline expectation.
Here’s why personalized swag matters now more than ever:
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Remote and hybrid teams are harder to engage without intentional touchpoints
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Recruiting and retention hinge on whether people feel seen and valued
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Client relationships thrive when there’s a personal connection beyond the pitch
Personalized gifting checks all those boxes. And with brandbox, you’re not just checking them — you’re crushing them.
How to Get Started with brandbox + VDP
Here’s how simple it is to launch a personalized gifting campaign with brandbox:
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Pick Your Products: Start by choosing from our curated list of swag and promo items that fit your brand and audience.
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Design Your Box & Notecard: Collaborate with our team (or bring your own creativity) to craft a cohesive unboxing experience.
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Send Us Your Data: Provide names, messages, or company info for each recipient. We’ll handle the rest.
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We Print, Pack & Ship: Everything is handled in-house — no delays, no third-party printers, no stress.
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Celebrate the Results: Sit back and watch your recipients actually engage with your gift.
No vendor juggling. No logistics headaches. Just a smarter way to swag.
Let’s brandbox
Corporate gifting doesn’t have to be boring. With personalization powered by VDP, your next campaign can feel custom, cohesive, and way more thoughtful — without adding complexity to your process.
You already care about delivering a great experience. We’re just here to help you deliver it with a bow on top.
Let’s make it personal. Let’s brandbox.
FAQs
Q: What exactly is variable data printing (VDP)?
A: VDP is a printing method that allows you to customize elements like names or messages on printed materials without slowing down the process.
Q: Can I customize each box individually?
A: Yes. Each box and notecard can carry unique messaging, tailored for different recipients, campaigns, or use cases.
Q: Are the products inside personalized too?
A: They’re not VDP-customized, but they are fully branded and curated for your audience. The swag is still custom to your brand.
Q: Is it hard to set up?
A: Not at all. brandbox handles design, print, packaging, and shipping all under one roof. Just send us your info and we take it from there.
Q: How else can I use VDP in my marketing?
A: Read more about VDP in this article from our team at Lahlouh.