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National Packaging Design Day

On National Packaging Design Day, we honor the creative minds behind every eye-catching package that makes us want to buy. Cheers to great design!

Friday

May 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEMay 7

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYCareers

SUBCATEGORYCreatives

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get your creative juices flowing because May 7 is National Packaging Design Day! This day celebrates the art and science behind packaging, which plays a huge role in shaping our consumer experience. Did you know that packaging dates back to ancient civilizations when people used natural materials like leaves and baskets to store and transport goods? Today, packaging design has evolved into a sophisticated field with endless possibilities for innovative and eye-catching designs. So let's take a moment to appreciate the hard work and creativity that goes into making our favorite products look good on the shelf!

TIMELINE

National Packaging Design Day Timeline

First Packaging Materials

Earliest forms of product packaging surfaces in the form of pottery and glass containers used for storage and transportation of goods.

Invention of Tin Can

In 1809, British merchant Peter Durand patented the idea of preserving food in tin cans, marking an innovation in product packaging.

Corrugated Cardboard Creation

The invention of corrugated cardboard in 1877 opened a new chapter in packaging, offering businesses a cost-effective and durable packaging solution.

First Commercial Packaging Design Agencies

In the early 1920s, the first commercial design agencies appeared in New York City, marking a shift towards professional packaging design.

Rise of Plastic Packaging

The widespread use and manufacturing of plastic in the 70s transformed packaging design, offering versatility, durability, and cost-effectiveness.

Sustainability in Packaging

By the mid-2000s, growing environmental concerns led to a wave of sustainable and eco-friendly packaging design practices around the world.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Packaging Design Day

Create a packaging design challenge

Gather some friends or colleagues and have a friendly competition to design the most creative packaging for a specific product. This is a great way to flex your design skills and celebrate National Packaging Design Day.

TAKE

Take a packaging design workshop

Search for workshops or classes on packaging design in your area and sign up to learn new techniques and skills. This is a great opportunity to network with other designers and celebrate the art of packaging design.

HOST

Host a packaging design showcase

Invite friends, family, and colleagues to a showcase of your packaging design work. This is a great way to show off your designs and celebrate National Packaging Design Day with others who appreciate the art form.

VISIT

Visit a packaging design museum or exhibit

Research packaging design museums or exhibits in your area and plan a visit to learn more about the history and evolution of packaging design. This is a great way to gain inspiration and appreciation for the art of packaging design.

COLLABORATE

Collaborate with a local business

Reach out to a local business and offer your services to create a special packaging design for one of their products. This is a great way to showcase your skills and celebrate National Packaging Design Day while supporting a small business in your community.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Packaging Design Day

It influences our purchasing decisions

Packaging design has been proven to influence consumer behavior, with many people making buying decisions based on a product's packaging alone. From color choices to font styles, the way a product is presented can have a big impact on whether we choose to buy it or not.

It showcases creativity and innovation

National Packaging Design Day celebrates the brilliant minds behind some of our favorite products' packaging. Designers must balance functionality with aesthetic appeal, resulting in eye-catching and unique designs that catch our attention on store shelves.

It can elevate a product's perceived value

A well-designed package can make a product stand out and be perceived as higher quality or more luxurious. This can ultimately lead to increased sales and brand recognition for companies, making National Packaging Design Day an important day for the industry.