CREATED FOR A REAL MOMENT
A meaningful gift, thoughtfully created for a special occasion
For an aviation event in Barcelona, MerakaJoy created 100 airplane shaped wardrobe diffusers and 100 tea candles, thoughtfully developed around the event, the client's identity and the people receiving them.
THE BRIEF
Distinctive, relevant and easy to take home
The brief called for 100 gifts that felt connected to the aviation event without being generic or expected. They also needed to be compact and practical for guests travelling with hand luggage.
Rather than starting with a predetermined product, we explored different possibilities and created a tailored selection of ideas for the client to consider.
She selected the airplane-shaped wardrobe diffuser, while the tin tea candles were added at her request, bringing the final order to 100 of each.
From idea to prototype
THE DEVELOPMENT
Once the client approved the prototype, one final challenge appeared: the sample separated during transport. Rather than accepting that risk for the finished gifts, we redesigned the production approach and created a custom silicone mould that allowed each airplane to be made as one piece, significantly reducing the risk of breakage.
Creating the airplane diffuser involved much more than choosing a shape. Early prototypes revealed that not every wax formulation could produce the level of detail and strength the design required.
With some batches, only one complete airplane would come out successfully from a six-piece mould. So we kept testing and refining until we found the right formulation.
Once the client approved the prototype, one final challenge appeared: the sample separated during transport. Rather than accepting that risk for the finished gifts, we redesigned the production approach and created a custom silicone mould that allowed each airplane to be made as one piece, significantly reducing the risk of breakage.
MADE FOR THEM
Personalisation that stays with the gift
The client provided her company logo and asked for only “OOAK” to be visible. From there, we developed the visual design and presented it for approval before production.
For the airplane diffusers, the main personalisation was placed on the cardstock sleeve rather than only on the outer box. The reason was simple: packaging is often discarded, while the sleeve stays with the product and allowing the client’s identity to remain part of the gift for longer.
The fragrance was chosen together too. We presented a selection for the client to experience, and one immediately became her favourite.
THE DETAILS MATTER
When the first solution isn’t the right one
The original plan was to use a paper hay filling inside the diffuser boxes, but once tested, it interfered with the presentation of the product through the transparent window.
Instead of compromising the finished gift, we explored two alternative packaging solutions and presented them to the client. Once the client selected their preferred option, we adapted the packaging and moved forward with production.
Sometimes the details that need solving only reveal themselves when the idea becomes something you can hold, and that’s exactly why prototyping matters.
Initial packaging concept
Alternative packaging concept
Selected packaging concept
THE PRODUCTION
From prototype to 200 handcrafted pieces
Once every detail was approved, production began: 100 airplane-shaped wardrobe diffusers and 100 personalised tin tea candles, each handcrafted and prepared for the event.
Moving from a successful prototype to a full order meant maintaining the same finish, fragrance and presentation across every piece. Each diffuser and candle was made, checked, personalised and packaged before delivery.
The Result
And then came the best part
The finished order was personally delivered, and upon seeing the excitement when the pieces were received made every round of testing, refining and problem-solving worthwhile.
Then, during the event, the message arrived:
“Thanks so much it’s a hit everyone loves it!”
— Gina Sandell, ONE OF A KIND AGENCY
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