Warehouse 21’s Holiday Gift Boxes to Remember

Every holiday season, the creative minds at Warehouse 21 put together custom gift boxes that reflect a unique theme, industry, or milestone. For 2024, they set out to craft something that would not only delight their clients but also stand the test of time. Enter their first-ever custom playing card deck—a stunning tribute to Wyoming’s wildlife and W21’s guiding principles, the Big 8.

A First for W21: The Story Behind the Deck

While this was W21’s first custom deck of playing cards, their team is no stranger to storytelling through design. The deck’s face cards showcase beautifully illustrated animals native to Wyoming, while the back design is a seamless blend of W21’s branding and core values. This creative concept extended beyond just the cards—it inspired their digital holiday card, custom shipping boxes, and holiday social media posts, creating a cohesive and memorable seasonal campaign.

When brainstorming the perfect holiday gift, W21’s goal ‘was simple: create something that people would cherish for years. The theme this year was “games”. Many of their team members associate playing cards with holidays and family gatherings, making a custom deck the perfect choice. A custom playing card deck would be the perfect addition to the gift boxes.  To ensure a premium feel, they selected a luxurious linen stock that closely mirrors the texture and quality of casino-grade cards. The result? A tactile and visually stunning deck that left a lasting impression on everyone who received it. 

Designing with Purpose

The design process was a labor of love. W21’s graphic designer digitally sketched each animal, incorporating the brand’s signature neutral tones with a pop of color. A fun coincidence? W21’s headquarters sits on 21st Street, and their signature brand color is Pantone 21—talk about a perfect match! The entire deck was created using Adobe Suite, ensuring each element was polished to perfection.

One of the standout features of W21’s deck is its dark front and back design—a sleek and modern departure from traditional playing cards. This subtle but impactful touch resonated with both clients and team members, adding to the deck’s premium feel. Those who received the cards immediately noticed the quality, particularly the heavier linen stock, which provided a satisfying hand feel.

A Seamless Production Experience

Creating a high-end custom deck requires a top-tier manufacturing partner, and W21 found just that in Shuffled Ink. Recommended by Clove St. Press in San Diego, another leader in premium print production, Shuffled Ink exceeded expectations with their high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail. The final product was

everything W21 envisioned—and more.

W21’s Advice to Future Card Creators

When asked what advice they would give to new designers looking to create their own deck, W21’s response was simple: “Go big!” Whether it’s through bold designs, quality materials, or thoughtful branding, investing in a custom deck is an opportunity to leave a lasting impression.

A Gift to Remember

The theme this year for Warehouse 21’s was “games” – including various gifts that related to the theme. Their inclusion of Shuffled Ink’s custom playing cards was one of the many wonderful gifts. W21’s custom gift boxes were truly one to be remembered!

Though not available for resale, W21’s custom decks were shipped out to their valued clients and internal team members as part of their annual appreciation gifts boxes. The overwhelmingly positive reception proved that their goal had been achieved—creating a gift that wasn’t just seasonal but truly memorable.

Looking Ahead

As W21 moves forward into 2024, their creative spirit remains as strong as ever. While there are no immediate plans for a new deck, their commitment to high-quality, meaningful design continues to drive their work. Whatever they dream up next, one thing is certain: it will be bold, thoughtful, and uniquely W21.

For those looking to create their own custom decks, W21’s journey is an inspiring example of how creativity, storytelling, and craftsmanship can come together to produce something truly special. And with partners like Shuffled Ink, bringing those visions to life has never been easier.