15 Packaging Designs That Were Completely Over-the-Top
Fifteen real-world packaging designs pushed beyond standard form to deliver surprise, wow, and shareability.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
Brands like Moschino, Dan Aykroyd’s Crystal Head Vodka, Flo, and Liquid Death embraced unexpected vessels — from spray bottles to motor oil cans—to make their products instantly striking. These designs create a talking point, spark social media buzz, and turn packaging into part of the appeal. Though sometimes impractical or controversial, each stands as a bold marketing move rooted in real brand strategy.
1. Moschino Cheap and Chic Fresh Couture perfume in a Mickey Mouse-inspired spray bottle
Bruce The Deus on Wikimedia Commons
Moschino released its Cheap and Chic Fresh Couture perfume in a spray bottle shaped like a cleaning product, styled in black, red, and yellow to resemble Mickey Mouse. The unusual packaging mixes pop culture with luxury, making the design stand out immediately. It was meant to be ironic, contrasting high fashion with everyday household visuals. The playful bottle sparked buzz and reinforced Moschino’s bold, unconventional brand image.
2. Crystal Head Vodka in a skull‑shaped bottle
Dustintitus on Wikimedia Commons
Dan Aykroyd’s Crystal Head Vodka comes bottled in a sculptured glass skull. The striking container reinforces the “pure and clean” concept behind the vodka while turning each bottle into a display piece. Its iconic design helped drive over $50 million in early sales. By merging liquor with collectible art, the brand stands out in a crowded spirits market.
3. Flo tampons in ice‑cream tubs
Jamin Mahmood of Vulvani on Wikimedia Commons
Menstrual brand Flo chose to package tampons inside ice‑cream‑style tubs. The pretend‑dessert packaging plays on comfort and surprise on the shelf. It’s a clever form of “chaos packaging” that generated social media shares and retail interest. It turned a routine product into an attention‑grabber.
4. Engine gin in motor oil cans
Chris F on Pexels
Italian gin brand Engine bottles its spirit in repurposed motor‑oil containers. The utilitarian look appeals to automakers and challenges traditional gin bottle expectations. It’s a gritty, industrial twist that matches the brand’s hard‑working image. The design earned buzz by looking unexpected and iconic at once.
5. Vacation sunscreen in whipped‑cream cans
Kaboompics.com on Pexels
Vacation Sunscreen debuted its SPF in cans nearly identical to whipped‑cream dispensers. The playful disguise has earned millions of TikTok views every summer. It triggers double-takes and conversation while tying product to summer treat visuals. The format makes it shareable, fun, and memorable.
6. Liquid Death water in beer‑style tallboy cans
SkepticalEric on Pexels
Liquid Death sells natural water in beer‑style tallboy cans with edgy branding. The design flips expectations, turning water into a rock‑and‑roll symbol. Its look boosted its valuation to $1.4 billion. It’s a standout shock tactic that drove mass appeal.
7. Oshun electrolyte concentrate in a soap pump bottle
Jack Atkinson on Pexels
Oshun sells its electrolyte hydration formula in a clear pump bottle that looks like hand soap. The design is clean and modern, often displayed on kitchen counters like a wellness product. It breaks away from typical sports drink branding. This packaging aligns with health and lifestyle trends.
8. Bite toothpaste tablets in a pill bottle
Kaboompics.com on Pexels
Bite toothpaste tablets come in glass bottles that resemble supplement or medicine containers. The look supports the brand’s focus on sustainability and health. It avoids plastic tubes entirely. The design reinforces the idea that oral care can be clean and waste-free.
9. No Normal Coffee in a toothpaste-style tube
Bakoenin on Wikimedia Commons
No Normal is a ready-to-drink cold brew brand that packages coffee in soft metal tubes similar to toothpaste. It’s made for convenience and is easy to carry in a bag or pocket. The tube keeps the coffee sealed and fresh until squeezed. This unusual format appeals to people on the move.
10. Scents of Humour candles in paint cans
RegionVisitor90 on Wikimedia Commons
Scents of Humour, a UK-based candle company, sells its products in small metal paint cans with lift-off lids. The design suggests a DIY spirit and adds a tactile, industrial edge to home fragrance. It’s different from typical glass jars or ceramic pots. The cans are reusable and easy to store.
11. Process Coffee beans in VHS-style boxes
Nolabob on Wikimedia Commons
Process Coffee, based in Belfast, released special edition beans in packaging that looks like vintage VHS tape cases. The shape and graphics recall ’90s video culture. The design appeals to nostalgia and is highly collectible. It adds a fun layer to a routine product.
12. Potts cooking sauces in beer cans
Potts Print (UK) on WIkimedia Commons
British food brand Potts packages its cooking sauces and gravies in tall aluminum cans with pull tabs, similar to beer cans. The design makes it easier to pour and store compared to traditional pouches. It also gives the product a more modern and humorous look. The packaging has helped the brand stand out in UK supermarkets.
13. Einhorn condoms in chip bags
Pearson Scott Foresman on Pexels
Einhorn, a German condom company, sells its products in foil bags that look like snack packaging. The idea is to make the experience of buying and carrying condoms more casual and less awkward. The bags often feature bright artwork and playful slogans. The brand has built a loyal fan base around this bold approach.
14. Graza olive oil in squeeze bottles
RDNE Stock project on Pexels
Graza sells extra virgin olive oil in squeezable plastic bottles that look like ketchup or mayo. The bottle is designed to make everyday cooking easier and cleaner. The narrow spout allows for quick, controlled use. This packaging rethinks how people use and store olive oil.
15. Puracy soap refills in soda-style cans (early version)
Monstera Production on Pexels
Puracy once released soap refills in cans that closely resembled soft drink packaging. The similarity caused confusion and led to safety concerns about accidental ingestion. After customer feedback, the company redesigned the top to avoid looking like soda. This shows how packaging can be risky if it mimics food too closely.