Dixon Schwabl had reached a major milestone: 30 years in business. We had also recently received a handful of significant creative awards (Gold and Silver National ADDYs, Pencil from the UK's D&AD awards, three pieces in Graphis Design Annual). We were dying to tell the world (read: clients) about our achievements. But we didn't want to come off as crass or boastful. The creative team solved this dilemma by striking an elegant tone in both design and copy, and by rewarding our audience with a special treat: three Godiva chocolate bars.

Each bar was wrapped in custom paper printed via letterpress, featuring our brand design and a discreet message about the awards. They were exquisitely packaged in handmade wooden boxes, individually etched by laser with each client's company logo.

With this approach, we not only gave clients (and select vendors) a moment of surprise and delight, we gave them a handsome keepsake. Ideally, they would hang onto the boxes as an enduring reminder of our agency's brand and creative talents.

We were able to fashion and express deliver this exclusive mailer within a budget of $40 per unit to a list of 122 people in 12 states.

The mailers were a smashing success. We received dozens of appreciative and grateful notes. A few verbatim quotes:

"Most of the time, mail just brings bills or offers for things I don't need at home or in the office. But today! What a beautiful and delicious surprise! I've been nibbling for an hour now and am just in heaven. What a thoughtful, fun way to share the news!" -Cindy

"We received a fabulous gift from Dixon Schwabl. It's beautiful, not to mention creative and delicious. Thank you so much for including us in your celebration, and congratulations!" -Katherine

"Thanks for the getting the word out on your team's success in such a unique way with the gift boxes. Congratulations, and we appreciate our partnership!" -Tom

"Please extend my thanks to the entire team for the fabulous box that arrived yesterday afternoon. Congratulations on the many awards. What a rewarding way to validate the results of the daily grind! You have a terrific, talented team and we are so pleased to be your partners." -Erin