Last year I discovered tons of great gift box companies online with the absolute cutest gift boxes for every occasion. And I’m not talking about a wicker basket filled with dried fruit and nuts. I’m talking about nice re-usable decorative boxes with curated items that anyone would be delighted to receive. Some of the boxes were a little pricey though, so I started creating my own for friends and family. I have so much fun finding gifts I think my loved ones will like. The best part is that thinking in terms of making a gift box actually makes it so much easier to find nice gifts and really cuts down on the holiday stress! I’m going to walk you through a couple I put together last year and then give you some fool-proof combinations that you can use for just about anyone. Note: this post contains affiliate links.
Let’s start with the basic steps:
- Decide on a theme. Pick a feeling you’re wanting to convey or an activity you want to focus on. Maybe you want to put together a “cozy” box for your friend in a cold climate or a “book lover’s” box for your friend that loves to read.
- Pick three items that fit your theme. Add in a small fourth item like an ornament or chocolate bar if it doesn’t quite look complete.
- Package the gift. Find a reusable box that fits everything, fill with paper shred, and arrange items in the shred. Add a layer of bubble wrap on top if necessary, close the box, and tie with a ribbon.
- Gift that beautiful box to a family member or friend!
Okay, now let’s walk through a couple of examples that I gifted last year.
Example #1: Nordic Box
Last year I was going through a Nordic phase and had read a ton of great books on Nordic life and Hygge. I thought it would make such a nice, cozy theme for a gift and picked up one of my favorite Hygge books, a Nordic-themed table runner, and a lightly scented candle. Those were the three main items and then I added in this furry little ornament that seemed to capture the spirit of the box. There is brown paper shred under the items and the bottom half of the reusable box also has a subtle Nordic theme.
Example #2: Cookie Box
The holidays to me mean baking cookies. My mom and I always made dozens of cookies together and I looked forward to it every year! Having good recipes and nice cookie cutters makes it even more enjoyable. I loved these copper woodland cookie cutters and the matching wire whisk. Everything came with cardboard backing, but I removed it to make the box look nicer. Again, I used brown paper shred and a cute reusable box.
Once the boxes are packed, tie some fabric ribbon around the box and add a gift tag. The ribbon will help the lid stay on during transport (see picture at top of post).
Packaging Boxes for Shipping
Shipping your gift box can add a lot of extra cost if you’re not careful! If possible, plan ahead so it’ll fit in a flat-rate box if you have heavier items. This is one situation where the pre-made gift boxes online may be comparable in price to a home-made one if the shipping is included. Anyway, when shipping, put a layer of packing peanuts on the bottom of the shipping box, gently add the gift box on top of the peanuts, fill in the sides with peanuts, and add another layer of peanuts on top. Your box should look something like this:
Resources
I’ve found that paper shred is always cheapest at Dollar Tree. Even if I have a great coupon for another store, it still ends up being the cheapest option.
My favorite place to get reusable Christmas gift boxes is Home Goods. They have a great selection and you can get pretty large ones for around $6-$8. I’ve also seen a lot of boxes at Michael’s, Hobby Lobby, and Tuesday Morning that would be good options.
Fool-Proof Gift Box Combos
Okay, let’s get to the part you all are probably waiting for! Below are a whole slew of gift box combos to give you some ideas. Things I’ve actually owned or purchased are marked with a *. I typically try to buy more items locally and on sale, but I’ve linked everything to Amazon items to make it as simple as possible to create these boxes. Substitute items whenever you want! If I recommend a certain book or tea, just swap it out for one you like better! Don’t forget you can add in something small like an ornament or candy to round things out.
Combo #1: Cozy
The key here is a book, a decorative accessory, and something to use.
Book* + Table Runner + Candle (recreate the Nordic box I made!)
Book* + Blanket + Tea
Book* + Coffee* + Mug
Combo #2: Kitchen
Here we’re starting with a cookbook (I like books if you haven’t figured that out!) and then adding in two accessories that go well with the book.
Cookie Book* + Cookie Cutters + Whisk (recreate the cookie gift box I made!)
Everyday Cookbook* + Kitchen Towels + Prep Bowls
Combo #3: Luxurious Self-Care
These are kits meant to give loved ones nice gifts that are both useful and pampering. Think of things that will make mornings easier and evenings more relaxing.
Bath Salts* + Face Scrub + Lip Gloss + Chocolate (not pictured)
Beard Comb + Beard Oil*+ Dopp Kit
Combo #4: Libations
Many of us enjoy a good cocktail or nice glass of wine. For similarly-minded family and friends try one of these gift sets. If they already have glasses, switch it out for a bottle of liquor or wine.
Cocktail Book* + Glasses + Ice Tray*
Wine Journal* + Wine Glasses + Wine Charms
Hopefully these combinations have given you some good ideas for gift boxes. Remember, just pick a theme and have fun! The sky’s the limit on what you can put in these. Happy gifting 🙂
