Giving a gift without wrapping paper: which ready-made box suits which gift
,
by Verpakkingdeals.nl
6 min reading time
A box that is its own packaging saves paper, tape, and hassle. The right size for each gift type, plus the filling and the method for secure shipping.
On the evening itself, it's always the same: you have the gift, you have paper, and then the item turns out to have a shape that doesn't conform to anything. A book is still manageable. A bottle, a mug, or a set of small items results in a package with four layers of tape and an open corner. And if you're sending a gift instead of handing it over, that paper will arrive crumpled anyway.
There's a simple solution for that: a box that is its own packaging. No paper, no tearing ribbon, no folding. The only thing is, you need to choose the right size beforehand, because a ready-made box doesn't forgive a bad estimation the way paper does. This guide goes through the most common gift types, with their corresponding sizes.
Measure your gift before choosing a box
It sounds exaggerated, but it's the whole trick. Grab a ruler and write down three numbers: length, width, height, in centimeters. Add about one centimeter to each number for filling and wiggle room. Then, find a box whose internal dimensions are just above those measurements.
Two classic miscalculations. The first is that people only measure the longest side and forget the height — precisely the dimension where a flat box fails. The second is that they choose the box to be exact; the gift will fit, but you won't be able to get it out without a struggle, and there's no room for a card.
Flat and small: jewelry, vouchers, cards, and accessories
That window is a choice in itself. It's nice if the gift looks good and the recipient immediately recognizes it, but it's not practical if you want to keep a surprise until it's opened. If you want solid cardboard of the same dimensions, the red flat box of 13.5 x 8.7 x 2.6 cm (€1.99) is a good alternative.
Small but with height: jars, bottles, and small tech
As soon as your gift is a few centimeters high — a perfume roller, a jar of cream, earbuds in a case — flat boxes won't work. Then you need height instead of surface area. The red gift box with window, 8.5 x 6 x 3 cm (€2.99) and the black version in the same size (€2.99) have that three-centimeter height.
If you want something that feels like a gift from a shop, the difference is mainly in the closure. A lid that slides off feels different from a box that clicks shut with a magnet. The white packaging box with magnetic closure, 9.5 x 9 x 10 cm (€5.00) is the most affordable variant of this, and has enough height for a mug or a small bottle.
If the gift needs to be carried a bit, for example to a party or an office get-together, a handle is surprisingly practical. The yellow treat box with handle of 15 x 8 x 8 cm (€2.99) can be carried without being clutched against your coat.
If you want to stand out, the holographic box of 20 x 13 x 3 cm (€3.99) is a box that already provides the gift effect itself — flat, shiny, and large enough for a book or a set.
How to fill the space
A gift that rattles in its box feels cheap, even if it isn't. Always fill the space. For small boxes, that means a strip of filling above and below the gift; for cubes, you fill the corners.
The pink foam hearts, approximately 77 pieces (€4.99) are intended as decorative filling and do two things at once: they fill and they make opening more fun. For plain packaging, you can also just use tissue paper or crumpled paper. It's about the effect: gently shake the closed box, and if you hear nothing move, you're done.
And if the gift needs to be mailed
This is the most common mistake: using a gift box as a shipping box. Gift packaging is made to look good, not to withstand sorting machines. Moreover, you'll be sticking the label on the box that the recipient is supposed to unwrap.
The solution is box-in-box. Place your closed gift box inside a neutral outer box, for example, the cardboard shipping box of 15 x 15 x 15 cm (€1.99), fill the space in between, and only seal the outer box. The recipient opens one neutral box and then has a gift in hand that still looks exactly as you intended.
Quick size guide
Gift
Box Size
From
Necklace, voucher, scarf
12.5 x 8.5 x 1.5 cm
€1.99
Bracelet, earrings
9 x 6.5 x 2.8 cm
€2.95
Jar, bottle, earbuds
8.5 x 6 x 3 cm
€2.99
Mug, glass, small set
12 x 12 x 12 cm
€2.99
Book or flat set
20 x 13 x 3 cm
€3.99
Get started
The gift boxes are grouped under Gift Packaging & Gift Boxes and Boxes; ring boxes and jewelry boxes can be found in Wedding Ring Boxes, and outer boxes for shipping in Packaging & Shipping. Are you buying for a store or a promotion in larger quantities, or are you unsure which size fits what you're giving away? Email your dimensions to info@verpakkingdeals.nl — and we'll find the right size for you.
Choosing a USB hub for working from home: 2.0 or 3.0, how many ports, and with switches
· 3 min reading time
Choosing a USB hub for working from home: 2.0 or 3.0, how many ports and with switchesYour desk needs three USB devices, but your laptop only has two ports. Or...
Power outages in autumn: emergency supplies you'll actually use
· 2 min reading time
Autumn Power Outages: Emergency Supplies You'll Actually Use October to December. Heating isn't in full swing yet, but the nights are getting long and cold. If a power outage strikes...
Choosing a power bank: capacity, charging speed, and weight compared
· 2 min reading time
Choosing a Power Bank: Capacity, Charging Speed, and Weight Compared Your phone dies when you're out and about. The classic emergency solution is a power bank. But what capacity do...
