Compose a gift yourself: empty boxes, bottles, and what fits inside
,
by Verpakkingdeals.nl
6 min reading time
Putting together your own gift set almost always makes for a better present than a ready-made package. Which boxes and bottles to choose, what fits inside, and how to ship it safely.
Ready-made gift sets are convenient, but you always pay for the half that the recipient won't use. Assembling it yourself takes an extra fifteen minutes and almost always results in a better gift — provided you do one thing right: first decide what goes inside, and only then choose the box. Otherwise, you'll end up with a beautiful box that the gift doesn't quite fit into, or a box that rattles half-empty.
Below is how to approach this, with the sizes and prices of the boxes, bottles, and filling that go with them. Handy tip: if you want to assemble something yourself for Sinterklaas or December, it's best to buy the packaging in October or early November, when there is still plenty of choice in sizes and colors.
Start with the contents, not the packaging
Lay out what you want to give and measure the largest item — length, width, and height. The latter is most often forgotten, and it is precisely the height that determines whether a flat box is sufficient or if you need a cube. Add about a centimeter on all sides for filling, and then you'll know what size you're looking for.
Also consider how the gift will ultimately be presented. If you're giving it in person, the packaging can be delicate. If it's going through the mail, a second layer is needed — we'll come back to that at the bottom.
Boxes: which size for what
For small gifts — jewelry, a keychain, a 30 ml bottle — the smallest sizes work. For something with multiple components, you'll want volume.
The cheapest way to put together a personal care gift is to buy a large size and divide it into small bottles. This saves significantly per milliliter, and you can create a set with three scents or three types instead of one large bottle.
When decanting, use a funnel, otherwise product will run down the neck and the cap won't close properly. A set of 10 Mini Funnels costs € 9.95 and will last for years. Fill to about a centimeter below the rim and write what's inside — a sticker or a piece of masking tape with a pen will suffice.
What to put in it
A set of three to four items in different sizes looks better than six identical items. For example, combine something to use, something edible, and something small to keep. Workable fillings from the assortment:
For the remaining space: Pink Foam Hearts decorative filling (± 77 pieces, € 4.99) visibly fills without adding weight. Note the difference between beautiful and protective: decorative filling holds items in place in a box you hand over personally, but doesn't absorb shocks during transport.
If the gift needs to be mailed
A gift box is not a shipping box. A closure with a lid that lifts off will open during transit; moreover, the cardboard is thinner than that of a shipping box. The rule is simple: the gift box goes into a second packaging.
First measure the contents, including height, then choose the box.
Three to four items in different sizes look better than six identical ones.
Decanting large formats into small bottles is the cheapest way to create a set.
Are you mailing it? Then always use a second, sturdier box around it.
Boxes, bottles, and filling can be found at Gift Packaging & Gift Boxes, Boxes and All In Drugstore. Do you want to assemble multiple sets for a team, class, or association and are unsure about the quantities? Email info@verpakkingdeals.nl — we'd be happy to help you with the calculations.
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...
