How to Make a Collapsible Gift Box?

Making a foldabe gift box is a practical and fun craft. It not only saves storage space but also allows for customization. The following detailed steps cover key steps, such as material preparation, template design, and folding and assembly, making it suitable for beginners.

Ⅰ. Determine the Gift Box Type

Common foldable gift box structures include:

1. Folding lid and base boxes (similar to a shoe box, folds flat)

2. Folding box with magnetic closure (high-end gift box, with folded edges and magnetic closure)

3. Folding box with drawer (sleeve + inner box, foldable sleeve)

4. Folding box with slot (similar to a packaging box, secured with tabs)

If you're going for a high-end look, a folding box with a magnetic closure is recommended. It looks great and can be stored completely flat after disassembly.

Ⅱ. Material Preparation

The materials needed to make a foldable gift box are simple and readily available. Choose the material based on the intended purpose of the gift box:

1. Basic Materials

Cardboard (200-300 g recommended, for optimal thickness and ease of folding), scissors/utility knife, ruler, pencil, eraser, glue/double-sided tape (sticky tape is more suitable for beginners to prevent spills).

2. Advanced Tools

Compass (for drawing arcs), creasing pen (for neater creases), hole punch (for decoration or stringing), and decorative materials (ribbon, stickers, paint, etc.).

3. Alternative Materials

If cardboard is unavailable, thick kraft paper or used packaging boxes (such as express boxes or cookie boxes) can be cut and reused for both environmental protection and cost-effectiveness.

Ⅲ. Determine Size and Design Template

The core principle of a foldable gift box is "flat when unfolded and three-dimensional when folded." The template design should include the box body, lid, and folding edges. The following example uses a "square gift box with lid and base boxes" (customizable dimensions):

1. Dimensional Calculation Formula (using a 10cm cube as an example)

Box Body: When unfolded, it forms a cross shape. The side length of the center square equals the side length of the gift box (10 cm). The width of the "folded edges" on each side equals the height of the gift box (recommended 5 cm, adjustable).

Box Lid: Slightly larger than the box body (add 0.5 cm to the side length), with the same structure as the box body, but slightly shorter (e.g., 3 cm).

2. Drawing the Template (using the box lid as an example)

Draw a 10 cm square on cardboard (center bottom).

On each of the four sides of the square, draw a 10 cm long and 5 cm wide rectangle (on the sides).

On the outside of two opposing rectangles, draw a small 2 cm wide rectangle (for the adhesive joints).

Use a crease marker to create creases along all lines (to facilitate folding and prevent the cardboard from breaking).

Ⅳ. Cutting and Folding

1. Cutting: 

Use scissors to cut along the outline of the template, making sure to leave a small rectangle for the glue joint.

2. Folding the Box Body

Fold the four sides upward along the creases, perpendicular to the bottom.

Align the edges of the adjacent sides and secure the glue joints with double-sided tape or glue to form the box.

3. Folding the Lid

Follow the same steps to create the lid, ensuring it snaps easily onto the box.

Ⅴ. Decoration and Optimization

1. Basic Decoration

Tie a ribbon into a bow on the lid, or apply stickers or dried flowers.

2. Advanced Design

During the template drawing stage, you can cut the side edges into curved or wavy shapes for added aesthetic appeal.

Use colored pens or markers to doodle on the cardboard, or decorate the sides with cutout paper carvings.

3.Practicality Optimization

Attach a small magnetic disc to the inside of the lid and also to the corresponding area on the box body to make the lid more secure.

Ⅵ. Notes

1. The Cardboard Thickness Should be Moderate

too thin will easily deform, while too thick will be difficult to fold (250 g cardboard is recommended).

2. Clear Creases

Use a creasing pen or ruler to ensure the sides are flat after folding.

3. Precise Dimensions

Keep the size difference between the lid and the box within 0.3-0.5 cm to avoid being too loose or too tight.

Following the above steps, you can create foldable gift boxes of various sizes, perfect for wrapping gifts or as storage boxes. If you want to try more complex shapes (such as rectangles or hexagons), simply adjust the side lengths and angles of the template. Give it a try!

Ⅶ. More Folding Gift Box Type

1.Folding Rigid Drawer Box 

2. Folding Magnetic Closure Gift Box

3. Folding Mailer Box

Why Choose Us

When it comes to custom foldable gift boxes, our service stands out with a suite of advantages that seamlessly blend practicality, creativity, and brand-centric design—making them an indispensable choice for businesses aiming to elevate gifting experiences while optimizing operational efficiency.

1. Space-Efficiency & Logistics Simplicity

A defining edge of our foldable gift boxes lies in their transformative structure. When flat-packed, they occupy up to 70% less storage space compared to rigid boxes, drastically reducing warehouse costs and simplifying inventory management. For businesses, this means easier transportation: whether shipping in bulk to retail partners or fulfilling direct-to-consumer orders, foldable designs minimize dimensional weight, slashing shipping expenses. Imagine a luxury skincare brand sending seasonal gift sets. Our foldable boxes arrive flat, take up minimal cargo space, and can be assembled in seconds by staff or customers, eliminating the hassle of bulky, pre-assembled packaging.

2. Cost-Effectiveness Without Compromising Quality

We’ve mastered the art of balancing durability with affordability. By using high-grade yet lightweight materials (such as 250-350g recycled cardstock or coated paperboard), our foldable boxes maintain structural integrity—able to hold items like jewelry, chocolates, or small electronics—while costing significantly less than rigid alternatives. The foldable design also reduces material waste, as each box is precisely cut to avoid excess, aligning with budget-conscious goals. For startups or brands launching limited-edition collections, this means achieving a premium look without overspending on packaging.

3. Versatile Design for Brand Storytelling

Foldable doesn’t mean generic. Our design team leverages the flexibility of foldable structures to craft unique, brand-aligned aesthetics. From magnetic closures that add a satisfying “click” when sealed to die-cut windows that hint at the gift inside, every detail is customizable. We can incorporate embossed logos, foil stamping, or even interactive elements—like a fold-out greeting card printed with the brand’s story. For example, an artisanal coffee brand could have a foldable box that unfolds to reveal a timeline of their bean-sourcing journey, turning unboxing into a memorable brand experience.

3. Eco-Friendly & Consumer-Centric

In an era where sustainability matters, our foldable gift boxes shine. They’re often made from recycled or FSC-certified materials, and their flat-packed design reduces carbon emissions during shipping. What’s more, their reusability aligns with consumer values—customers can repurpose them as storage boxes for jewelry, stationery, or small keepsakes, keeping your brand in their daily lives long after the gift is opened. This not only reduces environmental impact but also fosters positive brand associations, as consumers connect your business with thoughtful, eco-conscious practices.

4. Speed & Scalability in Production

Whether you need 500 boxes for a holiday promotion or 10,000 for a nationwide campaign, our manufacturing process is optimized for speed and consistency. Foldable designs simplify production—fewer assembly steps mean faster turnaround times, ensuring you meet tight deadlines. We also offer flexible prototyping: test different sizes, prints, or closure mechanisms before full production, so you’re confident in the final result. This agility is especially valuable for brands responding to seasonal trends or last-minute marketing opportunities.

In essence, our custom foldable gift boxes aren’t just packaging—they’re a strategic blend of functionality, cost savings, and brand storytelling. They adapt to your needs, delight your customers, and reflect your commitment to both quality and sustainability.

Xiamen Hengxing Color Printing Co., Ltd. was established in 1989. It has a professional production base covering an area of 15,000 square meters. More than 200 employees work together to create the glory of the enterprise. We have been focusing on printing and packaging for more than 30 years and possess advanced Heidelberg printing presses from Germany and a series of world-imported supporting production lines. At the same time, we have gathered more than 30 first-class technical talents and management elites to ensure excellence in every process with superb technology and excellent management. 

We look forward to your consultation at any time.

Email: sales01@hxcpc.cn