Food Packaging Boxes as Gift Wrapping

Tip: Food Packaging Boxes as Gift Wrapping

Why buy packaging boxes for money? Instead of throwing away packaging boxes (such as cereal boxes, cake boxes or any box that is clean on inside), I save them for use in gift wrapping any items that need boxes. I normally decoupage on top to make it special or wrap in newspaper and ribbon. But as an idea, why not let the children collage on top then use the box for great personalized packaging for $0.

By Caeridwen from Kent OH

Feedback:

RE: Food Packaging Boxes as Gift Wrapping

We use them also but we take them apart at the seams and turn inside out for the plain brown side. You can then refold them and glue them as they were using the folds already there. You can still decorate as you want. Thanks for sharing. (11/05/2009)

By latrtatr

RE: Food Packaging Boxes as Gift Wrapping

I've been doing this for years. I use jello boxes for tiny items, of course cereal boxes. Also bath soap boxes. I also use the laundry detergent boxes which are very sturdy and have a handle. I just wrap them in wrapping paper and it's an instant gift bag and reusable for storage. (11/05/2009)

By Honey's mom

RE: Food Packaging Boxes as Gift Wrapping

I thought every body did this! Look how many people you've enlightened! It's a great green way to go, too. (11/03/2010)

By tahloolabelle

RE: Food Packaging Boxes as Gift Wrapping

I cut up cereal boxes and use them to drain grease when frying food. (11/03/2010)

By TXBetty

RE: Food Packaging Boxes as Gift Wrapping

I am so in love with this idea! Thanks for posting, and I am going to personalize them for each child! I love this so much you and inspired me on to new heights! Blessings, (11/03/2010)

By Robyn Fed

Tip: Cereal Boxes As Gift Boxes Or Gift Bags

Instead of paying for boxes to wrap presents in, I save boxes from cereal, oatmeal, crackers, microwave popcorn; just about any kind of box and put my presents in them. They come in all shapes and sizes and it also helps to keeps my family from guessing their present, especially if it's clothing. My daughter will be surprised to find that the present shaped like an aluminum foil box is actually a shirt! LOL! We will never forget the one year when she was little, she got all excited because she took off the wrapping paper and thought she had gotten a case of Mountain Dew! Too cute! :-)

By Tammy from Bristol, TN

Feedback:

RE: Cereal Boxes As Gift Boxes Or Gift Bags

If you will carefully open the glued side of the box by running a butter knife under the overlapped piece you can flatten the box and turn it inside out. The inside is plain cardboard. Now it can be decorated! If you have a foam hair roller and dip the end in paint and sponge it on the box will look like it is covered in Lifesaver candies. Or use other sponge shapes, the kids will love doing this. Leave flat until you need the box for a gift and reglue the side you opened. Makes them easier to store. Have fun! T. Jo (01/28/2007)

By T. Jo

RE: Cereal Boxes As Gift Boxes Or Gift Bags

I love to decoupage the outside of the box with a "theme" that I know the recipient enjoys. Sports for the guys, Hannah Montana for my grand daughter etc. I use pages from old magazines to do this, sometimes I will make paper flowers from the nice glossy sheets. My family and friends always look forward to my "funky" art work. I make the gift tag the same way. (07/06/2008)

By Rhonda

RE: Cereal Boxes As Gift Boxes Or Gift Bags

Here's another very frugal idea for a gift box- your empty boutique style (as well as rectangular size) Kleenex box! I have used these for years now and they make perfect gift boxes for a number of things! I wrap the exterior with very pretty Christmas, Birthday, Valentine's, etc., paper (that I have bought at after-Christmas sales, etc.), and it is beautiful!

Stop throwing out your empty tissue boxes and recycle them. TRY IT!

P.S.: The tissue boxes also come in a variety of designs; flowers, Disney characters, world monuments, etc., and so I sometimes do not even wrap the outside because they are too cool to cover up! (08/31/2008)

By Robb

RE: Cereal Boxes As Gift Boxes Or Gift Bags

Hi Tammy, your ideas for cereal boxes are so great and all the ideas from everyone really help. I save boxes too and do a lot of things with them. One of my favorites is to take wide ribbon and "weave" a cover for the box out of two different colors or just one color. You add a handle out of covered coat hanger and you have a beautiful basket or gift box. I use covered pizza boxes for storing all kinds of things and you can stack them. Also you can cover the boxes with left over wallpaper, contact paper, or put a little bit of cotton batting, glued to the outside and cover with light weight material. I use the cereal boxes for storing magazines. Stand them on one end, cut the top off and down a little bit on one side, cover with whatever you want, and you have a keeper. A few of them standing side by side looks really nice. I enjoy reading all the ideas everyone has come up with.(03/26/2009)

By Virginia

RE: Cereal Boxes As Gift Boxes Or Gift Bags

I flatten the cereal boxes and especially the Ritz cracker boxes, trim off the flaps, and use to line my drawers and shelves. They lay flat, and are so colorful! (03/26/2009)

By Karenhope

Tip: Cereal Boxes As Gift Boxes Or Gift Bags

I save all of my cereal boxes or any box that is about that size. I take those small cans of paint and some paint that is gold or silver color. I then spray my box with the color of paint that I want to use. When it's dry, I spray mists of the silver or gold or both on the box. When the box is dry, I take some of the Christmas cord found at craft stores. I make a couple holes on the narrow side of the box or two holes on each side of the box. Then I tie a knot on one end of the cord slip it through the first hole then through the last one then tie a knot on that end. Now you have a gift bag/box. You can also use stickers, ribbons, or just about any thing on your box to decorate it.

By Robin Mays from Bonham, TX

Answers:

RE: Cereal Boxes As Gift Boxes Or Gift Bags

This has got to be one of the best frugal gift giving ideas I've heard. Great idea! Also if the box is too large for your gift item you can cut it down. Thanks for a great gift bag idea! (11/10/2006)

By jjager

RE: Cereal Boxes As Gift Boxes Or Gift Bags

Dear Robin, I also think this is one of the best ideas I have heard. I have just gone through my pantry and found other boxes that could be used the same way. This is great as I hate throwing things out. Thanks for sharing. (11/10/2006)

By downunderchick

RE: Cereal Boxes As Gift Boxes Or Gift Bags

This is a terrific idea- and one of the best tips I have heard about in a long time too! Just one thing - i will have to start eating cereal now just so I can have the boxes! :D Well done- fabulous idea, thank you.(11/11/2006)

By Monique63

RE: Cereal Boxes As Gift Boxes Or Gift Bags

Such a neat idea! Thanks for sharing! And something to do with kids! (11/11/2006)

By mobo

RE: Cereal Boxes As Gift Boxes Or Gift Bags

I wish someone would post some pictures as I'm trying to understand exactly what this looks like. I don't mean to criticize either but doesn't this end up costing more in the cost of the paint than just buying a gift bag at the Dollar store? I understand wanting to re-use something and the idea of being creative but it doesn't sound frugal to me. Maybe I am missing something tho??? (11/11/2006)

By Debbie52

RE: Cereal Boxes As Gift Boxes Or Gift Bags

Hi Robin, I really like your idea. It will be great to use up all the half empty spray cans that we have in the garage. I think the silver and gold misted over the other colors will look very elegant. I also have acrylic paints that I may sponge paint over the spray painted boxes, or use an old toothbrush and "flick" the acrylic paint on. You really helped me to get my creative juices flowing, thanks! (11/11/2006)

By Persnickety Paula

RE: Cereal Boxes As Gift Boxes Or Gift Bags

And, now, for being CAREFUL in opening those tough cereal boxes without damaging them! I like the idea, especially for my grandson's friends' parties, and especially since I can barely afford a little gift, much less the wrapping and ribbon. With a little more thinking I might be able to wrap it in kraft paper -bag, make some "finger prints", hand prints and secret code lettering out of tempera paint, even buying a "spy" gift that's so popular. Or, let my grandson glue on a painted picture especially for the friend's hobby. Good idea to "chew" on. LOL God bless you. : ) (11/11/2006)

By Lynda

RE: Cereal Boxes As Gift Boxes Or Gift Bags

Hello Robin, That is funny that you mentioned it here. I just discovered that same idea recently. At Christmas time I sometimes have a hard time finding bags or boxes to give all my gifts in. I just can't see spending a dollar to give a gift away in, thats the cost of a gift bag or box nowadays. I spray mine with low odor spray paint and sprinkle wth glitter and sometimes glue on sprigs if pine tree from the x-mas lots you can pick up for free and add pine cones to the center and voila! Thanks for sharing. (11/11/2006)

By Crystel Tse

RE: Cereal Boxes As Gift Boxes Or Gift Bags

This is also a way to use up those small pieces of wrapping paper that seem to collect. Cover the box completely or cut out shapes and glue. And from the sewing/craft box....add bits of lace/ribbons/buttons...endless ways to dress up the box and have fun, too. (11/17/2006)

By MissMakeDo

RE: Cereal Boxes As Gift Boxes Or Gift Bags

This is also a way to use up those small pieces of wrapping paper that seem to collect. Cover the box completely or cut out shapes and glue. And from the sewing/craft box....add bits of lace/ribbons/buttons... endless ways to dress up the box and have fun, too. (11/17/2006)

By MissMakeDo

RE: Cereal Boxes As Gift Boxes Or Gift Bags

I too think this is a neat idea! You could also save the smaller boxes like the ones pop tarts came in or those breakfast bars. I also like the idea of using up left over wrapping paper or old wall paper scrapes. My Mom use to get us to cut out x-mas pixs out of magazines and then glue to the box as decoration! (11/30/2006)

By Gepe