Best Fillers to Use in Gift Packaging (And Where to Buy Them)
There’s something magical about the moment someone opens a beautifully packaged gift—it’s often the experience they remember most. And one of the unsung heroes of that perfect unboxing? The filler inside the box.
Filler does more than just keep your items safe during transit. It adds texture, creates visual interest, and helps your gift feel polished and complete—even if it’s something simple.
In this article, we walk you through the best filler options for different types of packaging, when to use each one, and where to buy them without overspending. Whether you’re wrapping a single gift or gearing up for a product launch, the right filler can take your packaging from basic to unforgettable!
Most Popular Gift Packaging Fillers
Surprisingly, there are tons of fillers to choose from. This means you can match up the filler to suit your needs and gift. With that in mind, here are the most popular options.
Shredded Paper (Crinkle or Straight-Cut)
When it comes to shredded paper, crinkle-cut adds volume and bounce, while straight-cut offers a cleaner, more refined finish. Both styles are lightweight and cost-effective when purchased in bulk, and they do a great job holding items in place. Available in matte, glossy, or metallic finishes, they’re easy to customize for different aesthetics.
Shredded paper is also incredibly versatile. Crinkle-cut works especially well for food gifts, as it offers a bit more cushioning and visual volume, while straight-cut looks sleek paired with products like cosmetics or jewelry. It’s a popular choice for gift baskets, subscription boxes, corporate gifts, and retail packaging of all sizes.
For an eco-friendly touch, choose shredded paper made from 100% recycled materials or opt for biodegradable kraft paper alternatives that avoid plastic content.
Tissue Paper
Tissue paper is a classic filler that’s hard to beat for flexibility and color range. Its thin, delicate structure makes it ideal for wrapping, layering, or even forming decorative puffs. When arranged neatly, it provides a clean, elevated look that adds polish to your packaging.
Tissue paper is a top pick for wrapping individual items inside a gift box, lining gift bags, or creating a soft nest for fragile pieces like glassware or jewelry. By layering multiple sheets, you can also create color blending effects for extra visual interest. To prevent the paper from looking flat or limp, try gently crumpling it before use to add volume and life to your presentation.
Wood Wool / Excelsior
Made from natural wood fibers, wood wool (also called excelsior) has a rustic charm and offers excellent cushioning. It’s biodegradable and adds a natural, textured look that’s ideal for earthy, artisanal, or handmade products.
This filler is perfect for gourmet food baskets, wine gifts, farm-to-table items, or any packaging with a natural or organic theme. It shines in open crates or shallow trays, where its texture can be fully appreciated. Just keep in mind that wood wool can shed small splinters or fibers, so it’s best used with items that are already individually wrapped.
Fabric Filler (cotton, muslin, scarves)
Fabric filler instantly elevates your packaging with a luxurious, tactile feel that paper options can’t match. It’s reusable and waste-free, making it a thoughtful choice for sustainable gifting. Plus, the fabric can double as part of the gift itself—adding perceived value and a personal touch.
Fabric works beautifully in high-end packaging, such as for jewelry, cosmetics, or artisan candles. Picture a silky scarf cradling a perfume bottle, or a muslin drawstring pouch holding a handmade soap—these details can transform a simple product into an experience. For added impact, consider custom-printed fabric pieces, like branded bandanas or handkerchiefs, that recipients can use again and again.
Air-Filled Pillows or Paper Wraps
For shipping-heavy needs, air-filled pillows or paper wraps are practical and protective. These options offer strong shock absorption, are lightweight (which helps reduce shipping costs), and take up very little storage space before use.
They’re especially useful for e-commerce shipments, fragile items, or mixed products that need to be separated within a package. While not the most decorative on their own, they can easily be placed underneath a more stylish filler to offer both protection and presentation. If sustainability is a concern, look for air pillows made from biodegradable materials or opt for recyclable kraft paper-based wraps instead.
Choosing the Right Filler for Your Packaging Type
| Filler Type | Description | Best Use Cases | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shredded Paper | Crinkle or straight-cut paper available in various finishes. Lightweight and affordable. | Gift baskets, subscription boxes, retail packaging, food items, cosmetics. | Customizable, recyclable options, great for volume and hold. |
| Tissue Paper | Thin, flexible paper used for wrapping and layering. | Lining gift bags, wrapping individual items, fragile products like glassware or jewelry. | Wide color range, easy to style, can create visual depth. |
| Wood Wool | Natural shredded wood fibers with a rustic aesthetic. | Gourmet food, wine gifts, handmade goods, open crates and trays. | Biodegradable, textured, natural look. |
| Fabric Filler | Reusable fabrics like cotton, muslin, or scarves. | Luxury items like jewelry, artisan candles, cosmetics. | Reusable, doubles as part of the gift, tactile and elegant. |
| Air-Filled Pillows | Inflated pouches or paper-based cushions used for protection. | Shipping, fragile products, bulk e-commerce orders. | Lightweight, shock-absorbent, recyclable options available. |
Match your filler to your container for best results. For rigid boxes, shredded paper creates a clean, contained presentation that stays in place when the lid is removed.
Gift bags benefit from tissue paper that peeks out the top, with heavier shred at the bottom for stability. Trays and baskets, meanwhile, need fillers with height and structure. Start with a higher base layer (like crumpled kraft paper) topped with a more attractive filler to economize while still looking abundant.
Where to Buy Quality Gift Fillers
If you’re packaging gifts for a special occasion, small business orders, or just personal projects, there are plenty of places to find quality fillers without needing to buy in bulk. Craft stores like Michaels are great for picking up basic materials such as tissue paper and shredded paper. They often run seasonal sales, making them even more budget-friendly around holidays.
For convenience and variety, online options like Amazon are hard to beat—especially if you need something quickly. If you’re looking for something more unique or eco-conscious, Etsy is a fantastic choice. Many sellers offer handmade, recyclable, or compostable fillers in small batches, which adds a thoughtful, personal touch to your packaging.
Don’t overlook your local dollar store, either. While the selection is limited, you can often find basic tissue paper and shredded paper for one-off projects at a fraction of the cost.
At the end of the day, the right packaging filler transforms an ordinary gift into a memorable unboxing experience. It protects your items, enhances their presentation, and communicates the care you’ve put into your selection!
