Tips for Choosing Gift Box Sizes That Actually Fit

You’ve found the perfect gift. But you’ve hit a major wall: It doesn’t fit in the gift box. Maybe it’s comically oversized, leaving your gift rattling around inside. Or perhaps it’s so snug that closing the lid becomes an Olympic sport. 

Ultimately, a gift box helps protect your gift—as well as provides an easy way to wrap it all up! So, how can you ensure your gift box actually fits? Here are our top tips!

Tip #1: Start With Your Gift Size & Shape

Before you even think about boxes, examine the gift itself. In fact, this might seem obvious, but you’ll definitely want to measure your gift. Specifically, measure it at its widest, tallest, and deepest points to get accurate dimensions. Eyeballing it can lead to serious regrets!

When in doubt, such as for irregularly shaped items, go bigger. From here, you can always get filler to keep everything snug and in place (more on this below).

And different gifts will have different needs, too! Electronics typically come with their own protective packaging and shouldn’t be squished. Clothing and soft items, however, can be folded or arranged to fit different box shapes.

Fragile items, however, deserve special attention when selecting a box size. You’ll need extra space around these delicate gifts for protective padding. A good rule of thumb is to allow at least two inches of cushioning on all sides of breakable items.

Additionally, consider grouping multiple small items rather than boxing them separately (assuming they won’t break). For instance, a collection of bath products or gourmet treats often looks more impressive when arranged together. This approach can even save you from wrapping tiny individual packages.

You may also want to display your gift using the gift box. For example, a hard clear box can show off what’s inside! You can also find bakery boxes with windows for a similar effect.

One last thing… if the gift is quite heavy, make sure you invest in a sturdy box! The worst thing that could happen would be that you’ve wrapped it all up, only for the box to fall apart under the weight.

Tip #2: Match the Box to Its Purpose

Different gifting occasions call for different packaging approaches. A birthday present for a child might prioritize the “wow factor” of a larger box. Corporate gifts generally benefit from more restrained, professional proportions.

Shipping considerations should influence your box selection process as well. If you’re mailing your gift, remember that oversized boxes increase shipping costs unnecessarily. Postal services charge by dimensional weight for many packages, making that too-big box an expensive mistake.

It may also be a good idea to consider whether the recipient might want to keep the box afterward. Keepsake boxes should be sturdy enough to last and appropriately sized for future storage needs.

If you're flying with gifts, compact boxes that fit neatly in luggage make transportation much easier. Nobody wants to lug an unwieldy box through a crowded airport during the holiday travel season!

Tip #3: Don’t Forget Filler!

Filler does more than just prevent movement. It creates an experience and protects your carefully chosen present. Tissue paper remains the classic choice for a good reason. It comes in countless colors, takes up minimal storage space, and works with nearly any gift type. Layer several sheets for a more luxurious unboxing experience that builds anticipation!

You’ll also want to consider the weight of your gift when selecting filler material. Heavier items need denser cushioning like bubble wrap or foam inserts. Lightweight presents might float around in packing peanuts, which are better suited for shipping than gift presentation.

And make sure to match or complement your ribbon colors with your tissue paper for a thoughtfully designed package. This attention to detail doesn’t go unnoticed by recipients.

Lastly, you may also want to think about whether eco-friendly options may be appropriate. For example, shredded Kraft paper, biodegradable packing peanuts, and even popcorn can provide sustainable cushioning. These alternatives appeal to environmentally conscious recipients without sacrificing protection!

Tip #4: Avoid These Common Mistakes…

Make sure to keep in mind these common mistakes and avoid them when selecting a gift box size:

• Using the wrong unit (cm vs. inches): This mistake happens more often than you might think, especially with online purchases. Double-check whether box dimensions are listed in inches or centimeters to avoid surprising size discrepancies.

• Forgetting height or depth needs: Many shoppers focus on length and width while completely overlooking the third dimension. That perfect-looking square box becomes utterly useless when your gift stands too tall to fit inside it.

• Not accounting for extra items like cards or samples: Remember those last-minute additions like greeting cards, small samples, or battery packs. These seemingly minor items can suddenly make your carefully chosen box too cramped for comfort.

• The box is too large, making the gift look small or unimportant: Oversized packaging can actually diminish the perceived value of your gift. When lost in excessive space, even thoughtful presents can appear insignificant or hastily selected.

By following these tips for selecting the right gift box sizes, you’ll be able to create gift presentations that enhance your thoughtfulness and the act of giving! The perfect box does more than just contain a present—it becomes part of the giving experience itself. With a little planning and attention to detail, your gifts will arrive looking just as spectacular as you imagined them.

Curious about finding the right gift box with Hammont? Check out our selection of gift boxes here.