Ultimate Guide to
Gift-Box Packaging

Learn about materials, printing techniques, inks, finishes, structural features, 

and bag handles to create sustainable, cost-effective, and visually stunning packaging solutions.

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Packaging styles

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Structural Features

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Materials

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Print Methods

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Inks

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Finishes

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Bag Handles

48 Tutors

Packaging Styles:

Choose from our recommended selection of gift box styles curated by our packaging experts.
Tuck End Sleeve
6 Corner Box
Tab Lock Tuck Top
Double Wall Tray & Sleeve
Tuck End Snap Lock Bottom
Reverse Tuck End
Pillow
Double Wall Tray & Lid
Tuck End Auto Bottom
Flip Top Magnetic Lock
Magnetic Closure Boxes
Collapsible / Foldable
Lift-off Detachable Lid
Shoulder / Neck
Partial Cover
Match and Slide Style
Hinged and Flip Lid
Custom Shape
Round Shaped
Sandwich Wedge Box
No Glue Cake Boxes
Retail Foldable Box
Luxury Cosmetic Box (Rigid Box)
Chocolate Gift Box (Rigid Tube)

Box Structural Features:

Finishes like coatings, laminations, and special effects enhance both protection and visual appeal. Explore your options below.

Top Closures

  • Friction-Fit Tuck: Quick assembly for retail (e.g., chocolatiers).
  • Slit-Lock Tuck: Secure, survives shipping.
  • Flower Petal: Theatrical opening for boutique gifts.
  • Gable Handle: Portable, no extra bag needed.
  • Magnetic Lid: Reusable luxury option (rigid boxes).

Bottom Closures

  • Snap-Lock/1-2-3 Bottom: Self-locking, tape-free.
  • Auto-Bottom: Pre-glued, instant setup for e-commerce.
  • Full Overlap: Heavy-duty, stackable strength.

Trays & Lids

  • Roll End Tray: Material-efficient, optional windows.
  • Pinch-Lock Tray: Triple-wall strength for gourmet items.
  • Four-Corner Tray: Flat shipping, fast assembly.

Miscellaneous Add-ons

Enhance functionality with these features:

  • Dust flaps, thumb cut-outs, tear strips, child-resistant locks, adhesive strips, perforated dispensers, window cut-outs, hang tabs, anchor locks, corner punch-outs.
Advantages: Improves usability, safety. Disadvantages: May increase complexity, cost.

Lock Cap
Tuck top design that features a lockat the front panel that pops up toopen the packaging.
Gable Box Handle
Gable top design featuring tabs thatinterlock onto a handle forconvenient sealing and carrying
Gable Bag Flap
Gable top design that features asticky lock tab for convenientresealing and opening.
Flower Petal Top
Unique design that features flapsthat interlock to create a flower thatseals the top.
Slotted Flap
Open flap design that features fourflaps of the same length that meetin the middle.
Full Overlap
Open flap design that features flapsof the same length that overlap for sealing.
Partial Overlap Seal End
Tuck flap design features panelsthat are wide enough to overlapwith a sticky flap to lock together.
Seal End
Tuck flap design featuring twooverlapping sticky flaps that slide ontop of each other for easy sealing.
Gusset Tuck
Tuck top design that features agusset structure for sturdier cornersand convenient sealing
Slit Lock Tuck Flap
Tuck top design features small slitson either side of the fold to lock thetop in place.
Friction Fit Tuck Flap
Tuck top design that uses thefriction of the material forconvenient sealing and opening
Friction Fit Tuck Flap
Tuck top design that uses thefriction of the material forconvenient sealing and opening
Slit Lock Tuck Flap
Tuck top design features small slitson either side of the fold to lock thetop in place.
Seal End
Tuck flap design featuring twooverlapping sticky flaps that slide ontop of each other for easy sealing.
Slotted Flap
Open flap design that features fourflaps of the same length that meetin the middle.
Full Overlap
Open flap design that features flapsof the same length that overlap for sealing.
Snap Lock
Four flaps featuring a tab to foldtogether and create a secrue lockwithout using adhesive.
Full Flap Auto Bottom
Open flap design that features flapsof the same length that overlap for sealing.
Auto Bottom
Interlocking design features pre.glued panels for easy assemblywithout using adhesive.
Four Corner Tray
Collapsible design that features pre-glued corners for easy assemblyand optimal protection.
Double Wall Frame Tray
Double frame tray design featuringdouble layers for added protectionand convenient assembly
Double Glued Side Wall Tray
Double-walled design featuring glueon the side walls for easy andconvenient assembly
Roll End Lid
Roll end design featuring a tab onthe upper piece that self-locks forconvenient and secure assembly
Tuck Front Lid
Tuck top design featuring hingedtabs and side flaps for convenientand secure sealing
3 Flaps Tuck Top Lid
Tuck top design features three tabsthat lock the top for secure sealingcapabilities.
Tuck Top Lid
Tuck top design featuring a hingedlid that seals the top of a box,without side flaps.
Simplex Tray
Double-walled design featuring aself-lock design that doesn’t requireadhesive.
Pinch Lock Tray
Triple-layer, strong-walled structurefeaturing side panels that roll overto assemble the base
Roll End Tray
Self-locking, roll end design,featuring 30% less material than astandard roll end base.
Stripper Lock Tray
Self-locking design that featurestwo slits and two tabs that interlocksecurely without using adhesive.sealing.
Cherry Locks
Roll end design featuring tabs thatslot between side panels to hold thetop closed.
Tear Strip
Perforated strip on the outer panelthat can be peeled back for asatisfying unboxing experience.
Anchor Lock
Tuck top design featuring a slit forthe panel to lock onto to createsecure sealing capabilities
Hand Hole
Gusset design featuring a die-cuthole for carrying and handlingpackaging at ease.
Dispenser
Tuck top, auto bottom, or seal enddesign featuring a perforated areain the front panel for dispensing.
Adhesive Strip
Added to seal end packaging tooffer convenient sealing orreturnability of products.
Side Hang Tab
Tuck top or seal end designfeaturing an extra panel on the sideof a box for hanging
Hanger
Tuck top or seal end designfeaturing an extra panel on the backof a box for hanging
Window Cut-out
A shape is removed from the frontof a box and covered with clear thinplastic to showcase products
Tongue Lock Catalog Lock
Tuck top design featuring a slit thatlocks with the panel to create a secure top,
Hang Tab
Tuck top or seal end designfeaturing a slit with a tab designedfor hanging a box.
Mailer Lock
Unique tuck top design featuring along panel and a tab for securesealing.
Thumb Cut-out
Added to tuck top designs, a notchis die-cut to create an easy andconvenient unboxing experience.
Tab Lock
Tuck top design features two tabsand two slits for secure sealing andeasy unboxing
Locking Dust Flap
Tuck top and seal end design,interlocking flaps are added to helpseal a box and block dust.
Glue Tab
Extended tab added to a variety ofdesigns to add extra strength andsupport for sealing a box.
Lift Tab
Tuck top design featuring a tab thatis cut to create an edge for aconvenient unboxing
Dust Flap
Flaps are added to block dust fromentering the packaging with tucktop and seal end design.

Materials:

Selecting the right material is crucial for gift-box packaging. This section covers the properties, advantages, disadvantages, and applications of popular materials like paperboards, corrugated boards, rigid chipboards, plastics, foams, and molded pulp. Expand each category for detailed insights.
Premium materials selection for luxury packaging.

Paperboards for Gift Boxes

Paperboards are lightweight, versatile, and widely used in gift-box packaging due to their excellent printability and sustainability.
Paperboard Comparison Table
Feature SBS C1S SBS C2S
Thickness 0.30–0.50 mm / 250–350 gsm 0.35–0.60 mm / 300–400 gsm
Printability High (coated side) Very High (both sides)
Rigidity Medium Medium-High
Sustainability Recyclable Recyclable
Typical Uses Cosmetic cartons, mailers Luxury gift boxes
Cost ★★ ★★★

Note: Advantages: Easy to print, recyclable, cost-effective. Disadvantages: Limited durability for heavy items.

Corrugated Boards: Triple-Layer Strength

Corrugated boards offer superior strength and cushioning, making them ideal for shipping and presentation gift boxes.
  • Natural Kraft (E/F Flute): Rustic aesthetic, low ink rub-off. Best for: Presentation boxes, eco-friendly packaging.
  • Oyster White: Lightly coated for vintage prints. Best for: Retro-style gift boxes.
  • Kemi/Bleached White: Bright finish for photo-realistic graphics. Best for: High-end retail packaging.

Advantages: Durable, protective, recyclable. Disadvantages: Bulkier than paperboards, higher cost.

Rigid Chipboards: Luxury Foundations

Rigid chipboards provide a premium feel, perfect for luxury gift boxes that demand durability and elegance.
  • Grey Chip (1.2–3 mm): Affordable luxury option for jewelry and electronics packaging.
  • White/Duplex Chip: White outer layer allows direct printing, eliminating the need for wrapping.

Advantages: High rigidity, luxurious appeal. Disadvantages: Higher cost, less eco-friendly.

Plastics: Transparency and Protection

Plastics are used for transparent windows or protective layers in gift-box packaging, offering clarity and durability.
Plastic Material Comparison Table
Feature PET PVC
Clarity Crystal clear High clarity
Temp Resistance Up to 60°C Up to 70°C
Food-Safe Yes No
Uses Windows, blister fronts Display packaging

Note: Advantages: Transparent, durable. Disadvantages: Less sustainable, not always recyclable.

Foams and Molded Pulp: Protective Options

These materials provide cushioning and protection, enhancing the safety of delicate gift items.
  • Foams: EVA (luxury inserts), EPE (recyclable void-fill), PU (soft cushions).
  • Molded Pulp: Dry-press (egg-crate style), wet-press (smooth finish), secondary-processed (dyed/coated).

Advantages: Excellent protection, eco-friendly (pulp). Disadvantages: Foams less sustainable, pulp less premium.

White Paperboard (SBS C1S & C2S): A premium, bleached white paperboard, coated for vibrant, sharp printing. It's an excellent choice for a clean, high-end look, typically ranging from 300 GSM (14pt) to 600 GSM (24pt) for sturdy foldable boxes.
Recycled Paperboard (CCNB Duplex): Made with significant post-consumer recycled content, this option supports sustainability goals while still offering good printability. It's often used at 250-400 GSM for robust, environmentally conscious foldable packaging.
Kraft Paperboard: Known for its natural, rustic appeal, this unbleached or bleached brown paperboard offers an eco-friendly aesthetic. It's commonly used at 150-300 GSM for foldable gift boxes, providing a distinct organic feel.
Grey & Duplex Chipboard: Constructed from recycled paper pulp, these sturdy boards serve as the robust structural base for rigid boxes, typically 1.5mm to 3mm thick.
Corrugated Board: A robust, three-layer material featuring a fluted inner layer for superior cushioning. It's perfect for larger or heavier gift sets, providing significant protection during transit. Available in various thicknesses like E-flute (1.5mm) or B-flute (3mm).
Specialty paper material featuring aglossy or matte holographic & metallic laminated surface
Specialty Papers: Used primarily as elegant wraps for rigid box cores, these papers offer unique textures and finishes. From luxurious linen and fabric-like feels to shimmering metallics and soft-touch surfaces, they transform a box into a sensory experience. These are generally 100-200 GSM.

Print Methods:

The right printing technique can elevate your gift-box packaging. Compare methods like offset lithography, flexography, and digital printing to find the best fit for your project.
Printing Method Comparison Table
Method Offset Lithography Flexography Digital Printing
MOQ & Speed 1,000+ / Medium 500+ / High 1+ / Fast
Color Fidelity ★★★★★ ★★★ ★★★★★
Best For Photo-realistic, Pantone colors Simple designs, kraft paper Small runs, personalization
Cost $$ $ $$$

Note: Advantages: Offset offers superior quality, flexography is cost-effective, digital is flexible. Disadvantages: Offset has high setup costs, flexography lacks detail, digital is expensive per unit.

Lithographic (Offset) Printing: Also called lithography or litho-offset, it involves the transfer of the design and text from a cylindrical metal plate to a rubber sheet and onto paper, creating a clear, high-quality image.The industry standard for high-volume, superior quality prints, offering precise color matching and intricate detail for large runs.
Digital Printing: Using the latest techniques in digital printing, electronic files are printed directly on your chosen material from your computer.Ideal for smaller order quantities, rapid prototyping, and designs requiring variable data. It provides quick turnaround without compromising quality.
Gravure Printing: Ink goes to recessed printing plates—their surfaces have engravings of the image and text.Known for its exceptional quality and consistency, this method is perfect for extremely high-volume runs with intricate designs.
Flexographic Printing: plates made of flexible photopolymer are imprinted with raised images and wrapped around cylinders that are mounted on a rotating press. Ink is then poured onto this roller that stamps ink onto the material. This results in distortion-free output that's recommended for large run-jobs.A cost-effective method for large quantities, best suited for simpler designs and faster production.
UV Printing: Utilizes UV lights to instantly cure inks, resulting in durable, scratch-resistant prints with a vibrant gloss finish.
Eco-Friendly Inks: Our soy-based and water-based inks are biodegradable and non-toxic, minimizing environmental impact while delivering excellent print quality.
Scodix Digital Enhancement: A digital process that creates raised, textured effects, including digital foil and varnish, offering a luxurious feel for smaller batches.
Silkscreen Printing: Delivers thick, opaque ink layers, creating deep, bold colors and unique tactile effects, especially effective for spot colors.
Pantone Inks: For absolute brand consistency, we use the Pantone Matching System to ensure your colors are precisely reproduced every time, including metallic and fluorescent options.
Full CMYK Printing: This four-color process allows for an unlimited spectrum of colors, enabling full-color designs on both the exterior and interior of your gift boxes.
Hot Foil Stamping: Applies metallic (gold, silver, rose gold) or holographic foils using heat and pressure, delivering a luxurious, shimmering effect.
Combination Embossing: Merges embossing with foil stamping to create a striking 3D motif with a metallic finish, enhancing visual impact.

Inks:

Inks play a vital role in the appearance and safety of your packaging. Learn about water-based, soy, Pantone, fluorescent, and oil-based inks.
  • Water-Based: Odorless, kid-safe, fast-drying on paper. Best for: Eco-friendly packaging.
  • Soy/Vegetable: 20% higher color gamut than petroleum inks. Best for: Vibrant designs.
  • Pantone Solid/Metallic: Consistent brand colors, metallic sheen. Best for: Premium branding.
  • Fluorescent: Eye-catching POP displays (needs UV inhibitors). Best for: Retail standout.
  • Oil-Based: Deep blacks on uncoated stocks. Best for: Traditional offset printing.

Advantages: Diverse options for aesthetics and safety. Disadvantages: Some require special coatings, higher costs for specialty inks. Pro-Tip: Use ISO 22000-compliant inks for food-safe packaging.

Finishes:

Finishes like coatings, laminations, and special effects enhance both protection and visual appeal. Explore your options below.

Coatings

Coating Comparison Table
Type Aqueous (AQ) UV Coating
Feel Satin-smooth Glossy
Protection Scratch & moisture ★★ High ★★★
Eco Note Water-based, recyclable Less eco-friendly

Note: Need help choosing? Contact our experts or use our Material Selector below!

Laminations

  • BOPP Gloss/Matte: Vibrant, poster-like finish; requires delamination for recycling.
  • Anti-Scratch BOPP: Durable, ideal for mobile phone boxes.
  • Soft-Touch/Silk: Velvety 50 µ finish; higher MOQ (≥500 pcs).

Special Effects

Effect Comparison Table
Effect Hot Foil Embossing
Adds Metallic mirror Tactile texture
MOQ 300+ 500+
Notes Requires metal die; great for rigid lids Enhances logos, patterns

Note: Advantages: Elevates design, adds protection. Disadvantages: Increases cost, some not recyclable.

Matte Coating: Provides a non-glossy, soft-touch finish for an understated, sophisticated look, often adding scratch resistance.
Gloss Coating: Creates a high-shine, reflective surface that intensifies colors and offers protection against moisture.
UV Spot Coating: A high-gloss, clear coating applied to specific design elements, creating a striking contrast and highlighting details.
Soft-Touch Coating: Delivers a distinctive velvety, luxurious feel, making the box incredibly pleasant to handle while resisting fingerprints.
Aqueous Coating: A water-based, eco-friendly coating that offers a subtle sheen and improved durability, commonly used for food-safe packaging.
Varnish: Clear coating applied using theCMYK printing method. Available ingloss, satin, or matte.
Anti-scratch Lamination: Laminated BOPP film that is scratch,scuff, and fingerprint resistant. Cost-effective option.
Soft Touch /Silk Lamination: Soft to the touch lamination similar to peach skin. Available in a satin ormatte finish.
Laminated protective film thatadheres to the surface of packagingmaterials to maximize durability.
Laser Engraving: A precise, ink-free process that vaporizes the material's surface, creating permanent, tactile designs like logos or text.
Embossing & Debossing: Creates raised (embossing) or recessed (debossing) designs, adding sophisticated tactile texture and visual depth to logos or patterns.
Hot Foil Stamping: Applies metallic (gold, silver, rose gold) or holographic foils using heat and pressure, delivering a luxurious, shimmering effect.
Form of relief printing in which foil istransferred to a surface by pressingonto UV curable adhesives.
Cold Foil Printing: Form of relief printing in which foil istransferred to a surface by pressingonto UV curable adhesives
Combination Embossing: Merges embossing with foil stamping to create a striking 3D motif with a metallic finish, enhancing visual impact.
Scodix Digital Enhancement: A digital process that creates raised, textured effects, including digital foil and varnish, offering a luxurious feel for smaller batches.
Window Patching: Die-cut shape is layered with plasticfilm to feature a window showcasingthe product inside.

Bag Handles:

Handles determine the strength, comfort, and eco-friendliness of carrier bags. Choose from rope, ribbon, or paper options.

Paperboards for Gift Boxes

Paperboards are lightweight, versatile, and widely used in gift-box packaging due to their excellent printability and sustainability.
Handle Style Comparison Table
Handle Style Polypropylene Rope Twisted Paper Satin Ribbon
Strength 10 kg 5 kg 3 kg
Touch & Look Slick, modern Rustic, soft Elegant, smooth
MOQ 1,000 500 1,000
Eco ♻️ ♻️ Biodegradable ×

Note: Advantages: Enhances portability, style. Disadvantages: Some less durable, higher MOQs.

Polypropylene Rope

Polypropylene Rope:
 Polypropylene rope handles are made from synthetic fibers, renowned for their strength and durability. Lightweight and resistant to water, chemicals, and UV rays, they are ideal for bags used in diverse environments, such as reusable shopping totes or outdoor carriers, offering a modern and practical design.

Nylon Rope

Nylon Rope:
 Nylon rope handles, crafted from synthetic polyamide fibers, provide high tensile strength and elasticity. Their ability to absorb shock and resist abrasion makes them perfect for heavy-duty bags like travel or work carriers, combining functionality with a sleek, professional appearance.

Cotton Rope

Cotton Rope:
 Cotton rope handles, made from natural fibers, offer a soft, comfortable grip. Biodegradable and eco-friendly, they suit lighter loads in casual tote bags or eco-conscious packaging, adding a warm, rustic aesthetic despite lower strength compared to synthetic options.

Grosgrain Ribbon

Grosgrain Ribbon:
 Grosgrain ribbon handles, woven from ribbed fabric, blend durability with decorative appeal. Their unique texture enhances bags like boutique shopping or gift carriers, providing an elegant, refined look while maintaining moderate strength and resistance to water and UV rays.

Die-cut

Die-cut:
 Die-cut handles are cut directly into the bag’s material, typically paper or plastic, offering a cost-effective, minimalist solution. Suitable for lightweight bags like shopping or merchandise carriers, they can be reinforced for added strength and provide a seamless, modern design.

Twisted Paper Handles

Twisted Paper Handles:
 Twisted paper handles, formed from twisted kraft paper, are lightweight, recyclable, and eco-friendly. Best for light to medium-weight bags such as retail or gift carriers, they offer a simple, natural look that aligns with sustainable branding.

Flat Paper Handles

Flat paper handles:
 Flat paper handles, made from kraft paper strips, are economical and eco-friendly. Easy to produce and recyclable, they suit lightweight bags like food or small retail carriers, delivering a basic, functional style that supports sustainability goals.

Quick Decision Guides

Simplify your choices with these tailored recommendations for Gift-Box Packaging

1

Photo-quality luxury reusable box?

Rigid chipboard with SBS C2S, soft-touch lamination, hot foil.

Shipping fragile glassware?

E-flute Kemi White mailer, auto-bottom, EVA insert.

2

Eco-friendly tea hamper?

Natural kraft paperboard, water-based ink, twisted paper handle.

Not sure which material or option to choose?

No worries! We understand that getting the perfect custom packaging that meets your needs can be pretty tricky.
  • Expert advice on choosing the best material and structure to meet your needs
  • Professional guidance from engineers and designers on building the best packaging experience
  • Anytime support with full-cycle project management and proactive updates
Get expert help

Let's talk:

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+1 123-456-7890