how to make a cardboard tube gift box!

Sharing how to make a cardboard tube gift box – no special skills or equipment needed!

these adorable cardboard tube gift boxes are perfect for all of your small Christmas gifts!

While many – or maybe even most – gifts are on the medium to large size, there are always a handful of items that are petite. And though you could pop them in a little bag, how cute are these homemade boxes?

what do you need to make them?

You need only one thing (and it’s free) – a toilet paper tube (did I promise no special skills or equipment?)!

how do you make a cardboard tube gift box?

You can watch these “in action” in the video below, but here’s the step by step:

Start by using your thumbs to press in one side of the tube, toward the center of the opening. You’ll see the the tube starts to curve as you do this. Turn the tube to press in the other side, sealing it shut.

Repeat on the other end.

Use your fingers to shape and crease the edges till you get a pleasing shape.

Now it’s time to decorate!

This is one of those GREAT, easy crafts that’s also perfect for kids, and for using up all the bits, scraps and loose ends you have lying around. Here’s what I used to make the boxes you see here:

wrapping paper

ribbon

twine

baker’s string

washi tape

jingle bells

tinsel

what other materials do you need?

What you use is up to you – I use either hot glue or double stick tape to hold the ribbon or paper in place on the tube. You’ll need scissors, obviously, and maybe some crinkle paper to cushion a more fragile gift (and make it even more festive!). You can also paint or stamp the tubes if you like!

will these boxes hold a gift card?

I found out pretty quickly that a standard size toilet paper tube is not large enough for a gift card. But a paper towel roll – cut in half – works perfectly!

Let me know if you try this, and tag me on Instagram with your creations – I’d love to see your ideas!

how to make a cardboard tube gift box!

sherisilver

This sweet cardboard tube gift box is an easy DIY that uses what you have and is perfect for tiny gifts!

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Servings 1

Equipment

• scissors
• hot glue gun
• double stick tape

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• toilet paper tube
• ribbon
• twine
• baker's string
• washi tape
• jingle bells
• tinsel
• crinkle paper

Instructions

 

• Use your thumbs to press in one side of the tube, toward the center of the opening. You'll see the the tube starts to curve as you do this. Turn the tube to press in the other side, sealing it shut.
• Repeat on the other end.
• Use your fingers to shape and crease the edges till you get a pleasing shape.
• Decorate the tube as you like - add ribbon, washi tape, twine or scraps of festive paper. Use paint or stamps. Add a tag or a jingle bell.
• Place your gift inside (add crinkle paper if you like), and seal.

Notes

For a gift card, cut a standard size paper towel tube in half and proceed as above.

Keywords cardboard box, diy, gift box, toilet paper roll

did you make this recipe?tag @sherisilver on instagram!

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About the author

Sheri Silver

Sheri Silver is a New York-based food photographer and recipe developer who has been cooking and baking for over 30 years. She works with brands, authors and restaurants to create recipes that are as beautiful as they are foolproof - and every recipe on this blog has been made, tweaked and eaten in her own kitchen.

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