How to Turn a Cereal Box into a Beautiful Gift Box

This morning when the kids got up I made them breakfast like I do every weekday morning. I was very energetic and poured cereal into a bowl. I’m not overly ambitious at 6 AM. After putting the bowls on the table I was left with yet another empty cereal box to throw into the recycle bin. I am sure just about every household in American throws away a cereal box or two every week! I decided to put my scissors and washi tape to good use and turn that cereal box into something slightly more useful! Cereal box upcycling is a great way to reduce your trash output and go green!

How to turn a cereal box into a DIY gift box

You can make this gift box out of just about any sized box you happen to have in your recycle bin. Tiny Jello boxes, medium sized granola bar boxes or giant cereal boxes…just start snipping and wrapping in washi tape!

Cereal Box Upcycling Supplies

There are really very few supplies you will need for this cereal box craft.  And empty box (of course) and scissors.  Then, whatever washi tape you want to use to decorate it.  Here is a breakdown of your craft supplies for this DIY gift box craft:

• One cardboard box
• scissors
• washi tape
• tissue paper for stuffing in box before putting in your gift
• packing tape (or whatever regular tape you have on hand if it is strong)

 

How to make your upcycled gift box

First things first, choose which box you want to turn into your cereal box gift box. Size is flexible! I went with an old cereal box.  Smaller boxes will require a bit more dexterity to craft with.  At least, for me they do!  

Cut off the top flaps of the box. Then cut the back panel of the cereal box as shown. Cut along the corners of the box with a pair of sharp scissors.  Don’t forget to recycle your cardboard scraps.  Paperboard is one item that is easy to recycle!

Cut the side panels of the box off, leaving the sides about an inch or two higher than the back panel you just cut off. Make sure you cut all the way to where to front panel is. You are going to be folding down these side pieces and taping them inside the box for a slightly cleaner look.

Fold the side pieces down and tape them inside the box. Fold the back panel down making a crease where it folds over. You may have to fold it backwards and press down firmly with your scissors to get a really nice, tight fold.  Use packing tape inside the box rather than plain old everyday tape for a better hold. 

Fold the box over the top as shown and make a pencil mark where you will need to fold the box to create another crease. This flap will be folding back inside the box when you close the lid. Once you have the pencil mark made you can fold to create the crease.

In order to slide the lid  into the box you need to make it just a TAD bit more narrow than the base of the box itself. Using a pair of scissors cut just a SMALL amount of the box away from the edge of the lid. You want it to still be snug but not so tight fitting that it wont slide inside the box.

Now you are done with your DIY gift box shape! Tuck the lid into the base and that is what the final product will be shaped like. Now, you just need to choose your washi tape patterns and start taping!

I bought a TON of washi tape on Amazon and you can get really creative with patterns and colors. You could do with with duct tape, too, but it isn’t quite as easy to handle. Washi tape will peel off easily if you make a mistake or you realize your rows are getting a bit uneven. I chose to leave the inside of the box plain but if you prefer you can tape the inside as well.

All you need after you are done covering your cereal box with washi tape is some pretty tissue paper and a gift to give! This is an incredibly easy way to find a new use for your old cereal box once the cereal is gone! With Christmas coming  up you can invest in some red and green washi tape and say goodbye to wrapping paper completely!