Gift Boxing Quandaries

by Dianne Culbertson
(Waterville, Maine)

Business Card, Earrings Card and Gift Box

I wanted to be able to gift box my goodies, but to buy 100 of each size of box was a little more than I wanted to spend all at once.

I figured I would go middle of the road and buy the large bracelet size (3½ x 3½ x 1) that I knew I could also use for most of my necklaces.

The problem was the earrings. I like to put them on earring cards (which I make a little different than my usual business cards) for home shows and then use a crystal cracker tray to display them.

As it turns out this was perfect for these boxes.

The earring box - although it fits most of my earrings well - was far too small to include a card.

If I just leave the earrings on the card I have a one-size-fits-most box, and if these are sent for a gift they now have my card.

It also keeps the earrings from moving around which they do even in the small boxes. I sometimes put a little confetti under the card on top of the cotton (or instead of it) to dress it up a little.

Then I tie the box with a pretty satin ribbon I get at Joann's for 50 cents a spool on sale.

Dianne Culbertson
Divella Delights
Divella Delights blog

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Gift Boxing Quandaries

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Very Professional Looking Solution!
by: Rena

What an excellent idea to use just one box size. It simplifies and streamlines your packaging process and saves money too!

Using just one box size also means you also have less stuff to store at home (as well as less stuff under your tables at jewelry shows). It's amazing how much space a carton of empty jewelry boxes can take up!

Thank you for sharing your smart jewelry packaging solution, Dianne! Also, I like your idea of placing confetti over (or instead of) the box cotton. Neat!

Very Nice!
by: Rachel

Your packaging is lovely. :)

I am currently using a similar method to keep packaging costs (and space) to a minimum also. My main problem right now is finding a presentable way to package necklaces so that they look nice when the box is opened (when they are boxed) or in their pouch if they aren't (instead of just a jumbled mess at the bottom of the pouch. If anyone has any suggestions, I would be very grateful!

On a side note, I order all of my gift boxes, gift wrap, ribbon, and pouches (organza, satin, and velvet) through www.papermart.com. They have very reasonable prices on smaller quantities (I really just can't afford to order 100 of everything either) and the quality and service are excellent.

Making Jewelry Behave Inside the Box
by: Rena

Hi Rachel,

I don't know whether you've tried this to make your jewelry stay in place after you've put it inside the box:

I package each piece of jewelry in an appropriately-sized jewelry ziplock bag, pressing as much air out of the baggie as possible before sealing it.

Then from the outside of the sealed baggie you can use your fingers to scoot the jewelry item around till it's in the perfect position.

Then place the baggie inside the box.

Later, when the recipient opens the box (even after shipping!) the jewelry should still be nicely laid out in the right position inside its baggie.

I've found that squeezing all the extra air out of the baggie before sealing it is the key to success with this way of making jewelry behave inside its box.

Hope this helps!

Thank you!
by: Rachel

Thank you Rena! I'll have to try that. :)

Securing Jewelry in a Gift Box
by: Michele

I buy cotton batting from a fabric store. It is just like the cotton lining in a jewelry box, but a little thicker than the jewelry box cotton lining. I cut the batting the same size as the cotton liner.

I arrange the jewelry in the box. Then I put the cotton batting on top of it. Jewelry not only doesn't move around in the box, but it offers an extra cushion when mailing. I then tie a ribbon around the box and mail in a bubble mailer.

love it!
by: Faye

Great idea. I have often found using one or two sizes accomodates a larg percentage of the pieces. Take a look at www.warnerusa.com. They have a great selection, low minimums, personalization and the nicest customer service people ever, plus very quick shipping.

Tissue
by: Brenda

I wrap my jewellery in tissue then place into the boxes...keeps them from shifting around!

Brenda Braun
Decadence 2 Boutique