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    Home » DIY Projects

    Easy Paper Plate Boxes - Great for Gifting

    by Patti Estep · Dec 16, 2020

    Jump to How-to Card
    Three paper plate boxes with wrapped candies and gold bows.

    For just pennies, you can make these fun paper plate boxes to hold small gifts or goodies in no time. A simple hack using items you probably already have around the house.

    Red, black and gold paper plate boxes.

    I found this fun paper plate hack and I had to try it. I guess you could consider this origami but it's really very basic. What a fun and inexpensive way to make cute little boxes with paper plates that costs only pennies. I'm talking about the paper plates that come in 100 or more per pack for something like $5.00. That's $.05 per box.

    I know most of you already have lots of paint and ribbon in the house. That, scissors, and a paper punch are all you need to make these fun little gift boxes. I think they would be perfect for cookie boxes, other baked goods, or candies like the salted caramel candies I made earlier this week.

    Paper plate with a strip of cardboard on top next to scissors and a pencil.

    How to Make Paper Plate Boxes

    Supplies

    • Cheap thin paper plates
    • A 2 x 9 inch cardboard
    • Pencil
    • Scissors
    • Paint
    • Ribbon
    • Hole Punch

    Find a piece of cardboard to create lines that will be at the bottom of your box. You could just use a ruler or straight edge to do this step. However, if you are going to make a bunch of them a piece of cardboard makes it easier. I made mine 2 inches wide but you can experiment a little here too.

    Paper plate with two lines down the middle, scissor and a 2 inch cardboard strip.

    Draw a line on each side of the cardboard template.

    Paper plate folded on the bottom and top next to scissors and a 2 inch cardboard strip.

    Next, you want to fold the paper plate from the bottom of the inner circle across the width of the plate as shown above.

    Paper plate cut along drawn lines until they meet the inner circle and folded up next to a piece of cardboard.

    Then you are going to cut along the lines at the bottom and top just until you get to the fold.

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    Paper plate folded on the sides to the drawn lines.

    Next fold in the sides along the pencil lines.

     Hand holding a paper plate folded into a box shape.

    Tuck the cut pieces up and overlap the triangle shapes to cover. Use a piece of clear tape to hold it all in place. You could also staple the sections into place.

    Paper plate folded into a box shape.

    Simple, huh?

    Three paper plate boxes. One black, one gold and one red. Each have wrapped candies inside and ribbons on the top.

    To make them a little fancy experiment with spray paint, paints, or any decorations on the outside. Then, punch holes at the top to thread a ribbon through.

    Tip: You may want to line the box with some parchment especially if you are going to put cookies or other baked goods inside.

    These cute gift boxes are so easy, cheap, and fun to make. Definitely a good one to get the kids involved.

    Patti signature
    Gold and black paper plate boxes with gold and cream colored ribbons filled with candy.
    Black paper plate box with gold ribbon.
    Print
    5 from 1 vote

    Paper Plate Boxes Hack

    For just pennies, you can make these fun paper plate boxes to hold small gifts or goodies in no time. A simple hack using items you probably already have around the house.
    Prep Time20 minutes mins
    Active Time10 minutes mins
    Total Time30 minutes mins
    Course: Christmas Gift Wraps and Cards
    Yield: 1
    Author: Patti Estep
    Cost: $1

    Equipment

    • Scissors
    • Straight edge
    • pencil
    • Paper punch

    Materials

    • paper plates the thin ones you buy in packages of 100 or more
    • 2 x 9-inch piece of cardboard
    • craft paint or spray paint
    • ribbon

    Instructions

    • For color spray paint or use craft paint on the outside of the plate.
    • Use a piece of cardboard about 2 inches wide and long enough to cover the plate to draw two lines down the middle of the plate.
    • Fold one edge up to meet the inner circle.
    • Cut along the line from the outer edge to the fold.
    • Turn the paper 90 degrees and fold the other edges along the drawn lines.
    • Tuck the short cut sides up and wrap the triangular pieces over top to create an open box.
    • Use tape to hold the sides together.
    • Punch a hole at the middle top edge on both sides.
    • Cut pieces of parchment or waxed paper to line the box if desired.
    • Slide ribbon through the punched holes and tie.

    Notes

    You could decorate the outside of the plates any way you like. Use glitter, stencils, or markers. The paper plates I bought were a little glossy and so some of the paint worked better than others.
    Tried this project?Tag @hearthnvine on Instagram
    « Homemade Salted Caramel Candy - Easily Made in Your Kitchen
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    About Patti Estep

    Patti is the creator of Hearth and Vine, a home and garden blog filled with projects to inspire your creative side. She loves crafting, gardening, decorating and entertaining at her home in Pennsylvania. When she is not working on a project at home or searching for treasures at nurseries and thrift stores with her girlfriends, you’ll probably find her with family and friends, at a restaurant, or home party enjoying new and different food adventures.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Heather

      November 09, 2022 at 8:28 am

      What a fun, budget and eco-friendly way to personalize a gift. So nice to do with kids too.

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        November 09, 2022 at 8:54 am

        Thanks Heather. They really are easy and fun.

        Reply
    2. Jo-Anne Lemaire

      December 18, 2020 at 2:09 pm

      Thanks for this cute little box idea. I'll be sure to try it next time I need a small box to give someone a little treat - like when I share some Christmas goodies with my wonderful next door neighbour. Hope you and yours, Patti, will have a great holiday season.

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        December 18, 2020 at 2:48 pm

        Thanks Jo-Anne. Wishing you a great holiday season too.

        Reply
    3. Paula Harris

      December 18, 2020 at 10:05 am

      What a fun idea Patti! Good idea for sending goodies to work. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        December 18, 2020 at 11:14 am

        So glad you like it Paula. I'm sure everyone at work will love them. 

        Reply
    4. MrsSW

      December 18, 2020 at 9:50 am

      Very clever, Patti - a nice way to package all those neighbor gifts.
      Sheila

      Reply
      • MrsSW

        December 18, 2020 at 11:13 am

        also - pinned

        Reply
        • Patti Estep

          December 18, 2020 at 11:16 am

          Much appreciated Sheila. ♥

      • Patti Estep

        December 18, 2020 at 11:15 am

        Thanks Sheila. Makes them a little more special.

        Reply
    5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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    Hi!

    I'm Patti

    Join me to create lots of fun DIY projects, including crafts, gardening, home decor, and tasty recipes

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