How to DIY Your Own Coffin Shaped Gift Boxes: A Step-by-Step Guide

Gift-giving is an art, and what better way to add a personal touch than by making your own unique packaging? If you're looking for something spooky, fun, and completely DIY-able, coffin-shaped gift boxes are perfect for Halloween, gothic-themed parties, or simply for someone who enjoys the macabre. In this guide, we will walk you through how to DIY your own coffin-shaped gift boxes with easy-to-find materials and simple techniques. By the end of this tutorial, you’ll have learned how to create a stunning cardboard coffin box that adds flair to your gifts.

A Unique Twist on Traditional Packaging

Gift boxes are often overlooked, but they are the first thing a recipient sees. If you're tired of regular square or rectangular boxes, a coffin-shaped gift box offers a unique alternative, especially during Halloween or for those who enjoy unconventional items. Not only are they eye-catching, but they also convey a sense of creativity and care. Plus, making your own Coffin Shaped Gift Boxes are far more meaningful than purchasing something generic from the store.

Perfect for Themed Occasions

Coffin-shaped gift boxes aren’t just limited to Halloween. You can use them for birthdays, gothic-themed weddings, or any event where you want to add a dark, elegant touch. The distinct shape can make your gift stand out and adds an element of surprise for the recipient. Moreover, when you DIY your own coffin-shaped gift boxes, you have the flexibility to customize the design, size, and materials according to your preferences.

What You Will Need

Before starting your project, gather all the materials needed for crafting your coffin-shaped gift boxes. The good news is that many of these items can be found in your home or a nearby craft store. Here's what you’ll need:

Cardboard or cardstock (for sturdiness)

Scissors or a craft knife

Ruler and pencil

Glue or double-sided tape

Black paint or black paper (for decoration)

Decorative embellishments like ribbons or stickers

Choosing the Right Materials

When selecting materials, it's important to consider the weight and durability of the cardboard or cardstock. Thicker cardboard will hold its shape better, especially if you plan to place heavier items inside your coffin gift box. If you want a more polished look, consider using black cardstock or painting your box black after construction. You can also use patterned paper for a more unique, personalized look.

Measuring and Cutting

To start designing your coffin-shaped gift boxes, you will first need to measure and draw the outline. Begin by drawing a basic coffin shape on your cardboard. A traditional coffin has six sides, with the top being narrower than the bottom. Use your ruler and pencil to measure accurately, ensuring symmetry.

Once you’ve outlined the shape, cut it out carefully using scissors or a craft knife. Make sure the edges are smooth and even. You will need two identical pieces: one for the top and one for the bottom of your coffin box.

Creating the Sides of the Coffin Box

Next, you’ll need to create the sides. Measure the perimeter of the coffin shape and cut long strips of cardboard to form the sides of your box. These strips should be around 2-3 inches wide, depending on how deep you want your coffin-shaped gift boxes to be. Carefully glue or tape the strips along the edges of one coffin cutout. This will be the bottom part of your box.

For the top, follow the same process, but ensure the side strips are slightly shorter, so the lid fits snugly over the bottom. You now have the basic structure of your coffin box!

Painting and Covering

Once you’ve constructed your cardboard coffin box, it’s time to add some personality! If you used plain cardboard, you can paint your coffin box in any color you like, though black is the traditional choice for a spooky vibe. Use acrylic paint for a smooth finish and allow it to dry completely before moving on.

Alternatively, you can cover your coffin-shaped gift box in black or decorative paper for a more polished look. Cut pieces of paper slightly larger than each side of your box, then glue them down, folding the excess over the edges for a clean finish.

Adding Embellishments

This is where your creativity can really shine. Once your box is dry or covered, consider adding embellishments like ribbons, lace, or stickers. For a gothic touch, you can glue small plastic roses or skeletons to the lid. You can also use metallic markers to add decorative designs such as skulls, spider webs, or intricate patterns. The possibilities are endless!

Securing the Lid

One of the final steps in crafting your coffin-shaped gift boxes is ensuring that the lid fits securely. You can simply place the lid on top, or for a more secure closure, add small pieces of Velcro or magnets to the inside edges. This way, the box will stay closed, but the recipient can easily open it.

Final Touches

Once your coffin gift box is fully assembled, take a step back and assess if there are any final touches you’d like to add. Maybe a bow on top or some glitter on the sides? If your box is for Halloween, consider adding fake spider webs or mini skeletons for an extra eerie effect. The goal is to make your coffin box as personalized and unique as possible.

Choosing the Right Items

Now that your box is ready, it’s time to fill it with goodies! Since coffin-shaped gift boxes tend to be on the smaller side, consider items like candy, jewelry, or small trinkets. For Halloween, you could fill it with themed treats such as mini chocolate skulls, gummy worms, or fake spiders. If it’s for a birthday or special occasion, you can place personalized gifts like handmade jewelry, small gadgets, or even love notes inside.

Packaging the Contents

To ensure your items don’t rattle around inside the box, consider adding some cushioning, like tissue paper or shredded paper. You can also wrap each item individually for an extra layer of surprise. If you’re gifting something fragile, bubble wrap may be necessary to prevent breakage.

Halloween and Beyond

Coffin-shaped gift boxes are a natural fit for Halloween, but don’t limit their use to just one holiday. They can be an excellent gift box for a gothic-themed birthday, a vampire-themed party, or even as a quirky Valentine’s Day package for someone who loves the darker side of life.

A Thoughtful, Personalized Gift Box

At the end of the day, coffin-shaped gift boxes are more than just a container for gifts—they show that you’ve put thought and effort into the presentation. Whether you use them for spooky Halloween treats or for a one-of-a-kind birthday surprise, these boxes will leave a lasting impression on the recipient.