How to Make a Large Gift Box Smaller

Wrapping gifts can be a breeze when you have just the right box. While it's almost impossible to make a small box larger, there is a simple way to make a large gift box smaller. Follow these easy steps to make your gift box just the right size.

easy steps to make a shirt box smaller

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Finding just the right box to hold that special gift can be difficult. I wanted to wrap some magazines in a shirt box but the box was too large. I knew the magazines would move around too much inside the box.

So I came up with a simple way to reduce the size of the box.

Follow the simple steps in this tutorial to help make gift wrapping fun and easy.

 

How to resize a gift box

 

Make a Large Gift Box Smaller - Preschool Toolkit

 

Make the bottom of the box

  • The lid at the top of the photo shows the original length of the box (a shirt box).
  • The pink paper in the bottom of the box next to the lid indicates the new size required. Cut off a portion of the box as shown, leaving slightly more than enough to make the new side (the long side). The excess will be trimmed later.
  • Score the cardboard box lightly along the length of the pink paper. 

 

cut up a large box to make it smaller

 

  • Bend the new side up along the score line. Press firmly with fingertips.
  • Cut into the edge of the box on a slant, starting from the outer corner of the new side. Stop cutting at the fold line.

 

make a gift box smaller with just a few adjustments

 

  • Wrap the flaps around the outside corners of the box. Tape securely in place.
  • Trim the excess along the top to line up level with the other three sides.

In this photo, the flaps are taped to the side of the box, and trimming is started along the top.

 

Make a Large Gift Box Smaller - Preschool Toolkit

 

Make the box lid

  • Set the resized bottom portion of the box into the original box lid. Trim the excess length from the top of the box, leaving slightly more than enough for the new side.
  • Place a ruler close to the base of the box and draw a line to indicate where the bend will be for the new side.
  • Score lightly.

  • Finish the top of the box with the same instructions used to complete the bottom half of the box.

 

Make a Large Gift Box Smaller - Preschool Toolkit

 

Here is the finished smaller box. It's ready to wrap smaller items with more precision.

My magazines fit perfectly. I hope they were the perfect gift!

 

How to make a large gift box smaller for easy wrapping of gifts

 

DIY projects on Pinterest.

 

Free printables for making your own gift boxes!

Printable Gift Boxes / Easy Peasy and Fun 

Printable Christmas Gift Boxes / Picklebums 

Free Printable Gift Boxes / Moms & Crafters    

 

 


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