DIY Christmas Box Decor: Easy Faux Presents to Make

Easy DIY Christmas box decor comes down to three things: sturdy boxes, a covering you like (wrapping paper, scrapbook paper or paint), and a bow big enough to read from across the room. You can finish a set in an afternoon with a glue gun and supplies you may already have.

These faux presents work on a mantel, under the tree, stacked beside the front door or lined up on a porch. Below are the supplies, the steps, and a few ways to make them look intentional rather than like leftover shipping boxes.

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What supplies do you need?

• Cardboard boxes in a few sizes, with lids if possible
• Wrapping paper, kraft paper or scrapbook paper
• Craft glue or double-sided tape, plus a hot glue gun for trims
• Ribbon, twine or fabric strips for bows
• Matte craft paint and a brush for lids and edges
• Scissors, a ruler and a pencil
• Battery-powered string lights, if you want a glow

Free boxes are fine. Shoe boxes, shipping boxes and cereal-size cartons all work. Tape the lid shut or glue it to the base on one side so it keeps its shape.

How do you choose and prep the boxes?

Pick boxes that are rigid and square. Crushed corners show through paper, so press them back into shape or reinforce them with a strip of tape. Fold in any flaps and tape them flat.

Vary the sizes. A set of three to five boxes in different heights looks more natural than identical ones, and it gives you the base for stacking. If you want to build a stack that stays put, put the largest box at the bottom and glue the boxes together where they touch.

How do you cover the boxes with paper?

1. Set the box on the back of the paper and trace around its footprint. Add the height of the box on each side, then cut.
2. Wrap it like a real gift. Fold the paper over the sides, crease the corners and secure with tape or glue.
3. Cover the lid separately so it can sit slightly proud of the base, which gives a more convincing present.
4. Trim any bulky seams with scissors and hide the join on the back or bottom.

For decorative Christmas boxes with scrapbook paper, cut sheets into panels and glue them on one face at a time. Mixing two or three patterns works if you keep the colors in the same family. Plain kraft paper or paint is a calmer choice if your room is already busy.

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How do you paint and decorate the lids?

Matte paint on lids and box edges reads softer and more modern than glossy finishes, because matte surfaces absorb light instead of bouncing it back as glare. Let each coat dry fully before you handle the box.

Then add the trims with a hot glue gun: a ribbon band, a big bow, a sprig of faux evergreen, a paper tag or a few pinecones. Keep to one or two trim ideas per box. Too many embellishments make a small box look crowded.

If you have a dog or cat, skip dangling ribbon tails and small glued-on bits that could be chewed off. Short, well-glued bows are safer, and you should check with your vet if a pet swallows any craft material.

How do you add lights to the boxes?

DIY Christmas box decor with lights is easier than it sounds. Cut a small hole or slit in the back or side of the box, feed a battery-powered string of lights inside, and leave the battery pack accessible through a back flap or under the lid.

For a lighted gift box that glows, cut a shape such as a star or a window into the front panel and glue tissue or parchment paper behind it before you cover the box. The light shows through softly. Warm white bulbs look cozier than cool white ones, and LED strings stay cool to the touch. Avoid plug-in lights near paper unless they are rated for the use, and keep cords out of reach of pets.

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Where should you display your Christmas boxes?

On a porch or by the front door

For large DIY Christmas present porch decor, use the biggest boxes you can find and weatherproof them. Cover them in a couple of coats of sealer or wrap them in plastic sheeting under the paper, and keep them under a roof. Even then, cardboard does not like rain, so bring them in if the forecast turns wet. Place them to one side of the door so nobody trips on the way in.

On a mantel or shelf

Group two or three boxes of different heights and add something that is not a box, such as a candle or a bit of greenery. Odd numbers tend to look more relaxed than pairs. Match your ribbon colors to something already in the room so the display feels connected to it.

Under the tree

Faux presents fill the gap under a tree when you do not have enough real gifts yet. Put them toward the back and keep a few spaces open for the real ones. If you have a dog, I recommend a tree skirt and boxes that are lightweight and securely glued, since a wagging tail will knock things over.

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Ideas for adults who want a more grown-up look

Not every set needs red and green. For a quieter style, try white and kraft paper with natural twine, or deep green with brass-toned ribbon. Textured fabric strips, such as linen or velvet, add warmth without extra color. As an architect, I'd pick one palette of three colors at most and repeat it across the boxes, because repetition makes a group of mismatched sizes look planned.

If you like the rustic look, see our wood cabin makeover ideas for materials that pair well with kraft paper and evergreen. For a softer, vintage feel, the shabby chic ideas have a palette that suits lace trims and pale paint.

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Boxes also look good in an entry. Our post on what a foyer is and how to style one covers how to arrange a small entry so your display does not crowd the door.

Frequently asked questions