If you need an easy, thoughtful, and last-minute gift idea, you’ve come to the right place! Explosion gift boxes are all the rage on social media. If you haven’t heard of them, don’t worry, they’re not scary; they’re simply customizable gift boxes. Once the lid is removed, the sides fall to reveal what’s inside. Some people add confetti, items that pop out, or multiple layers, but we’re keeping it simple (and practical).
You can find holiday-themed boxes around this time of year at most stores that sell gift-wrapping supplies. You can also find regular gift boxes at discount retailers, big-box stores, or online.
Thrifty tip: As the holidays wind down, boxes are likely to go on sale. Buying a few to have on hand for last-minute gifts might be a good idea. If you can find non-holiday themed boxes, great; if not, you can always cover the sides of the box (individually, so the box can still fall open).
We have general ideas below, but think about what your loved one would enjoy and use.
BASIC EXPLOSION BOX
Here’s how to make a basic explosion box. Once you make the box, you can decorate the outside and fill it with goodies.
If you can’t find a premade box, it’s easy to make one out of cardstock.
Supplies
- Gift box with removable lid
- Craft knife or box cutter
- Double-sided tape
Instructions
Cut corners of the box from top to bottom with craft knife or box cutter (this should be done by an adult). Affix treats to the insides of the box with double-sided tape.
To help the box fall open smoothly, tape the heavier items toward the top of the box. You can also include a gift in the middle if there’s room.
Be sure to test the box!
EXPLOSION BOX FOR A COLLEAGUE
This is a fun way to gift necessities to the people you see every day in the office.
Supplies
- Adhesive bandages
- Eye drops
- Cough drops
- Hand sanitizer
- Instant coffee
- Instant soup
- Lip balm
- Moisturizer
- Pain relief medicine
- Powered drink with vitamin C
- Snacks
- Sticky notes
- Tea
EXPLOSION BOX FOR KEIKI
Kids will love the actual box and everything inside! It also makes an easy gift for your child’s classmates.
Supplies
- Bubbles
- Crayons
- Erasers
- Healthy snacks
- Mini notebooks
- Plushie
- Putty or kid-friendly modeling clay
- Small toys
- Stickers
EXPLOSION BOX FOR A TEACHER
Show your appreciation for your keiki’s teacher during the holidays, Teacher Appreciation Day or Week in May, or at the end of the school year.
Supplies
- Electrolyte powder
- Gift card
- Hand lotion
- Hand sanitizer
- Note or drawing from keiki
- Photo of keiki
- School supplies
- Snacks
- Stain remover wipes
- Stress ball
Sometimes creating the box is as fun as opening it!
Almost as fun.
EXPLOSION BOXES FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS
Once you master the art of the exploding box, you’ll want to make them for any special occasion! Here are some ideas:
VALENTINE’S DAY
Whether you go with a homemade card or store-bought treats, your Valentine will appreciate your thoughtfulness!
Supplies
- Cup noodle craft
- Card (homemade or store-bought)
- Felt fortune cookies
- Homemade treats
- Pink or red candies or snacks
- Self-care items (bubble bath, face masks, lotions)
EASTER
Forget Easter baskets and hop on the explosion box train. You can still incorporate classics like plastic grass and treats, but now you can watch the delight on your recipient’s face when the box opens to reveal the goodies inside.
Supplies
- diy bunny crayons
- diy egg cartoon easter chicks
- easter bunny chow
- easter-themed temporary tattoos
- oatmeal peanut butter eggs
- sidewalk chalk
- spring-themed hair clips
HALLOWEEN
It’s fun to get creative and see what, besides candy, you can give people during this frightfully fun time.
Supplies
- creepy crawler kids dough
- diy mini mummy pinatas
- diy spooky stress ball
- glow bracelet with free printable
- monster munch
- mummified fruits
- plastic egg halloween treat monsters
- pumpkin and skeleton treat bags
HOLIDAY SEASON
‘Tis the season for exploding gift boxes! You can add anything you’d stuff into a stocking. Well, maybe except for coal.
Supplies
- Accessories like a sleep mask, fuzzy socks, or festive headband
- Holiday keychain
- Jingle bells
- Holiday treats (homemade or store-bought)
- Homemade ornament
- Hot cocoa
- Personal photos
- Mini calendar for the new year
- Season’s greetings cards
In a gifting mood
It doesn’t have to be a special occasion to show your appreciation to a friend, family member, or anyone in your life who needs a pick-me-up. Here are a few easy gift ideas that are inexpensive yet thoughtful.
Happy holidays!
