There’s something magical about gifting homemade treats, especially when they come wrapped in a beautiful, handmade package. This DIY window box is one of my favorite projects for showcasing thoughtful gifts. It’s simple to create, endlessly customizable, and adds a personal touch that store-bought packaging just can’t match.
To make the box, I started with two pieces of cardstock—one for the base and one for the lid. After trimming them to size, I scored and burnished the edges to form crisp folds. This part is so satisfying because it lays the foundation for a sturdy, professional-looking box. Once the sides were prepped, I cut tabs into the corners, mitered the edges for a clean finish, and added strong adhesive. Assembling the bottom of the box came next, folding up the sides and securing the tabs to create a snug, solid base.
For the top, I added a special touch: a die-cut window. This feature adds a bit of intrigue, allowing a peek at the surprise inside. After carefully cutting out the window, I repeated the steps to assemble the lid, ensuring it fit perfectly over the base.
The decoration is where the fun begins! I chose a coordinating Designer Series Paper to add to the sides of the box. The patterned accents really bring the whole design together, making it look polished and festive.
Finally, I added the most important part: the treat! For this project, I tucked in a pouch of my homemade hot chocolate mix—a warm and cozy gift perfect for the season. To finish, I tied it all up with a gorgeous ribbon, creating a box that’s as lovely as it is functional.
This project is perfect for any occasion, from holidays to birthdays to simple acts of kindness. You can easily switch up the cardstock, patterns, and ribbon to match your theme. Whether you’re filling it with candies, cookies, or a heartfelt note, this window box is sure to delight the recipient.
Here’s a short video with a step-by-step of how to create the window box – while you’re there, please be sure to give the video a thumbs up and subscribe to the channel – your support is so very appreciated.
Measurements (in inches):
- Box base (Early Espresso) – 7″ by 7″ scored at 2″ on all four sides
- Box lid (Basic White) – 5″ by 5″ scored at 1″ on all four sides.
- DSP (4 pieces of each)- 2¾” by 1¾”, 2¾” by ¾”
- DSP- 2-7/8″ by 2-7/8″ for inside of the box on the bottom – kinda finishes it off nicely
- Window Sheet- 2-7/8″ by 2-7/8″
I’d love to hear how you’d customize your own version of this project! What goodies would you tuck inside? Share your ideas—I can’t wait to see your creativity shine.
Happy crafting!
What I used to create my box: