Custom Favor Boxes

Cube, pillow or gable: folding a favour box

Most favour boxes are a single small blank that folds into a cube, pillow or gable shape without glue.

The common styles are a cube with tuck flaps at top and bottom, a pillow that curves shut, and a small gable with a handle at the top. All of them can be cut from one sheet and folded by hand, which is why they arrive flat.

Ribbon holes or a slot for a name tag are cut at the same time as the shape. A ribbon through the top adds a finish and helps keep a tuck lid closed when the box is picked up from the table.

• Cube, pillow and gable are most common
• Folded by hand, no glue
• Ribbon holes cut with the shape

Picking the paper

Favour boxes are small and light, so the stock can be chosen for looks more than strength.

Plain white paperboard prints colour and fine type cleanly. Pearlescent and metallic papers catch the light on a table and suit evening events. Kraft gives a natural, rustic look and prints darker. Textured papers feel good but can crack at tight folds on a small box.

Whatever the stock, it needs to fold crisply at a small size. Very thick board makes tiny boxes look clumsy and fight the fold, so lighter boards often work better here than in larger cartons.

Sizing for the favour

Size the box for the favour itself, then check it sits well on a place setting.

Common favours are small: a few sweets, a mini candle, a seed packet, a small jar. Measure the item, allow a little room, and check the box does not look empty or overstuffed. A favour that rattles feels cheap; one that bulges pushes the lid open. Send us the favour's measurements and we size the box so it does neither.

Think about the table too. A box that sits on a plate or next to a glass should not crowd the setting. Many couples and planners keep favours to a small cube of a few centimetres for this reason.

• Measure the favour first
• Avoid rattling or bulging
• Check the fit on a table setting

Food favours

Sweets and treats are the most common favour, and they need a little care with the board.

Wrapped sweets can go straight into any favour box. Unwrapped chocolates, sugared almonds or baked treats touch the board, so they need a food-safe board or an inner bag. Tell us the favour and we confirm the board suits it before production. Greasy or buttery items can mark the board from the inside.

Chocolate softens in a warm room, and an outdoor summer event can spoil it before guests arrive. Choose the favour with the venue and season in mind, not just the box.

Printing names and dates

Names, a date and a short line are the usual print, and they need to read clearly at a small size.

Small boxes give little room for artwork. Keep the main text on one panel, use a type size that reads from a seat, and avoid fine script that blurs on textured paper. Foil on a name looks good and works best on smooth stock.

One design is printed for every box. If each guest's name is wanted on their box, a printed tag or sticker is usually simpler than printing each box differently, and it can double as a place card.

• Keep text on one panel
• Avoid thin script on textured paper
• Use tags or stickers for guest names

Favour box or small rigid box?

A paperboard favour box is the right pick for small, light gifts carried home. A small rigid box is the right pick for a glass jar, a miniature bottle or a keepsake with some weight to it.

A glass jar or a bottle is too heavy for a small paperboard box and may push through the base. A small rigid box holds the weight, and guests often keep it after the event.

Perishable food that needs to stay cool should not sit in a closed box on a warm table for hours. Folding and filling by hand also takes time, so for a large guest list plan for several hours of work in the days before the event, or choose a favour that comes already packed.