A small origami box for light gifts fold

A folded paper box is suitable for a small pendant, a personal message or another light gift. At the same time, the folding shows how floor and side walls emerge from a surface. This simple box is unsuitable for heavy or fragile content. A self-folded paper box has neither a tested load capacity nor sufficient protection for an ordinary parcel shipment.

Start with a square paper sheet

Choose a clean square arc and put the later inside up. Fold the paper once horizontally and once vertically in the middle and open both folds again. The lines help to keep the shape symmetrical. Gently brush wrinkles with your fingers; a sharp tool can damage the paper.

Then fold all four corners to the middle. A smaller square is created. Take two opposite edges to the center line, open these folds and repeat the step with the other two sides. Work precisely: Small deviations sum up and later make it harder to straighten up the walls.

Floor and opposite walls erect

Reopen two opposite corner folds while the other two remain folded to the center. The lateral folding lines mark the floor. Line up the two remaining sides along these lines. At the open ends, the lateral triangles can be placed inwards. The long tips are folded over to the middle of the floor.

Form both sides one after the other. The folded tips should lie flat inside and hold the sides together. If the box gets crooked or the paper tightens, open the last step and check the folding lines. A small sample helps to understand the process before using a decorative bow.

Plan lid, inlay and handover suitable

For a lid, you can fold a second box from a slightly larger square. Test the fit with residual paper, because paper thickness and accurate folding influence the distance. A lid should lie down easily and not push the walls of the lower part apart. A thin paper insert can present the small content within the box attractively.

Before handing over, check if all corners remain closed and the gift can be removed without any pressure. A tape may easily secure the box, but should not deform it. For food you need suitable material or a separate, food-friendly inner packaging. If the small box is to be sent, it belongs protected in a sufficiently stable shipping box.