Beyond my passion for baking, I love clever packaging to put my baking in (or any kind of gift, for that matter) when giving it to friends and family. I've discovered the perfect container for this use, and I wanted to share it with you. It's a simple photo storage box, available at places like WalMart, and all of the craft stores.
They come every which way you can imagine, printed with seasonal designs, or florals and plaids, and solid colors, (which is what I actually prefer) and I usually have a few extra on hand in my storage closet of my workroom. They are really sturdy little boxes, which is perfect when boxing up any kind of baked goods, and you can decorate them so that the box becomes an additional part of the gift. I especially love the little label-holding-pull on the end of the box, which can house a tag that has a person's name in it, or an appropriate saying, like Happy Birthday, Thank you, or whatever else you can think of to carry out your theme. The latest box I created was Halloween themed, as you can see. I found an anatomy diagram in one of my old books that was the perfect size for my box lid. (check out old books at thirft stores and yard sales. Vintage children's books are great for baby themes, and old cookbooks are perfect for a charming vinatge baking theme. Old books often have amazing photos and artwork that can be used in altered art, or for things like clever lil' gift tags and such ..the possibilities are endless!)
I added a ribbon to the box once I had my gifts inside, and the packaging was complete...(Now, how easy was that?)
....Anyway, i'm sharing this idea, because I'm thinking you might want to grab a few of these great boxes to keep on hand for creating some clever packaging yourself..the holidays are upon us, you know!
Very clever my child.
Posted by: www.google.com/accounts/o8/id?id=AItOawlH2VEpkcnW4hEewoKiDchhw4EqcRmz1Lk | October 14, 2010 at 05:24 AM
I am thinking you could print the recipe for the baked goods and use that as the decoration on the box lid. I need to go get some as I give cookies to my hubbie's co-workers at the Holidays.
Thanks,
Janet
Posted by: janet | October 14, 2010 at 05:57 AM
Oh, these little photo boxes -- aren't they the best. I pick them every time I see them on sale! They are great gift boxes!
Posted by: Jenny | October 14, 2010 at 06:05 AM
I love those photo boxes...but never thought to decorate them for gift boxes. How clever!
Posted by: Connie | October 14, 2010 at 06:36 AM
That is so cute! I love the"boo" in the label holder.
Posted by: Laurie | October 14, 2010 at 07:35 AM
Love photo boxes for gift giving - your little "themed" note in the label holder is a great addition!!
Posted by: marie | October 14, 2010 at 07:44 AM
I LOVE those boxes - but I usually manage to fill them up so fast there aren't any empties to give away! I always try to get some at Michael's when they're on sale, which is difficult since the nearest one is over an hour away.
But I do love your idea of using them as a gift box! Attractive and easy packaging - and the box itself constitutes another useful gift - perfect!
Posted by: HeidiAnn | October 14, 2010 at 08:46 AM
I never would've thought of doing this...how clever you are!
Posted by: Shanna C | October 14, 2010 at 08:56 AM
LOVE the idea... thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Kim | October 14, 2010 at 08:57 AM
I love the way your box looks, Tracey! Thanks for sharing. I've been wanting to cover a box like that with an old map of the town I grew up in.
I dear older woman, I called her The Queen of Gift Wrapping, taught me many years ago to make the packaging part of the gift. She was amazing at it and could get very elaborate. I remember her staging Cinderella in her carriage on top of a hat box for a little girl's Princess Party. It was gorgeous, wish I had a picture to share.
At this time of year it is quick and easy to make stamped velvet drawstring bags. They are very elegant looking and I like to use a photograph of the recipient on the tag. Here's a link with Martha Stewart's instructions: http://www.trystancraft.com/martha/projects/stampvelvet.html
Happy Crafting, Girls!
Posted by: Betsy Derr | October 14, 2010 at 09:33 AM
Perfect indeed! I love it!
Elaine
Posted by: Elaine | October 14, 2010 at 09:39 AM
Tracey, thanks for sharing an awesome idea. I am eager to alter my photo boxes and give some gifts.
Posted by: Kathryn | October 14, 2010 at 09:40 AM
Love the "Boo". What a great idea! Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: debbie | October 14, 2010 at 11:47 AM
Such a great idea! I am going to Walmart today! :-)
DD
Posted by: Mrs.DD | October 14, 2010 at 03:51 PM
Oh, my goodness. You did a great job. A darling box! I do the same thing. I just did a very simple, silly thing a couple of days ago on my blog if you would like to see. I put you on my Google Reader, then read much of your blog and realized that I had followed you for quite awhile before. I am glad to have you back again...I love following your life and what you do. I will leave my address if you want to see my boxes. It's a little strange...but it is Halloween!
Suz
http://katsuijewelry.blogspot.com
Posted by: Katsui Jewelry | October 14, 2010 at 04:30 PM
GREAT idea!! And the little tab in the front is adorable.
Posted by: carrie | October 14, 2010 at 06:57 PM
No bones about it Tracey ~ I love your creative packaging! :o) I use these boxes for our yearly Operation Christmas Child - a perfect size to store up gifts of love which in turn get shipped to a needy child/children in destinations afar.
God Bless,
Barbra.
Posted by: Barbra | October 14, 2010 at 09:10 PM
How clever! I like creative packaging too. I'm sure you'll delight the recipient of this beautiful (or should I say, frightening?) Halloween theme box and the delectable morsels inside.
Posted by: Pattie @ Olla-Podrida | October 21, 2010 at 10:30 AM
Love your box--the skeleton is perfect. What a great treat for the recipient.
Posted by: Andilynn | October 26, 2010 at 07:00 AM