DIY Handmade Wood Gift Box

I’ve always been a big believer in the idea that the gift wrap is part of the gift.  Sure anyone can shove some tissue in a gift bag and call it good, I’m definitely guilty.  But if you plan ahead just a tiny bit you can make a gift box to fit the gift and then your recipient gets 2 gifts in one!  There’s nothing more custom or personal than a handmade wood gift box with a precious gift tucked inside.

A DIY tutorial to make a wood gift box. Create the perfect mitered edge gift box using poplar. Free plans that are easily customizable to fit your gift.

Today I’ve joined up with a few fellow DIY bloggers to share our handmade gift ideas.   A special thanks to my friend Katie at Addicted 2 DIY for organizing this group challenge.  She has a bundle of DIY gift ideas on her site and she makes lots of gifts to sell in her Etsy shop – definitely worth a visit.

My handmade gift idea is actually a wood gift box for your gift.  I think the wood box makes a pretty good gift in itself but of course you can fill the box with a gift as well.  I added a little screw eye hardware on top then tied with a bow and we are ready for gift gifting.

But first let me share my fabulous DIY blogger friends and their handmade holiday gift ideas.  Be sure to stop by and check out the amazing DIY gifts you can make for all your friends and family:

• Headset Stand – Katie @ Addicted 2 DIY
• House Advent Calendar – Cristina @ Remodelando La Casa
• Wood Tray – Anika @ Anikas DIY Life
• Easy Concrete Planter – Sam @ DIY Huntress
• Hanging Macrame Planter – Bethany @ Reality Daydream
• DIY Step Stool – Mindi @ My Love 2 Create
• Tree Branch Log Projects – Gail @ My Repurposed Life
• Desk Planter Card Holder by Sarah @ Ugly Duckling House
• Charging Station – Shelly @ 100 Things To Do
• Wood Cake Stand – Angie @ House Becoming Home

This handmade wood gift box is created using mitered corners.  Which actually means I cut the side pieces with a beveled angle to achieve that seamless look on the corners.  If you have a compound miter saw then you can make a beveled cut easily.

And I made this wood box using 1/4″ poplar to fit my little gift.  The box is 4 1/2″ square but you can make it any size you need to contain your gift.

Assembly

Because I used 1/4″ thick poplar and mitered corners there is no screwing or nailing involved.  Good old fashioned wood glue to the rescue for this project.  I previously shared a smaller wood gift box idea here that has butt joints attached with pin nails.  If you’re looking for another option this wood box might be a good choice.

I happen to love the clean look of the mitered corners.  It creates a seamless effect and really makes the wood box presentable all on its own.

Lid Hardware

For the hardware on the lid I opted to use a screw eye in the center.  There’s a ton of amazing hardware options out there.

• wood knobs
• circular dowel
• metal pull
• leather strap
• ribbon loop

Below are the instructions and a few pointers when making this wood gift box.  Also check out my quick video here to see the process in action.

Click here for free printable version of plans here.

Supplies:

• 1 – ¼” poplar hobby board (6” x 4’)
• wood glue
• painters tape
• miter saw
• measuring tape
• sander
• screw eye

In Step 1 you’ll cut 4 equal side pieces with a 45 degree bevel on both ends.  Then flip the pieces over and line up the side seams snug.  Secure the 3 seams with painters tape.  Flip the pieces back over (gently to keep the tape in position) and apply wood glue in the seam.  Then wrap the sides up and around the base piece holding in position.  Lastly use more painters tape to hold the last seam shut while the glue dries.

Follow my plans here for step by step instructions.

Thanks for joining me for this handmade wood gift box project.  Please leave any questions in the comments below and be sure to follow me on social media for sneak peeks, tools and project inspiration:

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