Return gift box mockup and print template

Return gift box: what to know

Return gift boxes are small favours given to guests at weddings, poojas, birthdays and housewarmings. They are ordered in large numbers, so a simple, light box that folds quickly works best.

• A pillow box folds flat and closes without glue, which saves time when packing many favours.
• Keep the contents small and light: a few sweets, a small diya, a coin or a keepsake.
• Names and the date on a small foil detail or sticker let one base design work for different events.
• Make one sample with the real gift inside before ordering in bulk.

Parts of a pillow box

A pillow box is a single piece of board with curved creases at each end. The ends press inward along the curves to close, giving a soft, rounded shape like a pillow. It needs no glue at the ends, ships flat and folds in seconds. It suits small, light items: jewellery, gift cards, soaps, return gifts and favours. The shape is eye-catching on its own, so simple artwork often works best.

Front and back faces

The two curved faces that carry the artwork.

Curved end flaps

Arcs at each end that press in along the curved creases to close the box.

Curved creases

The arc-shaped fold lines. They need a good creasing rule to bend cleanly.

Glue flap

Joins the long edge, so the pillow arrives flat but already formed as a sleeve.

How to size it

1. In the studio, the sizes are Width (across the face), Length (end to end) and Thickness (how much the pillow bulges).
2. Lay the product flat and measure it. Add generous room on width and length, because the curved ends take up space.
3. Set thickness to the product depth plus a few millimetres. The end flaps close neatly when their depth matches the thickness.
4. Try the Size presets first, then adjust. Make a sample before ordering, as pillow boxes are less forgiving than square boxes.

Materials and finishes

White paperboard, 250 to 350 gsm

Full-colour print and clean curves. The most common choice.

Kraft board

Natural look for soap, favours and eco-leaning brands.

Metallic or textured board

Wedding and festive favours. Check with the printer that it creases without cracking.

Finishes

Matte or gloss lamination

Protects the print and helps the board bend without cracking at the curves.

Foil stamping

A small gold logo or a name on wedding favours.

Mistakes to avoid

• Packing something too thick or heavy. Pillow boxes are for small, light items; they open under load.
• Text near the curved creases. Artwork stretches slightly as the ends curl, so keep it on the flat middle of each face.
• Board that cracks at the curves. Heavy or very stiff board needs good creasing; lamination helps.
• Assuming the studio fold shows the exact curve. The 3D model is shaped rather than folded; the dieline has the real curved creases.

How to make it in the studio

1. Open it. Press Customise this return gift box. It opens in the 3D studio at 120 x 80 x 40 mm.
2. Set the size. In the Size panel, pick a preset or type your own measurements.
3. Add your design. In the Design panel, upload your logo or artwork: it goes on the front first. Pick other faces to add colours, text or images to each.
4. Check it in 3D. Turn the pack around. Switch to the flat print view to see the artwork on the label.
5. Download. The Download panel gives you the print template first, then mockup images for your store or social posts.
6. Get it made. If you want a quote, send the design to packitmama from the Download panel, and we will reply personally.

Questions