Gift Sets
The gift that
opens beautifully.
opens beautifully.
Everything you need to
brief us in one page.
Box Styles
Rigid · Drawer · Magnetic
Two-piece rigid box · Drawer box
Magnetic closure · Clamshell · Gatefold
Magnetic closure · Clamshell · Gatefold
Board
Grey board · Chipboard
2mm–4mm grey board · Wrapped in paper
Textured paper · Leatherette · Velvet
Textured paper · Leatherette · Velvet
Finishes
Foil · Emboss · Velvet
Hot stamp gold/silver/custom
Blind emboss · Deboss · Velvet lining
Blind emboss · Deboss · Velvet lining
Inserts
EVA · Foam · Paper pulp
Custom die-cut EVA foam tray
Thermoformed insert · Moulded paper pulp
Thermoformed insert · Moulded paper pulp
Printing
CMYK + 4 Pantone
4-colour process offset · Spot Pantone
Digital print for short runs
Digital print for short runs
Sustainability
FSC · Recycled · Soy ink
FSC-certified board · Recycled content
Soy-based inks · Water-based finish
Soy-based inks · Water-based finish
Add-ons
Ribbon · Sleeve · Tag
Pull ribbon · Outer sleeve
Belly band · Gift tag · Tissue paper
Belly band · Gift tag · Tissue paper
Lead Time
35 – 70 days
Standard rigid box: 35–50 days
Complex custom: 55–70 days
Complex custom: 55–70 days
Why Gift Sets
The unboxing moment is
The unboxing moment is
a designed experience.
Gift sets are different from standard product packaging — the unboxing is an event. The weight of the box, the resistance of the magnetic closure, the reveal of the products in a foam-fitted tray — all of it is designed, and all of it communicates brand positioning before the consumer even sees the product labels. We help brands design the unboxing experience as a cohesive whole, sourcing box and products together.
Gift set packaging, with numbers.
A custom rigid gift box is a 1,200–1,600 gsm greyboard core (about 2–4 mm thick) wrapped in printed or textured paper, with a die-cut EVA foam, thermoformed or moulded paper-pulp insert measured off the approved products. The working floor via partner factories tooled for small runs is about 500–1,000 boxes (the published industry floor is 2,000–5,000, and below about 1,000 a printer cannot nest the sheet economically), tooling is a cutting die and hot-stamp plate rather than a mould, and the production run is 20–30 days after sample approval inside a 35–50 day window from artwork. The insert is cut only after the primary packs are confirmed, and the assembled set ships in double-wall cartons tested to ISTA 3A with a glass breakage target of ≤0.3% — from vetted partner factories operating to ISO 22716 / GMP for the primary packs and FSC chain-of-custody for the board.
Specification: rigid box construction
| Element | Standard options | Working specification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Box style | Two-piece lid and base (telescope) · drawer · magnetic-flap (book style) · clamshell · gatefold | Lid engages within 2 mm of flush; magnet pull 0.8–1.5 N | Telescope and magnetic-flap are the lowest-risk first structures; gatefold and multi-compartment raise the minimum |
| Core board | Greyboard / chipboard | 1,200–1,600 gsm (≈2–4 mm) typical partner-factory range; 2 mm for small sets, 3 mm standard, 4 mm for heavy glass | Board weight is chosen to the loaded set weight, not the empty box |
| Wrap paper | Coated art paper printed CMYK + up to 4 Pantone · textured or leatherette · velvet | Typical partner-factory range 120–160 gsm art paper; laminated (gloss, matte, soft-touch) before wrapping | Soft-touch laminate scuffs in transit; specify a scuff test on the sample |
| Embellishment | Hot stamp (gold, silver, colour, holographic) · blind emboss · deboss · spot UV | ≤2 passes of hot stamp and print combined; foil plate relief ≥0.6 mm | Copper plates outlast zinc and resin; approve foil on the actual wrap paper |
| Insert | Die-cut EVA foam · thermoformed PET/PS · moulded paper pulp · card platform · flocked tray | Gap between insert and product ≤1 mm; no rattle; products removable with one hand | Cut after the primary packs are approved, never in parallel |
| Closure and extras | Magnets (neodymium, sealed under the wrap) · ribbon pull · belly band · outer sleeve · tissue | Magnet stays closed under 5 kg bag compression | Magnets add one component and one hand-assembly step |
| Sustainability | FSC-certified board · recycled greyboard · soy-based inks · water-based varnish · pulp insert | FSC chain-of-custody certificate from mill to finished box | The FSC claim is invalid without the CoC certificate on file |
Insert options compared
| Insert | Suits | Tooling | Working minimum | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Die-cut EVA foam | Glass bottles, jars, mixed sets with weight | Cutting die, low cost | ~500 | Best hold and unboxing; not paper-recyclable; colour-matched foam adds a set-up |
| Thermoformed PET / PS tray | Uniform small components, travel kits | Thermoform tool, modest one-off | ~1,000–2,000 | Clean look; can be flocked (fibre driven at 20–100 kV, dried >100°C); plastic in an eco-positioned set |
| Moulded paper pulp | Eco-positioned sets, glass under ~300 g per piece | Pulp mould, one-off | ~1,000–2,000 typical partner-factory range | Wholly paper; wider tolerances, so allow ~1–2 mm cavity clearance |
| Card platform (die-cut folding board) | Light components, sachets, tubes | Cutting die | ~500 | Lowest cost; weakest hold for glass |
| Flocked or velvet-lined tray | Prestige fragrance and skincare sets | Flocking line, no mould | With the box run | Dust control and cut-fibre grade decide the finish |
MOQ, tooling and lead time by route
| Route | Indicative minimum | Tooling | Lead time, factory gate | Buffered (×1.3) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Printed folding carton (E-flute or 350–450 gsm board) as the set outer | 2,000–5,000; digital print from ~100–500 | Cutting die, print plates | 10–15 days after artwork approval | 13–20 days |
| Rigid box, standard telescope or magnetic-flap, printed wrap | ~500–1,000 via partner factories tooled for small runs; industry 2,000–5,000 | Cutting die + hot-stamp plate; no mould | 20–30 days production after sample approval; 35–50 days from artwork incl. sampling | 26–39 days production; +15 days across Chinese New Year |
| Rigid box, complex (drawer, gatefold, multi-compartment) | ~1,000+ | Multiple dies; hand assembly | 30–45 days; 55–70 days from artwork | 39–59 days |
| Rigid box + EVA or pulp insert | As above, insert ~500–2,000 by type | Insert die or pulp mould | Insert cut after primary-pack approval; runs inside the box window | — |
| Coordinated set: box + sprayed primary packs | 3,000–5,000 sets when every component carries sprayed colour; ~1,000 sets on stock components with colour in the box and print | Spray set-up per primary shape | Sprayed primary packs 30–40 days; glass 30–60 days; box last | Plan the box against the slowest primary component |
QC thresholds a gift set is signed against
| Test | Method | Pass threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Full-set assembly | Box, insert and all products assembled | No rattle; insert-to-product gap ≤1 mm; lid engages within 2 mm of flush |
| Colour | Box wrap, tissue, insert and product decoration against the master reference, D65 light | ΔE within agreed tolerance (a 2 ΔE drift across components is visible); Pantone spot colours approved at press-ready stage |
| Magnet closure | Force gauge; 5 kg bag compression | Pull 0.8–1.5 N; stays shut under 5 kg |
| Drop, assembled set | 60 cm edge drop; e-commerce sets to ISTA 3A sequence | No product movement, no corner damage |
| Print rub resistance | 500 g weight, 2–4 layers of white cloth in 95% ethanol, 50 strokes over ~30 mm | No board exposed, no colour change |
| Fold endurance (wrap and folding parts) | 180° fold at the score line × 5 | No cracking; edge tear ≤1 cm |
| Board moisture | Dried at 100–105°C to constant weight | ≤8% |
| Delamination | Visual and peel on laminated wrap | ≤20 cm² per m²; edge lift ≤2 mm |
| Structural load (retail-stacked outers) | Loaded carton under platen | Supports 3× its own weight without deformation; BCT safety factor 3–5 for sea freight |
| Barcode | ANSI verifier scan | Grade B or above; GS1 placement |
| Acceptance sampling | ISO 2859-1 general level II | AQL critical 0 · major 1.0–1.5 · minor 2.5–4.0 |
| Heavy metals in inks and board | Third-party laboratory | Pb+Cd+Hg+Cr(VI) ≤100 ppm (EU 94/62/EC) |
Materials and finishes: what works with what
| Choice | What goes wrong | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Soft-touch laminate on the wrap | Scuffs and shows finger marks in transit and on shelf | Scuff test on the sample; polythene bag each set; consider matte laminate + spot UV instead |
| Hot stamp on textured or velvet paper | Broken foil, ghosting on 10–25% of the image | Foil approved on the actual wrap; copper plate; smooth panel under the logo |
| Dark solid wrap colours | Board shows through at corners and edges | Pre-coloured wrap stock or a 2-pass print; corner wrap approved on the sample |
| EVA foam against sprayed or soft-touch primary packs | Foam colour or plasticiser transfer over months | Foam grade tested against the decorated pack: 48°C / 30-day contact hold |
| Paper pulp insert with heavy glass | Cavity crushes; glass moves | Pulp for pieces under ~300 g; EVA or pulp-plus-card platform above it |
| Coordinated colour across box, cap and bottle | Printed board, sprayed ABS and sprayed glass drift apart | One Pantone reference, one decoration run, samples approved side by side in one hand |
| Gift set shipped in the retail box only | Corner crush, glass breakage | Double-wall shipping outer (6–8 mm), dividers, stacking limit 1.5 m |
Export packing and transit standard for assembled sets
| Layer | Specification | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Inner protection | Insert holds each piece, ≤1 mm gap; polythene bag around the set | No movement; dust and damp protection for the wrap |
| Shipping outer | Double-wall B/C or A/B corrugated, 6–8 mm; FEFCO 0201 or 0300 telescope for heavy glass | Stacking and puncture resistance |
| Glass sets | Suspended tray + air-column bag, compression ≥200 kg, tested to ISTA 3A | Breakage target ≤0.3% on arrival |
| Carton acceptance | Corner gaps ≤5 mm; moisture ≤8%; print position ±1 cm; H-seal with acrylic tape | OQC gate before loading |
| Pallet | Stacking limit printed on the carton; laminated printed cartons stacked ≤1.5 m; tested to GB/T 4857 (ISO 2234) | Predictable load on the bottom carton |
| Mode | Sea typically 5–8× cheaper per m³ than air; 18–25 days to US West Coast, 30–35 to Northern Europe; air 3–7 days | Sets are volume, not weight; fly only the quantity that protects a date |
Six-module program for gift sets
| Module | What we do for this product | Deliverable |
|---|---|---|
| 1 · Spec | Box style, greyboard weight (1,200–1,600 gsm), wrap and laminate, embellishment, insert type and cavity map, magnet force, FSC requirement; the primary packs specified first so the insert is cut to approved parts | Packaging Spec Sheet |
| 2 · Source | Route the box to a Yiwu / Shanghai / Suzhou paper partner factory and the primary packs to their own factories; quote folding-carton, standard rigid and complex rigid routes with the real minimum per component | Quote + Supplier Options |
| 3 · Sample | White sample for structure, then a printed, wrapped, hot-stamped pre-production sample assembled with the approved products; rattle, gap, lid, magnet and 60 cm drop checked; colour approved side by side | Golden Sample + Compatibility Report |
| 4 · Mould | No mould for the box: cutting dies and foil plates are itemised and owned by the brand; a private mould applies only to a primary pack inside the set (30/40/30, ownership with the brand) | Mould Ownership Agreement |
| 5 · QC | IQC on board and wrap; IPQC on print and wrapping; FQC full-set assembly against the golden sample at ΔE under D65; rub, fold, moisture and barcode checks; OQC to agreed AQL | Inspection Report |
| 6 · Ship | Box scheduled last, after the slowest primary component; double-wall outers, ISTA 3A packing for glass, breakage ≤0.3%; ×1.3 buffer and CNY +15 days; one consolidated shipment | Production Calendar + Packing Standard |
The carton grades, ISTA 3A packing and the ≤0.3% breakage target are on export packing and transit standards; folding cartons, board weights and finishes on paper packaging; and the perfume, diffuser and candle sets that most often go into a rigid box on fragrance packaging solutions. The four inspection gates are on our QC standards, the questions to ask any supplier on how to evaluate a China packaging supplier, and the primary packs that fill the insert on fragrance bottles and glass bottles.
Related standards:
- Decoration process comparison — hot stamp foil structure, flocking and what each does to the minimum.
- Lead time and the China production calendar — Q4 peak season, ×1.3 buffer, CNY +15 days.
- Factory audit checklist — section H, warehousing and logistics, where packing discipline is audited.
- Indie brand launch — budget and timeline for a first set with fewer than three SKUs.
- Real minimum order quantities, by route.
Gift set packaging fails in ways that don't show until assembly.
A rigid box that looks perfect empty can fail once the products are in — rattling, misaligned foam, colour mismatch between box and product decoration. Vella does a full assembly check before production approval.
01
Full Set Assembly Check
Before approving production, we assemble a complete gift set — box, foam insert, all products — and test the complete unit for rattle (none acceptable), gap between foam and products (max 1mm), and lid close (must engage within 2mm of flush).
02
Colour System Consistency
Box exterior, tissue paper, foam insert and individual product decoration are all checked against a master colour reference. A 2 Delta E variation across components is visible to the eye — we reject any component that drifts.
03
Magnet Closure Force
Magnetic closure boxes must close with a satisfying snap but open with one hand without effort. We measure magnet pull force (target: 0.8–1.5 N) and verify the closure stays shut under 5kg bag-compression.
04
Drop Test
Gift sets ship in e-commerce. We simulate a 60cm edge drop on a fully assembled set — no product movement, no box corner damage. If products shift in the foam, we redesign the insert before production.
Frequently asked about gift set packaging.
What is the difference between a rigid box and a folding carton for gift sets?
A rigid box is constructed from chipboard (2–4mm thick) wrapped in printed or textured paper — it cannot collapse and creates an unboxing experience with weight, structure and texture. A folding carton is a lighter, printed board that ships flat. For gifting and premium launches, rigid boxes are standard — the unboxing experience is part of the product.
How do I spec the insert tray for my gift set?
The insert holds each product in place during shipping and creates a visual presentation at open. EVA foam die-cut inserts are the most common — we need to know each product's dimensions and weight. We design the foam cut pattern to hold each piece securely with no rattling. Paper pulp trays are available for eco-positioned sets.
Can the box and each product inside have coordinated decoration?
Yes — and this is one of Vella's core advantages. We source the outer gift box and the inner products (bottles, jars, tubes) together, ensuring the decoration, colour system and finish treatments are coordinated across the whole set. You don't have to manage multiple factories and hope they match.
What is the MOQ for a custom rigid gift box?
Custom rigid gift boxes from 500 units. Highly complex structures (gatefold, multi-compartment) from 1,000 units. Setup fees apply for die-cutting and setup. Gift boxes are typically developed alongside product development — we start the box design process as soon as we have confirmed product dimensions.
Can I get a gift set box that meets FSC sustainability requirements?
Yes. FSC-certified board is available for all rigid box constructions. We require the factory's FSC chain-of-custody certificate and can provide it to you for use in your brand's sustainability communications. FSC compliance is standard practice for EU-sold gift sets.
How long does a custom rigid gift box take from China, and when should I order for a holiday launch?
A standard rigid box runs 20–30 days of production at the factory gate after the pre-production sample is approved, or 35–50 days from artwork including a white sample and a printed sample; complex drawer, gatefold or multi-compartment structures run 55–70 days. The insert is cut only after the primary packs are confirmed, so the box is scheduled against the slowest component inside it — sprayed primary packs 30–40 days, glass 30–60 days. Multiply the quoted cycle by 1.3, add 7–10 days across Golden Week (1–7 October) and 15 days across Chinese New Year (6 February 2027), then add sea freight of typically 18–25 days to the US West Coast or 30–35 days to Northern Europe plus 5–10 days of clearance at each end. September–November is the peak season, so a Q4 holiday set should be confirmed by July–August.
Often ordered with gift set packaging.
Read before you brief us.
Not sure what to specify? Use the Packaging Spec Builder — formula, volume, quantity and launch date in, a 12-line spec sheet with MOQ verdict and order-by date out.
Tell us what you need,
we'll find it.
Send a brief — format, size, quantity, finish — and we'll come back with factory options, material recommendations and an indicative price within 24 hours.
Three things worth reading first.
- What eight China suppliers actually publish as their minimum order quantity — Dalica, Boyu, Gidea PAC, Topfeel Pack, UKPACK, Lisson, JingSourcing and Vella side by side, each figure quoted from that company’s own page. The published industry floor is 5,000–10,000 pieces per item, and this explains what moves it.
- Why a matched collection across bottles, jars and tubes is harder than it looks — a spray minimum attaches to the shape, not the colour, so six formats in one colour is six set-ups rather than one. Plus why two “white” components from the same brief can still fail to match.
- Sourcing partner, factory or trading company — which do you actually need? — eight questions that reveal which model a supplier really belongs to, including the honest case against using a sourcing partner at all.