How to Make Origami Gift Boxes

Origami gift boxes are a creative enhancement to any present. Origami is the art of folding paper, so no tape or glue is necessary. Origami can create a variety of objects using one or two pieces of paper. A gift box is a simple origami project suitable for all ages. Each piece of paper creates an open box (base or cover), so two origami boxes need to be created. Any type of paper can be used, from specialty origami paper, gift wrap or construction paper. The box can be further embellished with a creative design, stickers or a decorative ribbon.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Paper: 8 inches square and 8 1/2 inches square
• Optional: tape

1. Lay one square of paper flat and fold diagonally, bringing the top right corner down to meet the bottom left corner and form a triangle. Align the sides, and crease the diagonal fold before opening up the sheet to lay flat. Repeat with the opposite corner (i.e., fold the top left corner to the bottom right corner).

2. 
   Second fold to the central diagonal crease

   Bring the top right corner to meet the center (created by the intersecting folds), and crease the fold. Fold the top right fold down to align with the central diagonal fold, and crease this fold before opening up the sheet to lay flat. Rotate the sheet clockwise, one-quarter turn.

3. 
   Folded grid pattern

   Repeat step 2 for each of the remaining three corners, to create a folded grid pattern.

4. Bring the top right and bottom left corners to the center. Pull the folds of each of those sides upright (i.e., those folds are not flat, as in step 2) to begin to create two sides of a box.

5. 
   Diagonal folds to create four sides for the box

   Pull up bottom right corner to the first crease near the center, and hold it vertically (to form another side of the box). Notice that two corners where this side intersects with the previously created sides (in step 4) will jut out. Push each of these corners in so that each adjacent side meets at a right angle; sharply crease the diagonal fold for these corners. Repeat this step for the top left corner.

6. 
   Three sides of the box formed; three corners meet in the center.

   Pinch one set of the newly created folds, and fold the corner down to the center of the box. Note that the corner fits snugly between the two corners in step 4, and smooth the inside fold. Repeat with the remaining set of newly created folds on the other side.

7. 
   A completed open box

   Repeat steps 1 to 6 with the other sheet to create a second open box. Place the open end of the larger box over the open end of the small box to complete your gift box.

8. Stuff tissue paper inside the bottom (small box) to cushion your present if desired. You may also decorate your box or tie a pretty ribbon to enhance the presentation.

Tips & Warnings

• Sharp creases create crisp edges. Firmly crease your fold by rubbing your thumbnail along the edge.

References

• Sunnisan: Origami Gift Box
• U-Handbag: Origami Box