Pillow boxes are a unique approach when it comes to packaging your retail products, promotional materials, or gifts. They are a popular choice in custom packaging options and if you’re trying to narrow down your options to choose the perfect box style for your packaging needs or are wondering what the benefits of a custom pillow box are, then you’ve come to the right place.

Here you will find everything you need to know about what a pillow box is, how it works, what the benefits are, and more so you can figure out if this unique box style is the right option for your packaging goals.

What Are Pillow Boxes?

Pillow boxes—also referred to as “pillow gift boxes,” “pillow packaging boxes,” or “pillow pack gift boxes”—are a type of folding carton style or packaging box used to package lightweight marketing materials, gifts, and products.

These one-of-a-kind boxes come in various standard and custom sizes. They are constructed using a variety of paper options and feature two rounded flaps, or tabs, on each end. These flaps fold inward on top of each other and are pushed down to pop the box into a pillow shape and securing it shut.

Pillow boxes are used by a variety of industries and are popularly used by small businesses and larger ones. They typically use less paper than other folding carton styles making them an extremely affordable packaging option. They can also be used for packaging many different kinds of items, for example:

• Food and candy packaging
• Jewelry packaging
• Handmade soap packaging
• Cosmetic packaging
• Party favor and gift packaging
• Boxing up apparel items
• Packaging small trinkets
• Promotional material packaging
• Boxing up product samples
• Boxing up photos, gift cards, or business cards

The Benefits of a Pillow Box

Pillow boxes have many advantages and with their distinctive shape, they add more to the table than other folding carton styles like tuck end boxes or snap lock bottom boxes.

They can be used for any light-weight item and come in a variety of sizes to package any small to medium sized item.

Custom pillow box benefits include:

• They are easy to assemble as they easily pop into shape.
• They are easy to open and close for easy access to the packaged items.
• They effectively promote your brand and add value to the items you package inside.
• There are endless customization options.
• Embellishment options include window cut outs, coatings, and more.
• They can be printed in full color on the inside and outside, the outside only, or inside only.
• They use less paper than other folding carton styles making them cost-effective.
• Their unique shape makes your brand and packaged items stand out.
• They come in various standard and custom sizes.
• They are perfect for small and large businesses.
• They can package a variety of materials including promotional items, handmade products, retail products, or gifts.
• No glue or tape is needed to secure the closure tabs shut unless you wish to package a heavyweight item.
• They make it easy to hand out items at tradeshows or events while increasing brand awareness.

How Does a Pillow Box Work?

Pillow boxes are created using a front and back panel and two flaps, or closure tabs, on each end of the box.

To design a custom pillow box, you will need to use a pillow box template that your printer can provide for you. Everything that you place within the outlines of the template will be displayed on your pillow box shape when printed. A die cutter will then cut along those outlines to create the physical template that will be folded and glued together to create the box.

The cutout paper will then be folded along the crease line between the front and back panels. Glue will then be applied to the glue area attaching the two panels together when folded on top of each other.

To assemble the box into its unique pillow shape all you need to do is:

• Start on one end of the box and fold the two tabs inwards on top of each other forcing the front and back panels to separate in the center.
• Then place your items inside of the open end and fold those tabs inward as well to close the box.
• Your pillow box will pop into place and create the pillow shape and the closure tabs will secure your packaged items inside.

Why Choose a Pillow Box?

With so many different box styles to choose from, it can be hard to figure out whether a custom pillow box is the right packaging option for you.

When it comes down to it, you need to keep in mind your budget and your packaging goals when choosing between a pillow box or another box style.

If you’re looking to display your packaged items on a retail shelf or looking to package heavy items, you should consider other packaging options because pillow boxes do not display flat or stack and can only hold lighter in weight items without the use of glue or tape.

Custom pillow boxes are a great choice for you if:

• You want to package lightweight or small items—heavier items require glue or tape to keep the closure tabs secure.
• You’re looking for an affordable packaging option as pillow boxes are one of the most cost-effective box styles available.
• You’re looking to add brand awareness and stand out amongst competition with a unique packaging style.
• You’re looking to package party favors, gifts, small promotional items, or product samples.
• The retail or handmade products you have for sale could benefit from a unique and branded packaging box.
• You’re looking to add value to your brand and the items packaged inside of your box.

Where Can I Get Custom Pillow Boxes?

Printers like Conquest Graphics offer custom pillow box printing. We offer a variety of sizes, finishes, embellishments, and paper stocks to meet your packaging goals and budget.

If you’re interested in the pillow box benefits head over to our pillow box product page by clicking the button below and share with us what you’re looking for. We have everything you need to create the perfect, cost-effective, and stunning custom pillow box and we can’t wait to help you get started!