What to do with old gift boxes? Try these 4 creative DIY reuse ideas for stylish and practical home storage

Old gift boxes often end up tucked away in cupboards or thrown out after birthdays, weddings and festivals. Instead of discarding them, you can give these sturdy boxes a new purpose with a little creativity. From drawer organisers to desk storage, here are five easy DIY ideas to turn old gift boxes into useful and attractive storage solutions for your home.

1. Turn Gift Boxes Into Drawer Organisers
Small gift boxes are ideal for organising drawers where items such as jewellery, stationery, accessories and other small essentials can easily get mixed up.


How to make it:

• Collect gift boxes of different sizes.
• Remove any loose paper or damaged parts.
• Cover the boxes with leftover wrapping paper, fabric or decorative sheets.
• Place them inside a drawer to create separate sections.
• Use smaller boxes inside larger ones to organise tiny items.
• This is a simple way to keep drawers neat without buying separate organisers.

2. Make a Stylish Desk Organiser
A larger gift box can be converted into a simple organiser for your work or study table. It can hold notebooks, pens, chargers, sticky notes and other everyday items.

How to make it:

• Choose a sturdy rectangular gift box.
• Cover the outside with decorative paper or fabric.
• Add smaller cardboard dividers inside the box.
• Label each section according to its contents.
• Place the finished organiser on your desk.
• You can match the colours and patterns with your room décor for a more coordinated look.

3. Create a Jewellery Storage Box
Instead of keeping old gift boxes unused, turn smaller ones into jewellery organisers. This can be particularly useful for storing earrings, rings, bracelets and other small accessories.

How to make it:

• Select a shallow gift box with a lid.
• Line the base with soft fabric.
• Add small cardboard compartments inside.
• Use separate sections for different types of jewellery.
• Decorate the lid with ribbons, beads or leftover craft material.
• Make sure the box is kept in a dry place to protect both the box and your jewellery.

4. Make a Decorative Storage Box
If you have larger gift boxes, give them a makeover and use them as decorative storage containers. They can be placed on shelves, under tables or in other areas where you need extra storage.

How to make it:

• Clean the box and check that it is sturdy.
• Cover it completely with decorative paper or fabric.
• Add a ribbon, label or simple embellishment.
• Use the box to store documents, craft supplies, children's toys or seasonal decorations.
• Keep heavier items at the bottom when stacking multiple boxes.
• This DIY idea allows you to create storage that is both practical and decorative.

Tips to Make Old Gift Boxes Look Better

A few simple additions can make reused gift boxes look more polished. Try using leftover wrapping paper, jute rope, ribbons, fabric scraps, stickers or handmade labels. You can also paint plain boxes or add simple patterns to give them a personalised look.

Before reusing a gift box, make sure it is clean, dry and strong enough for the items you plan to store. Damaged or damp cardboard boxes are better recycled rather than reused for storage.

Why Reuse Old Gift Boxes?

Reusing gift boxes is an easy way to reduce household waste while creating inexpensive storage solutions. It can also help keep small items organised without requiring additional storage products. With a few basic craft supplies, an old gift box can become a useful organiser for almost any room in the house.