Photo: Sorapop Udomsri (Shutterstock)
Children can be fickle creatures. A toy they wanted more than anything else could lose its appeal in a matter of minutes. But through fads and trends, one item has kept kids entertained for generation: A (large) cardboard box.
To a kid, a cardboard box that’s big enough for them to fit inside with a friend or sibling has the potential to be anything: A fort, a plane, a spaceship, an office cubicle, or their own personal library. It can also simply be a cardboard box that they sit inside while everyone else is stuck on boring couch or chairs.
That’s why we propose gifting your little kid a giant cardboard box—not as a replacement for their other present(s), but as something to add that doesn’t cost much, but they’re likely to enjoy. Here are some ideas.
How to gift a cardboard box to your young child
The first step is finding the right box. If you happen to be getting a new large appliance sometime very soon, then you’re all set. Otherwise, you can either buy a new cardboard box at a hardware, office supply, moving/shipping, or big box store, or hit up one of the places were you can often get them for free. Then assemble the box (if it comes flat).
Once you have the box, it’s time to fill it. It’s up to you what goes in there, but keep in mind that you’ll have to clean it up (i.e. avoid packing peanuts). Some options include: A special pillow and blanket for taking naps, some of those plastic balls you’d normally put in a ball pit, or a bunch of tissue paper. You can also throw in some art supplies or props they can use to transform their box, or a few books they can use as inspiration.
Finally, wrap up the box (a bow is an optional, but fun touch), and place it under the tree.
