Custom Gable Boxes

What is a gable box?

A gable box is a folding carton whose top panels rise into a peak, like the gable end of a house roof, with a handle cut into the peak so the box carries itself. The base is usually a quick-lock bottom that holds weight, and the top closes by folding two roof panels together and locking the handle through them. Since the box is its own carrier, it replaces a separate bag or tote, which is why they are popular for take-home food, party favors and small gifts. Custom gable boxes add your logo, pattern or event theme to every face, including the handle that the customer holds. They sit in our food packaging range, though many orders are for gifts.

Where are gables used?

• Bakeries and cafés — cookies, muffins and pastries carried out without a bag
• Restaurants and kids' menus — a meal box with a toy or snack, ready to carry
• Lunch and catering kits — a sandwich, a side and a dessert for each guest; see catering boxes
• Party and wedding favors — candy, mini treats or small gifts at each seat
• Retail and gift shops — a branded box that works as a shopping bag
• Corporate events — welcome kits and swag handed out at the door

Which size do I need?

Every box is made to your contents, but most orders fall into three groups.

Height in the table is measured to the shoulder, below the roof panels. To size a box, measure your item or packed set, leave a little room — a quarter inch around is typical — and allow extra height if items stack. Large gable boxes that carry several pounds use a heavier board; tell us roughly what the packed box weighs. Ordering a sample gable (it takes 5–7 days) is the easiest way to check the handle under a real load.

White, kraft or black gable boxes?

• White gable boxes print the brightest colors and give a clean bakery look; they also work unprinted with one logo.
• Kraft board suits natural, farm and eco brands and take one or two dark inks well.
• Black gable boxes are printed solid black edge to edge, often with a white or gold-tone logo, for evening events and premium gifts.

Eco-minded shops can pick FSC-certified or compostable gable board, and plain paperboard is widely recyclable.

Can gable boxes have a window?

A window lets customers see the treats or favors inside without opening the box. Gable boxes with a window are made by cutting an opening in the front panel and covering it with a clear film. Many buyers searching for clear gable boxes really want to show off the contents; a window does that while keeping the printed paperboard body and the strong handle. If you need a fully see-through box, note that we work in paperboard only.

Can you put food in a gable?

They can be. For food, choose a food-safe coating, and add grease-resistant coating for buttery pastries, fried snacks or anything oily. Moisture-resistant coating helps with chilled items and condensation. Wrapped candy and packaged snacks can go straight in an uncoated box. A card insert can hold cups, muffins or jars upright so they do not slide when the box swings by its handle.

Personalized gable boxes for parties and gifts

These personalized gables can show a name, a date, a monogram or a short message, which makes them simple keepsakes at weddings, showers, birthdays and graduations. Since one gable design starts at 100 pieces, you can print one event run in your theme colors next to an everyday store design. Gable gift boxes also work for holiday client gifts; for other gift shapes, see our party favor boxes. For restaurant menus, printed burger boxes can share the same design.

Can I make a gable box myself?

You can fold a basic one from a printed template and card stock, and craft stores sell plain decorative gable boxes for home projects. For a business, a die-cut box is faster to fold, stronger at the handle and printed edge to edge in your brand. We send a free dieline for your size, so your designer can place artwork exactly where each panel falls.

Kids' meals and food service

Restaurants use them as kids' meal carriers because the handle makes the box easy for small hands and leaves room for a toy, a drink coupon or a coloring panel printed on the side. Delis and cafés use the larger sizes for grab-and-go lunches: a wrapped sandwich, a bag of chips and a cookie, closed with the handle and ready for the customer to carry back to the office. Choose a grease-resistant coating for fried items and keep sauces in sealed cups. Matching the print to your menu boards or bags makes the box feel like part of the brand rather than an extra.

Where can I buy gable boxes in bulk?

Plain ones are sold at craft and party stores in small packs. Custom printed gable boxes are made to order by a packaging manufacturer, for single runs or wholesale and bulk orders. Bakeries often order the same design in two sizes, and many add matching popcorn boxes or takeout boxes so every carry-out item looks related. If your menu includes pizza, we also make printed pizza boxes with your logo.

From artwork to delivery

Tell us the size, the count per design and what goes inside, and attach your logo. We price your gables, draw a free dieline and then share a digital proof; the gables are printed only once you have approved it. Expect your gables 8–10 business days after the gable proof is signed. The minimum is 100 per design. Gables ship flat, US orders over $500 go free, and international delivery is available. Our designers lay out gable artwork at no cost on every print order. Ask for a quote on your gables.