Custom Handle Boxes for Takeout, Gifts and Party Favors

What are handle boxes?

A handle box is a carton with a grip shaped into its top panels. When you close the box, the two halves of the grip meet and lock together.

Nothing extra gets attached. There is no string to tie and no plastic handle to buy, so the whole pack is one paper material.

Our product photos show three versions. The gable box is tall and roomy, the cube has a rounded loop, and the flat box has a tab that rises from the lid.

Gable, cube or flat: which handle box fits my product?

All three carry well, but they sit, stack and fill differently. The table is a quick guide. Then tell us what goes inside.

How do I measure for a handle box?

Measure your product's length, width and height. Then add space for a napkin, a fork or tissue if they travel with it.

The grip sits above the box body. The height you give us is the inside space only, not the total height with the handle raised.

If one box holds two items, such as a cupcake and a drink pouch, measure them side by side as they will be packed.

Our step-by-step box measuring guide explains how to read length, width and height the way we use them.

Which board is best for a handle box?

White or kraft paperboard suits most jobs. It folds cleanly, takes print well and stays light in the hand.

A heavy load puts all the strain on the grip. For a full meal or a jar gift set, E flute corrugated at about 1/16 in (1.5 mm) makes a sturdier handle.

Tell us roughly what the filled box feels like to lift, and we will suggest a board with your quote. For bigger moving or storage cartons, see cardboard boxes with hand holes.

What print and finishes work on carry boxes?

People carry these boxes down the street, so every side gets seen. Stripes, polka dots and all-over patterns look great from any angle.

We print plain, one color, two color or full color CMYK, outside and inside. Uncoated kraft gives a craft-market feel. Matte or gloss lamination keeps white board crisp.

Foil stamping or spot UV on the logo panel suits gift lines. Embossing works best on flat areas away from the handle folds.

Browse our custom printed box styles if you want to compare other shapes before you decide.

How do I pack a handle box quickly?

Fold a stack before the lunch rush and stand them open on a shelf. During service, your team only fills and closes.

Teach new hires to hold the box by its base while filling. Pulling the grip on an open box can tear the slot.

Lay a square of parchment under greasy food to keep the floor clean. Press the top panels together until the handle halves click into place.

For favors, put the gift in first and tuck tissue in last. The tissue then peeks out when the lid opens.

Can I use handle boxes for holidays and events?

Yes. They are popular for birthday goodie boxes, wedding favors, Easter treats, Halloween candy and Thanksgiving gifts for guests.

A small cube with a loop can sit at each place setting as a name card and a present in one. Print names, a date or a short message on a side panel.

Want to reuse one box for several occasions? Print one design and leave a blank spot for a sticker.

Order early. Allow time for the proof, production of 4–6 business days and 2–3 business days of transit, so boxes arrive well ahead of the party.

If you want the treat visible, add a cutout. Our window boxes with clear product views show how that looks.

Why pick a handle box over a paper bag?

A bag lets a cake slide and tilt. A handle box keeps it upright on a flat base, so it arrives looking the way it left your counter.

It also saves a step. The box is the carrier, so no one has to box the item and then bag it.

Finally, a printed box gets noticed. Customers carry it through the parking lot, set it on a party table and often reuse it for small things at home.