Gable box
Gable box · Paperboard
Custom gable boxes
Custom gable boxes are carry boxes with a handle built into the top, made from a single sheet of paperboard. They suit pastries, gift sets and takeout. We make them from 50 units per design.
- Over 30 years in print and packaging
- Free structural design
- From 50 units
- Plastic-free options
- Style
- Gable top with handle
- Board
- Paperboard or kraft
- Best for
- Carry-out, gifts
- Minimum order
- 50 units
- Typical production window
- 10–12 days
- Paper-first materials
- 100% recyclable
- For structural design
- $0
Overview
What is a gable box?
If food touches the board, tell us. Food-contact board and inks get specified on the dieline, and that's easier to decide before the proof than after.
A gable box has a roof-shaped top: two panels that meet in the middle and lock together to form a handle. The base is usually a lock bottom, so it holds weight.
It's carried, not mailed. People pick it up by the handle, which makes it good for bakeries, delis and events.
- Handle. Formed by the top panels, with a die-cut grip.
- Lock bottom. Holds the weight.
- Window (optional). Die-cut, to show the contents.
- Food-contact board (optional). When food touches it.
Specifications
Custom gable boxes: specifications
Every box is drawn to your product, so these are the options, not a fixed catalogue. Your specialist confirms the exact spec on the proof.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Style | Gable top with handle, lock bottom |
| Board | White or kraft paperboard. Food-contact board when needed |
| All panels, one color to full color | |
| Add-ons | Die-cut window, inserts for cupcakes |
| Size | Drawn to your contents |
| Recyclability | 100% recyclable unless soiled with grease |
| Minimum order | 50 units per design |
| Structural design | $0. We draw the dieline around your product |
| Proof | Digital proof on your dieline, checked for bleed, folds and barcodes |
| Production | 10–12 days on most orders, from proof approval. Shipping time is on top |
| Default finish | Aqueous coating on every box. Water-based, and it recycles with the box |
| Point of contact | One packaging specialist, from first sketch to delivery |
Board and build
Food or non-food gable box?
What touches the board decides.
| Contents | Board | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Wrapped items, gifts | Standard paperboard | Any print |
| Dry baked goods | Food-contact board | Dry food rules such as 21 CFR 176.180 |
| Greasy or moist food | Food-contact board with grease resistance | Aqueous and fatty food rules such as 21 CFR 176.170 |
We specify the board on the dieline once we know what goes in. You confirm the use; we match the board to it.
Compare
Gable box or bakery box?
Both carry food. They open differently.
| Gable box | Lidded bakery box | |
|---|---|---|
| Carry | By the handle | Flat, in two hands |
| Opens | From the top | Lid lifts |
| Best for | Pastries, small items | Cakes, wide items |
For cakes and trays, see custom bakery boxes.
Sizing
Size for the contents
Tell us what goes in: six pastries, two muffins, a gift set. Send the size of one item and the count, or a photo on a ruler.
We draw the base and handle to fit. How to measure a box explains the numbers.
Who uses gable boxes
- Bakeries and cafes. Pastries and muffins.
- Events and weddings. Favors and gift sets.
- Delis and takeout. Small meals.
- Retail gifts. See custom rigid boxes for premium sets.
Finishes
Finishes for carry boxes.
Aqueous coating goes on every box by default.
Aqueous coating
Default.
Foil stamping
For gift versions.
Debossing
Quiet on kraft.
Quote
Get a quote for custom gable boxes
One measurement and a quantity is enough to start. Your specialist replies with a structure, so you can see the box before you commit to anything.
How it works
Four steps, one person.
The specialist who picks up your first email stays with the project until the boxes arrive.
Step 01
Tell us what you're packing
Send the product dimensions, how it ships and how many you need. A photo on a ruler is enough to start.
Step 02
We draw the structure
Your packaging specialist builds the dieline around your product. Structural design is free.
Step 03
You approve the proof
Drop your artwork onto the dieline. We check bleed, folds and barcodes, and send a digital proof.
Step 04
We make and ship
Production takes 10–12 days on most orders. Boxes ship flat, packed in cartons, to your door.
FAQ
Custom gable boxes: questions.
What is the minimum order for custom gable boxes?
50 units per design.
Are gable boxes food safe?
When food touches the board, we specify food-contact board and inks. Tell us what goes in.
Can gable boxes hold weight?
Yes, with a lock bottom. Tell us the contents and your specialist checks the board.
Do gable boxes ship flat?
Yes, and they fold up quickly.
How long do custom gable boxes take?
10–12 days on most orders, counted from proof approval. Shipping time is on top.
Honest fit
When not to hire us.
You need to mail it
A gable box is a carry box. For the post, use a mailer.
You need fewer than 50 boxes
Our minimum is 50 units. For 10 or 20, a stock box with a printed sticker will cost you less.
You need boxes next week
Production runs 10–12 days before shipping. If your launch is sooner, buy stock boxes now and switch to custom for the next run.
You want plain brown boxes
If nothing gets printed, a stock box supplier is cheaper and faster. We're worth it once the box carries your brand.
Popular boxes
Related boxes.
Folding carton
Kraft boxes
Unbleached kraft cartons with one- or two-color print. Reads as natural without saying so.
Kraft
Folding carton
Paper pouch