Packaging Guides
Rigid Boxes: The Ultimate Guide to Luxury Packaging (2026)
Cubit Team
April 13, 2026
Rigid boxes represent the pinnacle of premium packaging. From Apple product boxes to Tiffany jewelry cases, the most iconic unboxing experiences in the world use rigid box construction. With 6,600+ monthly searches and growing demand from luxury, cosmetics, and electronics brands, rigid boxes are the go-to choice when presentation matters as much as protection.
Quick Answer: Rigid boxes (also called setup boxes or luxury boxes) are thick chipboard boxes that do not fold flat. They are 3-4x thicker than standard folding cartons, providing substantial weight and premium tactile feel. Custom rigid boxes typically cost $3-$15+ per unit depending on size, construction, and finishes.
What Are Rigid Boxes?
Rigid boxes are made from thick chipboard (1,200-2,000 GSM) wrapped in printed paper, specialty fabrics, or coated stock. Unlike folding cartons or mailer boxes, rigid boxes:
- Do not fold flat — They arrive fully formed and ready to use
- Feel substantial — The thickness and weight convey luxury and quality
- Last forever — Customers keep them long after purchase (free brand exposure)
- Support premium finishes — Foil, emboss, deboss, spot UV, fabric wrapping
- Protect fragile products — Thick walls provide superior impact protection
Types of Rigid Boxes
1. Two-Piece (Lift-Off Lid) Boxes
The classic luxury box: separate base and lid. The lid lifts straight up to reveal the product inside. Used for jewelry, watches, high-end electronics, and premium gifts.
2. Magnetic Closure Boxes
Hinged lid with embedded magnets that snap shut with a satisfying click. Combines the drama of a lift-off lid with the convenience of a hinged design. Perfect for cosmetics, tech accessories, and recurring gift products.
3. Collapsible (Foldable) Rigid Boxes
Rigid boxes that collapse flat for storage and shipping. Magnets or adhesive hold them in shape when assembled. The best of both worlds: premium feel with reduced shipping costs.
4. Book-Style (Clamshell) Boxes
Opens like a book with a hinged spine. Often includes ribbon closures or magnetic snaps. Used for premium stationery, photographs, and high-end product presentations.
5. Drawer (Slide-Out) Boxes
An inner tray that slides out from an outer sleeve, like a matchbox. Creates a slow, deliberate reveal experience. Popular for luxury candles, fragrances, and multi-product gift sets.
6. Shoulder Neck Boxes
Features an elevated inner platform (shoulder) that presents the product at a higher level when the lid is removed. Used for perfume bottles, spirits, and any product that benefits from a pedestal presentation.
Materials and Construction
| Component | Options | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Board Thickness | 1,200-2,000 GSM chipboard | Thicker = more premium feel |
| Wrap Material | Art paper, specialty paper, fabric, leatherette | Determines exterior look and texture |
| Interior | Foam, velvet, satin, EVA, paper-covered | Product protection and luxury perception |
| Closure | Magnetic, ribbon, snap, lift-off | Unboxing experience and convenience |
Customization and Finishing Options
Exterior Finishes
- Foil stamping — Hot foil in gold, silver, rose gold, holographic, or custom Pantone colors
- Embossing — Raised 3D texture for logos, patterns, or typography
- Debossing — Pressed-in texture for a subtle, refined effect
- Spot UV — Selective gloss coating on matte surface for contrast
- Soft-touch lamination — Velvety matte finish that feels luxurious
- Fabric wrapping — Linen, silk, suede, or leather-textured paper
Interior Options
- Custom foam insert — Die-cut EVA or PE foam contoured to your product shape
- Velvet or satin lining — Soft fabric in custom colors for ultimate luxury
- Paper-wrapped insert — Chipboard dividers wrapped in matching or contrasting paper
- Ribbon pull — Satin ribbon for easy product removal
Rigid Boxes vs Folding Cartons
| Feature | Rigid Boxes | Folding Cartons |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 1,200-2,000 GSM | 300-600 GSM |
| Construction | Pre-assembled, does not fold flat | Ships flat, assembles at packing |
| Premium feel | Maximum luxury perception | Good but lighter feel |
| Cost | $3-$15+ per unit | $0.50-$3 per unit |
| Best for | Luxury, gifts, high-value products | Retail, mass market, cost-conscious |
Industries Using Rigid Boxes
Jewelry and Watches
The original rigid box application. Velvet-lined interiors with foam inserts contoured to ring, necklace, or watch shapes.
Cosmetics and Beauty
Perfume boxes, makeup palettes, and skincare gift sets. Soft-touch matte exterior with foil-stamped logos.
Electronics and Tech
Apple-inspired packaging for headphones, smartphones, and premium gadgets. Collapsible rigid boxes gaining popularity for ecommerce.
Spirits and Wine
Shoulder neck boxes for bottles, with magnetic closures and satin interiors.
Pricing Guide
| Type | Size Range | Price Range (per unit) | MOQ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small jewelry box | 3x3x1.5 inches | $3-$5 | 250 |
| Medium cosmetic box | 6x6x3 inches | $5-$8 | 250 |
| Large gift box | 10x8x4 inches | $8-$12 | 250 |
| Wine/spirit box | 4x4x13 inches | $6-$10 | 500 |
| Collapsible rigid | 8x6x3 inches | $4-$7 | 500 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a rigid box?
A rigid box (setup box) is a thick chipboard box that does not fold flat. It is 3-4x thicker than folding cartons and is wrapped in decorative paper or fabric. Rigid boxes are the standard for luxury packaging across jewelry, cosmetics, electronics, and spirits.
How much do custom rigid boxes cost?
Custom rigid boxes typically cost $3-$15+ per unit depending on size, construction, and finishes. Small jewelry boxes start around $3/unit while large gift boxes with premium finishes can reach $12-$15+ per unit.
What is the minimum order for rigid boxes?
At Cubit, minimum orders for custom rigid boxes start at 250 units. Some styles can be produced in quantities as low as 100 with digital printing.
Can rigid boxes fold flat for shipping?
Traditional rigid boxes cannot fold flat. However, collapsible (foldable) rigid boxes use magnetic or adhesive construction that allows them to ship flat and pop into shape on demand.
How long does rigid box production take?
Standard production for custom rigid boxes is 15-25 business days after sample approval. The longer lead time compared to folding cartons is due to the multi-step construction process.
🛒 Order Custom Rigid Boxes
Cubit offers custom rigid boxes with magnetic closures, foil stamping & velvet inserts. 1.5mm–3mm chipboard, FSC-certified. 500 MOQ, 12-day turnaround.
Order custom rigid boxes. Custom Rigid Boxes → — magnetic closure, foil stamping, velvet inserts. From $3.50/unit, 500 MOQ. Browse rigid boxes →