When it comes to luxury gift boxes, there are two particular fan-favourites: magnetic snap shut boxes and lid and base boxes. Both look great, both make your products or gifts look great - but they each have their own vibe. So which one’s right for your brand? Let’s break it down so you can pick the perfect fit.
What are magnetic boxes?
Magnetic boxes (or as we also like to call them, snap shuts), have always been a popular choice for gift boxes. Often used as hampers, they have magnets embedded in the body of the box and lid, which close with an oh-so satisfying snap. They also feature ribbon tabs for extra luxury, and arrive at your door flat-pack so they’re super easy to store (but don’t worry, they're also really easy to assemble!).
Benefits of magnetic boxes:
- Made from sturdy board, ideal for protecting multiple products
- Available in different finishes, including matt, laminate, and ribbed
- Reusable, which adds value for eco-conscious brands
- Recyclable (after the magnets and ribbon tabs have been removed)
- Perfect canvas for foil or digitally printing your logo or design
- Ideal for luxury goods and premium unboxing videos
What are lid & base boxes?
Lid and base boxes (also known as two-piece rigid boxes) consist of a separate lid that lifts off the base. They’re a classic choice for packaging across loads of industries and products, from retail to gifting, with so many colours and sizes available that you can't really go wrong!
Benefits of lid & base boxes:
- Strong and sturdy - rigid design means they don’t fold or collapse
- Classic and cost-effective gift packaging solution
- Wide range of sizes, colours, and finishes
- Reusable and recyclable after use
- Can include a foam or card insert, perfect for jewellery
- Ideal for personalisation with either foil or digital printing
Side-by-side comparison of magnetic and lid & base boxes
| Magnetic Boxes | Lid & Base Boxes |
| One-piece flat-pack design | Two-piece rigid lid & base design |
| Built-in magnetic closure | Separate lift-off lid |
| Recyclable after magnets and ribbon tabs have been removed | Recyclable after use |
Which one should I choose?
Choose magnetic boxes if: you’re selling luxury goods or a hamper and want to stand out with a premium unboxing.
Choose lid & base boxes if: you need versatile, budget-friendly premium packaging that can work across multiple product types and industries.
In the end, both are excellent choices - it just depends on the goods you’re selling/gifting, and whether your priority is luxury impact or cost-effective versatility.
Find your perfect gift box
Ready to order the perfect packaging for your brand? Explore our full range of gift boxes or contact us for custom options.
