tray and lid boxes

tray and lid boxes are two piece boxes made from a shallow base tray that holds the product and a separate lid that fits over it, giving a simple, elegant lift off opening. At Custom Postal Boxes we make tray and lid boxes to order from rigid board wrapped in your printed paper, sized precisely for gifts, sets and premium retail products.

How tray and lid boxes are put together

Each part starts as rigid board that is cut, formed and wrapped. The tray has a flat base and four low walls, finished with turned in wrap so the inside looks as neat as the outside. The lid mirrors the shape with slightly larger dimensions and deeper or shallower walls depending on the style you want. A full depth lid that covers most of the tray feels formal and secure. A shallow lid leaves a band of tray colour visible, which designers often use for a two colour effect. Because both parts are rigid, the finished box stacks well, sits square on shelves and keeps its shape through repeated opening.

Choosing tray and lid boxes for your products

Fit, inserts and the lift off moment

The tray should be sized so the product sits inside without sliding, with any insert doing the fine positioning. Card inserts can create compartments for sets, raise a hero product, or hold bottles and jars apart. The lid fit deserves testing with the insert and product in place, because tissue, ribbon or a card on top can add height that a tight lid will crush. A good lift off lid releases with gentle, even resistance, which is a small detail customers notice every time they open the box.

Where this format shines

Gift sets, confectionery, candles, cosmetics, stationery and corporate gifts all suit this format, because the tray presents contents in one layer that can be taken in at a glance. It is also a natural choice for retail, where staff need to open, show and reclose a box many times a day without the packaging looking tired.

Styles and print to compare

Start with our custom two piece boxes and custom rigid boxes, then compare magnetic gift boxes if you want a hinged close instead. For candle sets in particular, our candle mailer boxes pair well with presentation trays, and the related boxed candles for gifts page shows the gift angle in more detail.

Posting, storage and ordering

A presentation box travelling by post needs a protective outer carton, sized so the lid cannot shift or lift in transit. Royal Mail lists its small parcel format as up to 45cm by 35cm by 16cm and up to 2kg in its Royal Mail service and format guidance, which is a useful ceiling to design gift sets against where postal sales matter. Empty tray and lid boxes nest or stack for storage, though rigid boxes will always take more room than flat cartons, so order quantities should match your storage as well as your sales plan. Pricing depends on size, material and quantity, with low minimum order quantities, free design support and free UK delivery. Request your quote through our contact page.

FAQs about tray and lid boxes

What is the difference between a tray and lid box and a one piece box?

A tray and lid box has two separate rigid parts, a base tray and a lid that lifts off. A one piece box is a single folding structure. The two piece format feels more substantial and presents contents in a flat, open tray.

Can tray and lid boxes have compartments?

Yes. Card inserts can divide the tray into compartments for sets, hold individual items apart and lift products for presentation. Inserts are designed around your product dimensions so everything sits securely.

Are tray and lid boxes reusable?

Their rigid board construction keeps its shape through repeated opening, so customers often keep them for storage of letters, accessories or keepsakes. That longer life keeps your branding visible in the home well after purchase.

What lid depth should I choose?

A deeper lid feels formal and covers most of the tray, while a shallow lid reveals a band of tray colour for a designed contrast. Choose based on your artwork layout and how much protection the contents need from above.