I’m feeling especially rainbow-y this St. Patrick’s Day, so I wanted to share another colorful craft: free printable rainbow nesting boxes. My eight-year-old niece Quinn and I were crafting the other night and decided to make boxes. The rainbow idea followed and felt perfect for holding small treats for St. Patrick’s Day — or for birthdays and other celebrations. The smallest box fits a single chocolate kiss, while the largest holds a few candies or a small toy. These are simple enough for kids to assemble, or you can put them together yourself to surprise friends and family.
Line them up and they make a charming little leprechaun trap too — after all, everyone wants to see what’s at the end of the rainbow.
Supply List:
Free Printable Rainbow Box Templates
Cardstock — use the thickest cardstock your printer can handle for sturdiness
Scissors
Bone folder and ruler — optional but helpful for crisp folds
Glue stick or double-sided tape
How to make them: Print the templates on cardstock and cut along the solid outer lines. Score and fold along the indicated lines—most templates include dashed fold guides. Apply glue or double-sided tape to the tabs and secure them to the inside of each box. That’s it — your nesting boxes are ready!
Ideas for using them: fill the boxes with chocolate gold coins, candy, small toys, confetti, or notes; stack them as a colorful centerpiece; hide them around the house for a treasure hunt; use them as party favors; or leave a set on coworkers’ desks for a cheerful surprise. They also make a lovely gift to give a child for imaginative play.
Looking for more free printables? Check the Free DIY Downloads section for additional templates. If you need supplies to make your crafts, consult a craft supplies guide to find cardstock, tools, and adhesives.