Creative Gift Packaging for Cookies
Packaging for cookies doesn't have to be expensive. Here is a low-cost idea that uses a can of Pringles. Make this easy craft with your family then share your homemade cookies for holiday gifts.
Cookies make a wonderful gift for friends, neighbors, relatives, teachers, and anyone else who you want to show appreciation and gratitude. Now that you’ve decided to bake up a storm, how should you handle packaging for cookies?
Take the extra step to present your cookies with care. We all eat with our eyes first and receiving a beautifully wrapped gift of food only makes the recipient that much more excited to dig right in.
Packaging doesn't have to be expensive. Make this Christmas craft with your family!
Here’s the secret—packaging for cookies does not have to be flashy or expensive. Try this easy method to make your own tower of treats using an empty can of Pringles.
What Materials are needed to make cookie containers with Pringles cans?
- Pringles can (empty)
- Wrapping paper
- Wax paper, Parchment or Freezer paper
- Ribbon
- Glue, spray adhesive or double sided tape
- Muffin baking cups
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How do I turn Pringles cans into gift packaging for cookies?
- Clean out the inside of the can.
- Cut the wrapping paper so that it wraps around the can. My measurements of 8 ¾ inches tall by 10 ½ inches wide seemed to be a good fit. Leaving a little space at the top and bottom is fine because you’ll add ribbon later to cover the gap. ** Here is a secret-- Pringles cans used to be TALLER. When I first shared this craft in 2012, the cans were larger. No more. In 2018 they are 8 ¾ inches tall.
- Use double sided tape adhere the wrapping paper to the outside of the can.
- Cut the ribbon and wrap it around the top and bottom of the tube. Glue it or use spray adhesive to stick it in place.
- Cut the wax paper a similar size (8.75 inches by 10.5 inches) and roll it so that it fits inside of the can. I did not use any glue inside, the tube of wax paper stays put fairly well.
- Use muffin baking cups to help cushion the cookies in the can. The cookies hardly moved even when I shook the container, which would be a great feature for cookies that are sent through the mail. Put one cookie in each muffin cup and slide into the tube.
- Now go make someone happy! You have an ideal hostess gift, teacher gift, or holiday surprise.
Gluten Free note:
One important note for my friends who live a gluten free diet. Pringles are NOT gluten free. Wheat Starch is on the list of ingredients. Therefore, if you have Celiac Disease, I would not recommend this packaging for your cookies. Cleaning out the can does take nearly all of the crumbs out so I am comfortable using this as a gluten free person, but with Celiac, even a crumb can hurt so please be advised that Pringles are not gluten free.
I have found a similar sized container that holds gluten free chips. The Good Crisp Company makes wonderful gluten free chips that are sold in a similar container. Check them out here on Amazon.
Yarn makes a great material to decorate too. Switch your colors to go along with the seasons.
Pin with me! Pin this fun Christmas Craft Idea to make with your family!
Recipes perfect for holiday gifts:
Do you need ideas of what types of cookies to bake to give as gifts? Try these 12 Christmas Cookies to Bake this Season. And because I can't stop at just 12 cookies, let's try this easy, no bake chocolate bark to give as gifts this year too!
And if you need packaging for cookies to be sent in the mail, check out this tutorial I created on How to Package Cookies for the Mail which has a few tips and tricks to make sure your Christmas cookies arrive in one piece.
How to Use a Pringles Can to Package Cookies
Use a Pringles can to create a festive and sturdy container for packaging your Christmas cookies!
Materials
- Empty Pringles Can
- Parchment Paper
- Wrapping Paper
- Ribbon
Tools
- Scissors
- Double Sided Tape
Instructions
- Clean out the inside of the can.
- Cut the wrapping paper so that it wraps around the can. My measurements of 8 ¾ inches tall by 10 ½ inches wide seemed to be a good fit. Leaving a little space at the top and bottom is fine because you’ll add ribbon later to cover the gap. ** Here is a secret-- Pringles cans used to be TALLER. When I first shared this craft in 2012, the cans were larger. No more. In 2018 they are 8 ¾ inches tall.
- Use double sided tape adhere the wrapping paper to the outside of the can.
- Cut the ribbon and wrap it around the top and bottom of the tube. Glue it or use spray adhesive to stick it in place.
- Cut the wax paper a similar size (8.75 inches by 10.5 inches) and roll it so that it fits inside of the can. I did not use any glue inside, the tube of wax paper stays put fairly well.
- Use muffin baking cups to help cushion the cookies in the can. The cookies hardly moved even when I shook the container, which would be a great feature for cookies that are sent through the mail. Put one cookie in each muffin cup and slide into the tube.
Notes
Try this recycling project throughout the year using different color and themes of wrapping paper.
I first shared this Christmas craft with a Pringles can in December 2012 and updated it in November 2018.
Holly Baker started the food blog, A Baker's House, in 2011. She is the writer, recipe creator, and photographer for the site. Holly loves to bake and shares recipes for gluten free food, canning recipes, as well as traditional desserts too. Her recipes and food photography have been highlighted by BuzzFeed, Reader's Digest, and She Knows.
Very pretty!!
Thanks, Kate!
These are so adorable and what a labor of love to have to eat all of those potato chips so you have the empty containers. Ahhhh, the sacrifices we make for those we love! 😉
Thanks, Karen. Yes, finally a kitchen project that my potato-chip-loving son enjoyed!! The boys were happy to help with the Pringles.
Now isn't that pretty? My biggest job each year is to find inexpensive containers for the food gifts I make. These have the additional advantage of forcing me to eat some Pringles. Who am I kidding? I don't buy them only because I could eat an entire can in one sitting!
Thanks, Barb. You know I've had good luck shopping at the Container Store the week AFTER Christmas and have gotten some great containers on sale. Also World Market always has something that catches my eye.
How very clever...recyclying into a lovely container is such a terrific idea.
Thanks, Karen, I appreciate your kind comment. My kids were happy (and surprised) by my Pringles buying spree and I like their containers for the cookies. A win-win situation!
Now why didnt I ever think of this! Awesome idea Holly! We have pringles containers they look so nice! Thanks for sharing this, I will try to do this next week!
Hi Pamela, I know you make such beautiful treats and your friends must love receiving them as gifts! What's your favorite cookie or baked good to share as a gift?
Wow, that is such a great idea! And a great way to keep my kids busy next week.
Oh my! How smart!! And pretty! And my little lady loves pringles.. so its a win win for me! 🙂
Great idea! Especially for teachers! Must pin! I would love you to come join my Pin Me Linky Party that starts Friday morning at 8am CST.
ive done this before but only with plain pringles. thanks for the idea of parchment paper and muffin cups!!
I am so doing this for Christmas this year. All families will receive a large Pringles can and the kiddos will get a smaller can. I usually end up making like 10 batches of spritz cookies ... hopefully they fit!
What a clever idea! Alex loves Pringles but I bet he loves cookies even more!
How many cookies would you say fit in the can? As well as size of cookies?
Thank you
Hi! It will depend on the type of cookie for sure-- you could fit more flat gingersnaps than thick chocolate chip cookies...but I'd estimate about 8-10 cookies would fit in a typical Pringles can. If you are making cut out cookies, measure your cookie cutter before starting and choose one at least 1/2 inch smaller than the can so that you allow some space for cookies expanding in the oven.
Beautiful ideas! Thank you for sharing.
So glad you liked it!