Introduction: How to Use a Milk Jug to Wrap a Present
My Hubby has pointed out to me that I know how to use a lot of different things, which usually reside in our recycle bin, to make wonderful to containers for the gifts I create for Christmas, birthdays, etc. I rarely buy boxes, and only buy gift wrap after Christmas, once it has gone on clearance. I have learned many years ago, that the container is an important part of the gift, if not the main part of the gift. Here is a way to create a fun container to put a gift in, using a Milk Jug. So go to your recycle bin, pull out an empty milk jug, and wash it out really well. I saw this idea here http://www.curbly.com/users/diy-maven/posts/11213 on Pintrest. Let’s begin.
Step 1:
Supplies:
Clean, empty milk jug
Permanent marker
Dry erase marker
Scissors
Ribbon
Sticky Velcro dots
Tissue paper, (any color)
Spray paint for plastic (if you want)
Step 2:
Using the permanent marker draw lines around the jug, like in the pictures so that you have 3 low curved sides
Step 3:
and 1 high curved side.
Step 4:
Use the scissors to cut around the lines you drew. All the left over pieces should be returned to the recycle bin. Now, take a moment and dry the inside of the jug, if you’re in a hurry, if you are not, let it air dry.
Step 5:
Now bend down the short, rounder edges, toward the center of the jug. The last one to bend down is the tall rounded edge. It’s like the lid.
Step 6:
Take the sticky Velcro dot (with both hooks and loops, together) and put it on the inside lip of the tall round edge.
Step 7:
Bend it down to where it meets the outside of the front of the jug. Press. Now the package is being held closed by the Velcro. Cool! I suppose you already know how to remove the permanent marker from the edges of the cut jug?
Step 8:
If you take a dry erase maker and scribble over the permanent marker marks, and then wipe it off with a dry towel, the permanent marker will come off with the dry erase marker. This works 90% of the time. I’m glad you already knew that.
Step 9:
Next take some tissue paper and wrap around the gift that is to go in the box. Put it in the box and close the lid.
Step 10:
Finally tie some ribbon around the box and put a bow on to. . Don’t forget to color coordinate your ribbon with the tissue paper. It is ready to give. The tissue paper in the box will protect the gift from prying eyes, and give the package some color.
Step 11:
Another way to make this a fun gift package is to paint the milk jug box with spray paint. Two ways to go, use spray paint for plastic, or use a primer for plastic and then use the spray paint of your choice.
Step 12:
Again, wrap the ribbon around it and put bow on top. Again don’t forget to color coordinate the ribbon with the color you painted the box. (If you paint the box white or black, you can used any color ribbon you wish.) Lovely!
I have used this milk jug box idea several times and the recipient always keeps the box as a pattern.
Have FUN!

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19 Comments
11 years ago on Introduction
OMG, this is so much fun! Makes me almost wish I bought anything in plastic gallon containers. :-)
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
I buy them, but I also recycle them. They are biodregadable, as I learned after trying to store water in them, they deteriated. Only down side is that it take petrolium to create them. I am waiting for the plastics made of corn to come of age and become the main source of things like this. It will happen. Thanks for looking.
Reply 8 years ago
Just fyi, degradeable does not necessarily mean biodegradeable. You should double-check the label and try to purchase items in biodegradeable packaging for the sake of the environment and for future generations.
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
I didn't know they were biodegradable. Hmm hope my milk jug light studio doesn't deteriorate!!!
10 years ago on Introduction
oh love this idea!
11 years ago on Introduction
This is a very cool re-use idea.
11 years ago on Introduction
5 Stars! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I've been looking for a way to reuse the 2 milk jugs a week we go through and you have done it! I make gifts for family and friends all the time so this is priceless to me. Thanks again! You rock!
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
I'm glad you like it and you are welcome.
11 years ago on Introduction
So very cool! Thank you.
Consider me inspired.
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
FYI I am also known as Nana Jones or Mama Jones. Thanks.
11 years ago on Introduction
I love this!
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Thank you!
11 years ago on Introduction
Amazing re-use. I think I will make containers out of this, not for gift-wrapping, but just storage.
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
I have used them for that too. That's why the velco closure. Yet this contest is for being wrap Star, so that is that bend to the instructable. The original scource uses them for lunch boxes. Thanks for looking.
11 years ago on Step 8
Oooh, it's like the nail polish trick. If you don't have nail polish remover you can apply more nail polish on top the polish you want removed and it will come off.
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
You're right! If the surface is even semi porous, it will not take of the permanent marker. Works every time on a white board though. Thanks for looking.
11 years ago on Introduction
I love this!
11 years ago on Introduction
Oh I like this one! I would have never thought of this. Thanks again for sharing.
sunshiine
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
You are welcome.