Explosion / Surprise Box Template

The explosion (surprise) box springs open the moment the lid is lifted, revealing photos, messages, and tiny gifts on its fold-down walls. It’s the showpiece of handmade gifting for anniversaries, birthdays, and proposals. This template includes the base and lift-off lid — decorate the inner walls with your own photos and journaling.

Note: Single-layer base + lid. The multi-tier nested-layer version is coming in a later update.

Explosion / Surprise Box 5 inch assembled mockup
Explosion / Surprise Box 5 inch flat dieline cut and score

5 inch

Finished size: 5 × 5 in base, 2.5 in walls
Cut: Designed for a 12×24 mat

Includes: SVG + DXF (with separate cut & score lines)

Explosion / Surprise Box 6 inch assembled mockup
Explosion / Surprise Box 6 inch flat dieline cut and score

6 inch

Finished size: 6 × 6 in base, 2.5 in walls
Cut: Designed for a 12×24 mat

Includes: SVG + DXF (with separate cut & score lines)

How to assemble

  1. Cut — Load 65–110 lb cardstock and cut the file. Solid black lines are the cut paths.
  2. Score — Run the dashed lines as score/fold lines (the separate SCORE layer). Scoring makes crisp folds.
  3. Fold — Fold every scored line, folding away from the scored side for sharp edges.
  4. Glue — The base walls fold up and are held by the lid (no glue). Glue only the lid’s tapered tabs. Let it set before filling.

Cardstock tip: Use 65–110 lb (176–300 gsm) cardstock. 65 lb folds easily for small boxes; 80–110 lb gives larger boxes and lids more structure. Always score before folding.