How to Make Pumpkin Boxes to Ship

When it comes to holidays, it’s fun to make themed boxes. But did you know you can go beyond just boxes and make pumpkin boxes to ship your care package?

Yes, you’ll usually see these made with Tide Pod containers, but I personally have an ick factor with sending any food in them. The scent alone permeates everything, and I feel better about non-laundry detergent options.

I made my own version, and I’m so excited to send these and have my kids enjoy them. This tutorial shows exactly how to make these pumpkin care package containers and what you need to create them.

Image shows a Jack o lantern upcycled container.

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What containers should I use?

I found these great Utz containers at Costco, but they sell them on Amazon, too. You could also use pretty much any large container for things like animal crackers or pretzel sticks and so forth.

Pumpkins aren’t all the same shape, and the orange paint and jack o’lantern stickers ensure your kid will know what this is. So have fun with it, and get creative.

And if you want to go with the Tide Pod container, do it. Just make sure to do whatever you can to get the scent out and ensure it’s food-safe before you fill it.

How do I sent my pumpkin-shaped care package?

First, you already know about Pirate Ship, right? I cannot recommend it enough, as I just sent packages to my two kids that were 11 and 13 pounds in 12x9x6 boxes for $8.66 each via UPS.

It. Is. Legit. And I use it everytime I ship anything, and no I don’t have any financial relationship with them at all.

Second, you can ship odd-shaped packages. That means everything from potatoes to traffic cones to these fun pumpkin packages.

You have to measure the longest part of the length, the widest part of the width, and the maximum height and use those measurements when you ship this one. You can also take it directly to USPS or UPS for them to calculate it for you, but the shipping will cost more.

What materials do I need to make an upcycled jack o’lantern?

The good news is that you don’t need a ton of materials. Many you may have on hand, and the rest you can pick up pretty easily at low cost.

Use whatever container you have decided to use as the base of your pumpkin care package.
You’ll also want true orange glossy spray paint
Make sure you have a tarp (a cheap shower curtain will also work)
Black vinyl stickers cut into jack o’lantern shapes
Stretch wrap to make sure it arrives in good condition

What’s the best way to remove the stickers from a plastic container?

The easiest way to remove stickers for me uses no chemicals and is super easy. I use my hair dryer on low heat to gently warm the entire area of the sticker, and just peel it off in one piece.

Image shows two Orange plastic containers with and without labels.

The key is to keep the hair dryer moving and to not let it get too hot, as the plastic will melt pretty quickly. It usually takes 30 to 60 seconds max.

You may end up with a little bit of glue remaining, and I use just a tiny bit of Goof Off to remove that. Be sure you do this outside where it is well-ventilated, and it only takes a tiny bit.

Image shows a hand holding Goof Off by a labeless plastic container.

Once I remove the last of the sticky glue, I wipe it down with a bit of white vinegar on a paper towel. This ensures that the spray paint will stick evenly and not slide off the plastic.

You can also just use Goof Off to remove it, heat soapy water or vinegar and submerge your container, or freeze it for a few hours. All those methods work, but I prefer the no mess, quick solution of using my hair dryer.

How to make the pumpkin box for your care package

Remove the stickers from the container you choose to use. Empty the container from whatever it contained, and put those items in a safe place.

Place your tarp outdoors and your container atop it. If there’s even a slight breeze, learn from me and use rocks to hold down the edges of the tarp and your container so they don’t blow while you wait for the spray paint to dry.

Shake your spray paint can for a full minute to ensure the paint will come out evenly. Use quick and even swipes to paint as much of your container as you can reach, overlapping each row.

Image shows a Plastic container on a tarp.

Be sure to stand upwind and keep the spray paint about a foot from the container and at a slight angle as you spray. Let the paint dry for a few minutes, then add a second coat.

Be sure to let the second coat dry for at least 20 minutes. Flip the container over and spray paint the second side, following the same instructions.

Let the container dry for at least a few hours and preferably for a full day to dry. Even with the thin coats, spray paint takes time to completely cure.

Prep your jack o’lantern decorations. You can buy them, or you can make your own using vinyl sticker paper and a Cricut or Silhouette.

Without removing the stickers from their backing, plan where you want them to go on your jack o’lantern. Once you’re happy with the placement, add them to your container.

Fill your container with your favorite Halloween items, and enjoy. Might I suggest:

Image shows a Halloween pumpkin container with goodies surrounding it.

Replace the top once you have everything added to the container, and use stretch wrap to wrap the pumpkin care package. Print out your shipping label, and attach it, and you’re good to go.

Remind your kids that they can use this as a decoration, too. Or take it trick or treating for Halloween – why not?

Make sure to bookmark this page so you can create your own pumpkin care package again!

Image shows a Pumpkin container with text how to make a Halloween pumpkin care package.

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