If You Cook or Bake for Friends, You Should Keep These Takeout Boxes on Hand
Whether you made a huge batch of your world-famous cookies or are just sharing the leftovers from a dinner party, the right takeout containers make a big impact
I like to think of myself as the kind of person who gives little edible gifts for every occasion, the kind of person about whom people say, “Man, she is so thoughtful.” I’m always cooking, testing recipes for work, and usually making more than enough to share, so it wasn’t a huge stretch to make edible gifts my hallmark, but there was something missing, and that thing was cute packaging.
This all started about ten years ago when I learned about mishloach manot, the Jewish tradition of giving gifts of food around Purim. I went all-in on the idea, investing in 100 cookie boxes, which I loaded with hamantaschen and distributed giddily to friends and acquaintances. I kept the extra boxes in a corner of the pantry to assemble as needed whenever a friend stopped by for dinner and I wanted to send them home with a piece of cake or for when I needed a quick way to say thanks to a teacher at my kids’ school. Upgrading my food gift packaging from clear plastic deli containers (with which I’m actually loath to part) to something cute yet practical felt like a real personal upleveling.
The best treat containers are easy to assemble (we don’t need a heat gun where we’re going), sturdy, and, ideally, showcase some personality — maybe a trendy little iridescent box or a cool smiley face bag that says, “I’m giving you cookies, and I’m going to be cute about it.”
Here, I’ve rounded up an assortment of to-go treat packaging that marries the practical with the whimsical, for proffering all your homemade granola, spiced nuts, brownies, and banana bread.
The best food takeout boxes
These kraft cookie boxes with a sneak preview window
A solid option for all kinds of sweet and savory gifts, these kraft cookie boxes with clear windows are spacious enough to hold a nice amount of goodies. I’ve used them for everything from gifts of hamantaschen to packing up leftovers from a dinner party. The lid closes with a little tab and does a pretty decent job of staying in place, but if you’re worried they might open in transit (a valid concern!), add a sticker over the enclosure. I prefer the neutral kraft-paper look, but these are also available in nine other colors, including millennial pink and a sophisticated deep green.
Add a little flair with an iridescent finish
Ideal for a couple of little shortbread cookies or a wee cupcake, these small boxes fit in the palm of your hand, assemble easily, and, with their soap-bubble-like iridescence, are somehow just a smidge cooler than your ordinary transparent box.
Looking to jazz up a tiny food gift? Try an elaborate 3-D box
These popsicle-shaped boxes are ideal for something small, like a few pieces of candy. They can be a little fiddly to assemble, especially at first (a real human angel posted a tutorial in the product reviews if you’re more of a visual learner), but once you get the hang of it, it’s pretty straightforward and the result is objectively charming.
A touch of coquette aesthetic
If a box could be described as coquettish, these — with their red and white paper bows and bold ric rac details — are that box. Fill them with chocolate-covered strawberries or homemade bon bons and just sit back and wait for your giftee to exclaim, “oh la la!”
The best goodie bags and to-go bags
Party favors (the SFW kind) deserve a cheerful bag
These plastic, zipper-topped smiley face bags have an “I’m a fun drug dealer” vibe that’s perfect for giving gifts of a single cookie or a big handful of Chex Mix. Because they self-seal, there’s no need for sealing guns or twist ties. The bags tuck away nicely in a drawer next to your plastic wrap and aluminum foil, just waiting for a chance to impress an acquaintance with your forethought and eye for detail. In addition to smiley-face print, they also come in more understated gingham and scallop-edge prints.
Loafing Cat Favor Bag
The next logical step beyond keeping treat bags on-hand is having your own personalized treat bags at your fingertips, and for that, For Your Party has your needs amply met, with a design template for every big occasion — weddings, birthdays, graduation, holidays — as well as general thanks and event-neutral designs.
A stand-up bag for easy snacking
A stand-up pouch like this one is the way to go if you’re looking to offload something like crunch party snack mix, granola, or homemade marshmallows. The clear window informs the recipient about exactly what they’re getting, so they can offer their heartfelt thanks before they ever even take a bite.
It’s all in the presentation, and your hungry friends will thank you.
