One evening I stumbled across paper mache heart-shaped boxes meant for chocolates and small gifts. I loved the idea of presenting homemade chocolates in heart boxes for Valentine’s Day, but the ready-made blank boxes I found were around $10 each. To keep things affordable, I decided to find a cheaper alternative and give a basic box a creative makeover.
After a little searching I found inexpensive heart-shaped candy boxes at Target (similar boxes are usually available at most grocery stores). They had flat lids and cost about $1 each, so I bought a few with the plan to upcycle and personalize them rather than paying much more for premade decorative boxes. The transformation was simple and fast.
Once the boxes were refreshed, I filled them with homemade chocolate cereal truffles (recipe below). For only a few dollars per box I created charming, handmade gifts that are perfect for friends, family, classmates, or coworkers.
Materials for Candy Boxes
- Small heart-shaped candy boxes from a grocery or discount store
- Decorative paper or patterned scrapbook paper
- Pencil
- Scissors or a craft knife
- Glue stick
- Non-toxic acrylic paint
- Paintbrush
How to Make the Boxes
Begin by removing any candy and internal plastic insert that might come with the purchased boxes. Paint the sides of both the lid and the base with acrylic paint, and add a second coat if needed after the first coat dries. Painting the inside is optional but gives the box a polished look.
When the paint is fully dry, place the lid onto the decorative paper and trace around it with a pencil. Cut out the traced shape and adhere it to the top of the lid using a glue stick. If you prefer, repeat on the bottom or the interior of the lid for a fully wrapped appearance.
After the paper has dried, fill the boxes with the homemade chocolate truffles (recipe below). For a finishing touch, you can add small circles of crepe paper to act as truffle liners for a salon-style presentation.
Ingredients for Chocolate Cereal Truffles
- 2 1/2 cups crushed Fruit Loops (or another colorful cereal of your choice)
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (7 oz) container marshmallow cream
- 2 (12 oz) bags white chocolate morsels
- Gel food coloring
- Sprinkles, optional
Truffle Instructions
Line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
Melt one bag of white chocolate morsels in a microwave-safe bowl by heating in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth and fully melted.
In a large bowl, combine the crushed cereal, sweetened condensed milk, marshmallow cream, and the melted white chocolate. Mix thoroughly until well combined, then press the mixture evenly into the prepared loaf pan.
Place the loaf pan in the freezer and allow the mixture to firm up for about three hours.
After the mixture has set, use a spoon to scoop out portions about a tablespoon in size and form them into balls. Place the shaped truffles on a parchment-lined cookie sheet and return them to the refrigerator to chill.
While the truffles chill, melt the second bag of white chocolate using the same microwave method. Tint the melted chocolate with gel food coloring to achieve the desired shades.
Remove the truffles from the refrigerator and dip each one into the colored melted chocolate, coating them completely. Place the coated truffles back on the lined cookie sheet and, if desired, finish with sprinkles before the coating sets.
Recipe and craft production by Anissa Saxton
Photography and styling by Brittni Mehlhoff
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Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas
These upcycled candy boxes filled with homemade truffles make thoughtful, budget-friendly gifts for Valentine’s Day. Customize the decorative paper, paint colors, and truffle coatings to match your recipient’s tastes. Simple, handmade touches—like crepe paper liners or individually wrapped truffles—turn inexpensive materials into memorable presents. Will you try these DIY ideas this year?