Custom Toy Boxes & Toy Packaging
Toys are the one category where the person choosing and the person paying are rarely the same. A child reacts to colour and to seeing the actual product. A parent turns the box over and reads the age grade, the safety marking and what is actually included. A toy box has to satisfy both in about four seconds. We produce a lot of toy packaging at ZEE Packaging and that split audience drives most of the decisions.
Two Audiences, One Panel
Front sells to the child, back sells to the parent.
- Big clear window, because seeing the toy is what closes it
- Colour that reads from a distance in a crowded aisle
- Age grade prominent, since that is the parent's first filter
- Contents list on the back so nobody guesses what is inside
- Battery requirement stated, and whether they are included
- Assembly needed, mentioned plainly rather than discovered later
Most weak toy packaging we get asked to redesign either hides the product or buries the age grade.
Safety Copy Is Not Optional
Toy packaging carries more mandatory content than almost any category.
- Age grading, prominently and clearly
- Small parts choking warning where it applies
- Toy safety marking for every market you sell into
- Manufacturer name and address
- Battery and charging warnings where relevant
- Barcode with a proper quiet zone
Our prepress team check the panel against the dieline so nothing gets trimmed at the edge. We lay out exactly what you supply and never write safety wording ourselves.
- Window carton with an insert the standard retail toy box
- Blister card on a backer peg display toy packaging
- Open front display box soft toys and larger items
- Rigid collector box premium and limited releases
- Corrugated playset carton heavier multi piece toy packaging
- Corrugated mailer direct to customer shipping
Sizes We Print Regular
Every toy box is built to your product, though these run often:
- 8" x 5" x 2" for a small figure or vehicle
- 12" x 9" x 4" for a mid size toy
- 16" x 12" x 6" for a playset
- 6" x 4" x 1.5" for a peg display item
- 14" x 10" x 3" for a multi piece set
- 20" x 14" x 10" for a large or ride on item
Measure the toy assembled and posed if that is how it ships, since that sets the internal depth.
Board And Structure
- SBS C1S for vivid colour, essential in this aisle
- 20pt to 24pt on standard window cartons
- B flute corrugated for playsets and heavier items
- Litho laminated corrugated for full colour with strength
- Rigid greyboard 36pt for collector formats
- Die cut or moulded insert to hold the toy in position
A large window needs reinforcement around the cut or the front panel of the toy box flexes on the shelf.
Choices That Cut Plastic
- Paperboard tray instead of a vacuum blister where weight allows
- Recycled board with no lamination
- FSC certified stock, certificate available on request
- Soy based ink through the whole run
- Compostable window film in place of PET
- Right sized toy packaging so you ship less air per pallet
The whole sector is moving away from plastic trays, and a properly cut paperboard insert holds most lightweight toys just as securely.
How An Order Runs Here
- 100 unit minimum, so an independent brand can launch properly
- Free 3D mockup and flat proof before anything prints
- Free dieline drawn by our own designer
- Physical sample on request to check fit and window placement
- Urgent turnaround at 5 to 8 business days
- Free shipping worldwide with nothing hidden
Frequently Asked Questions
How large can the window be?
Large, as long as we reinforce around it and keep the cut away from score lines. Past a point the front flexes, and we work out that limit at dieline stage.
Do you write the safety warnings?
No. We lay out exactly what you send, so have the compliance wording approved before artwork goes in.
Can we drop the plastic blister?
For lighter toys, usually yes. A die cut paperboard tray holds well and recycles cleanly, which retailers increasingly ask for.
Which board for a playset?
B flute corrugated, litho laminated if you want full colour print. Playsets get heavy once all the pieces are in.
Will the print fade on a shelf?
Not with good ink and lamination. Cheap ink fades under aisle lighting over a long stock period, which is why we spec for it.
Do you handle licensed artwork?
We print exactly what the licensor supplies, including all copyright lines, and never alter licensed copy ourselves.
How much should I expect to pay for a toy box?
Rough estimate is $0.35 to $0.95 per unit for a window carton, $0.90 to $2.40 for a corrugated playset format and $3.00 to $7.00 for a rigid collector edition at moderate quantity. Window size and insert type move it most. Shipping is included in our price. This is estimate only, so ask our team for a exact quote.
