Create a package design

What can I use instead of thick cardboard or a ruler if they're hard to find?

Use a cereal box or poster board for the cardboard, a measuring tape or a straightedge from a hardcover book instead of a ruler, and the back of a butter knife to lightly score fold lines as the blunt edge.

My box keeps tearing or won't hold the shape after I fold it — what should I check or fix?

Make sure you lightly score the fold lines with a blunt edge before folding, use stronger glue or wide packing tape on the tabs, and reinforce any torn areas with an extra strip of cardboard or tape along the seam.

How can I adapt this box-making activity for younger children or make it more challenging for older kids?

For younger children, pre-draw the flat box template on the cardboard and let them cut, fold, and decorate with crayons and stickers using tape to assemble, while older kids can precisely measure and draw dimensions on scrap paper, use exact scoring, test multiple closure methods like tuck-in flaps and ribbons, and add internal partitions.

What are easy ways to personalize or strengthen my finished package design?

Decorate the outside with decorative paper and stickers, add padding inside for the small item, try at least two closure methods (tuck-in flap, tape, ribbon) as instructed and choose the strongest, and label or add a clear window for display.