DIY Themed Book Box Ideas: A Guide to Bookish Crafts

As you know, here at Once Upon a Book Club, we love putting together our world famous book subscription boxes. After all, who doesn’t love a good surprise, especially when it’s wrapped in love, creativity, and contains—of course—books?
If you’re looking for a fun way to combine the joy of reading with a little extra magic, creating your very own themed book boxes is the perfect project. Whether you're treating your family to an unforgettable movie night, pampering your bestie with some TLC, or creating a genre-specific box, these DIY book boxes will not only bring stories to life, but also create lasting memories.
Introduction to Bookish Crafts
Bookish crafts are a delightful way to blend your love for reading with your creative flair. Imagine turning your favorite stories into tangible, handmade treasures that you can display or gift to friends. Whether you’re crafting on a rainy afternoon or looking for a new hobby, bookish crafts offer endless fun and inspiration. From whimsical decorations to practical items, these crafts allow you to express your passion for reading in unique and imaginative ways.
What are Bookish Crafts?
Bookish crafts encompass a wide range of creative projects inspired by books and literature. Think book-themed decorations that brighten up your reading nook, or book-inspired jewelry that lets you wear your favorite stories. You can even make handmade book covers to protect your cherished reads, or design innovative ways to store and display your collection, like custom bookshelves and book boxes. The possibilities are endless, and you can use materials like paper, fabric, wood, and more to bring your ideas to life.
Benefits of Creating Themed Book Boxes
Creating themed book boxes is one of the most rewarding bookish crafts you can undertake. Not only do they allow you to showcase your creativity, but they also serve as a beautiful way to store and display your books. Imagine having a special box for your favorite genre or author, keeping your collection organized and within easy reach. Plus, the process of designing and assembling these boxes is incredibly fun and relaxing. It’s a perfect way to unwind while indulging in your love for reading and crafting.
Get Crafty: Create the Perfect Themed Box
Now, what’s a themed book box without a little creativity on the outside, too? Instead of just buying a fancy box, why not make it personal? Grab an old shoebox, or even that package you’ve been meaning to recycle, and transform it into something special. Trust me, it’s easier (and more fun) than you think!
Step 1: The Box Transformation
Start by covering your box with colorful wrapping paper, or if you’re feeling artistic, go wild with paint! You can even make a collage using old magazines—cut out fun images, quotes, or anything that fits the theme of your box.
Step 2: Inside: A Pop of Color with Tissue Paper
Once the outside is looking fab, it’s time to jazz up the inside. Line the box with tissue paper to give it a soft, elegant feel—think of it as rolling out the red carpet for your books and goodies! You can even choose tissue paper that matches your theme: gold and silver for something magical, or bright colors for a fun family vibe.
Step 3: Wrapping the Gifts
Here’s where the excitement really starts to build. Wrap each book and gift individually using tissue paper, gift wrap, or craft paper. Why? Because unwrapping things is half the fun!
To take it up a notch, add a tag to each wrapped item with a little clue about what’s inside. Imagine the suspense: “What do demigods eat?” (Hint: It’s a Percy Jackson snack!) or “This story will steal your heart.” It’s like creating a mini treasure hunt right inside the box.
Choosing a theme for your book box is where the magic begins. The theme sets the tone for your entire project, guiding your design choices and ensuring your box is cohesive and visually appealing. Whether you’re inspired by a specific book, genre, or even a favorite character, the theme you choose will make your book box truly special.
Popular Theme Ideas for Book Boxes
There are countless themes to explore when creating your book box. Here are a few popular ideas to spark your imagination:
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Literary Classics: Pay homage to timeless tales, like Pride and Prejudice or The Great Gatsby, with a box that captures the essence of these beloved stories.
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Fantasy and Adventure: Transport yourself to magical realms filled with dragons, unicorns, and epic quests. A fantasy-themed box can be as enchanting as the stories it holds.
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Mystery and Detective: Channel your inner Sherlock Holmes with a detective-themed box, complete with magnifying glasses, hats, and other sleuthing essentials.
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Romance: Create a box that celebrates love with hearts, flowers, and romantic touches, perfect for those who adore love stories.
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Science Fiction: Blast off into the future with a sci-fi themed box featuring spaceships, aliens, and otherworldly elements.
These are just a few ideas to get you started. Ultimately, the theme you choose should reflect your personal tastes and interests, making your book box a true reflection of your love for reading.

Family Movie Night Book Box: Lights, Camera, Read!
Looking for a way to turn family reading time into an epic event? Then you definitely want to think about creating a themed book box centered around books that have been adapted into TV shows or movies! It’s the perfect way to get everyone involved in the story—from the page to the screen. Picture it: cozy blankets, bowls of popcorn, and your family glued to a book-inspired movie marathon. Add a few extras, like DVDs and fun games, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate family night.
Here’s what you need to create the ultimate Family Movie Night Book Box:
Book-to-Screen Magic
Start by picking a book that everyone can enjoy. The key is to find a story that not only grabs the whole family’s attention, but also has a movie or TV adaptation. That way, you can dive into the book first, then watch the story unfold on the screen.
Make sure to include the DVD of the book’s movie adaptation right in the box. That way, when you’ve finished reading the book together, you can pop it in for a fun and immersive family movie night. It’s the perfect way to bring the story full circle and enjoy some quality family time. Here’s a great choice for the whole family:
Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
This one’s a win for the whole family! Follow Percy as he discovers his true identity as a demigod and embarks on an adventure that’s nothing short of electrifying. After reading, pop in the DVD and watch the world of Greek mythology come to life—complete with monsters, gods, and heroic quests. There is also a great new TV show based on the book, which you can stream on Disney+. The kids (and maybe even the grown-ups) will be hooked.
Popcorn & Snacks Galore
Because what’s a family movie night without snacks? Make sure to include a few boxes of popcorn for that classic cinema experience right at home. Want to get fancy? Add some flavored popcorn seasonings, or go the extra mile with candy. Bonus points if you can match the snacks to the book’s theme! (Ahem, Greek-themed snacks, anyone?)
Movie Bingo Game
Why not make things interactive with a custom bingo game? It’s simple: create bingo cards with key scenes, quotes, or characters from the movie adaptation. As the movie plays, your family can mark off spots on their cards whenever those things happen. First one to shout “BINGO!” wins a fun prize—maybe a “Book Lover Extraordinaire” badge or an extra serving of popcorn. It’s a great way to keep everyone engaged!
Not only is this box a blast, but it’s also an amazing way to bond as a family. You get to experience the same story in different formats—discuss how the book and movie compare, which characters you loved, and what everyone thought of the story’s ending. Plus, you’re sneaking in a little extra reading time under the guise of movie night. Parenting win, right?

Spoil Your Bestie: Create the Ultimate BFF Book Box!
Let’s be real—your best friend is basically your lifeline. Whether it’s 2 a.m. panic texts or spontaneous Target runs, they’re always there. So why not spoil them with the ultimate BFF box? Whether your bestie is a busy mom, a workaholic, or just someone who’s been burning the candle at both ends, this box is guaranteed to put a smile on their face!
Book Picks for BFF Bliss
Let’s start with the most important thing: the book! The beauty of this box is you can tailor it to your bestie's tastes. Pair the box with their favorite author or genre, or maybe it's time to introduce them to something completely new. Here are two recommendations that’ll take their mind off everything:
Love of My Lives by Yamile Saied Méndez
This lush and vibrant love story will have your bestie swooning! “Love of My Lives is a lush, vibrant and enchanting story. Escape into the magic of a love destined to be… You won’t regret it.” —Jayci Lee, author of Booked on a Feeling
Mastering the Art of French Murder by Colleen Cambridge
If your bestie enjoys a captivating historical mystery, she’ll love this unforgettable story set in post-war Paris. With danger lurking among patisseries and cobblestone streets, this twisty tale weaves together history, friendship, and intrigue into a truly delectable read.
Self-Care Goodies
Because what’s a BFF box without a little pampering?

Green Clay Mud Mask
Nothing says relaxation quite like a deep-cleansing, pore-tightening, green clay mud mask. It’s guaranteed to give your bestie glowing skin—and maybe even 15 minutes of uninterrupted “me-time.”

Floral Robe
Straight from our February 2023 box, this ankle-length floral robe is elegance personified. Whether they’re curling up with a book or just lounging, your bestie will feel like royalty.

Inkwell Bath Salts
There’s something about a relaxing bath that just screams “self-care.” These lavender bath salts come in a chic black glass jar and feature a custom label saying "Inkwell Bath Salts, Camelot Co." Trust me, your bestie won’t want to get out of the tub.
And perhaps you need to add that box of chocolates and bottle of wine! If your best friend happens to be a busy mom, why not throw in a little extra love? A voucher offering to take the kids for the evening could be the game-changer. (Moms everywhere, I can hear your collective cheers!) Give your bestie the gift of an uninterrupted bath, binge-watching, or maybe just a nap. Pure. Bliss.
Conclusion
At the heart of these themed book boxes is one simple idea: making moments with the people you love more special through creativity, care, and the magic of stories. Whether it’s a rainy weekend or you’re just looking for a reason to gather everyone together, a Family Movie Night Book Box will do the trick. Books, popcorn, and a night full of laughter and excitement? Sounds like a perfect evening to me!
And let’s not forget the ultimate BFF box, designed to spoil your favorite person. Whether they’re overdue for a little relaxation or just need a reminder of how amazing they are, this box will do the trick.
Cheers to bookish fun and giving the gift that keeps on giving!
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