DIY Mithai Boxes

“Good food is all the sweeter when shared with good friends.” -Unknown

DIY Mithai Boxes

A simple DIY to create Diwali Mithai Boxes.

Growing up, during the weeks leading up to Diwali, I would watch my mom pack dabbas (boxes) for neighbors, family and friends. She would lovingly fill tins and trays with a mix of homemade and store-bought treats. After moving out, I decided to carry on this tradition and have been doing so ever since my first married Diwali. After having Little Mirchi, logistics made it difficult to deliver these treats throughout the week, so now we all bundle up the night before Diwali and hand deliver them all in one go. It’s become our very own Diwali tradition.

DIY Mithai BoxesDIY Mithai Boxes

In India, Diwali is the time the halwais (confectioners) take out their most elaborate boxes, trimmed with velvet, satin and stone work, to display their colorful desserts. I’m always on the hunt for nice tins but am never able to find anything with an Indian touch. This year after searching for simple boxes and tins I realized I could decorate my own. It was so easy and they came out so beautiful, I wished I had thought of this sooner!

DIY Mithai Boxes

DIY Mithai BoxesAll you need is your container of choice, a solid color is preferable and temporary tattoos! I wanted an Indian theme so I chose metallic henna designs on white tins.

DIY Mithai BoxesStep One
Cut out the tattoo design you want from the sheet (if needed) and decide where you want to apply the design on the box/tin.

DIY Mithai BoxesStep Two
When you have a perfect position, peel the plastic cover off of the temporary tattoo.

DIY Mithai BoxesStep Three
Place the paper on the box with the tattoo side on the box. Apply pressure evenly.

DIY Mithai BoxesStep Four
With a damp sponge or wash cloth dab on top of the tattoo paper, covering the entire tattoo. Be sure to completely saturate (not soak) the paper because the water is what releases the tattoo from the paper. Hold this for 30-60 seconds to ensure the whole tattoo is transferred.

DIY Mithai BoxesStep Five
Peel the paper off to get a look at your decorated mithai box!

DIY Mithai BoxesStay tuned this month as I share fun and festive recipes to help fill these boxes. Every Wednesday until Diwali, Love Laugh Mirch + Bharat Babies have teamed up to share a new recipe and printable for your little ones to color and learn how children all over the world celebrate Diwali. We look forward to celebrating this holiday season with you and your loved ones.

|| Updated ||
Since many of you asked where I got the henna tattoos from, these are the ones I used. Here are cookie tins similar to what I used.

DIY Mithai Boxes

DIY Mithai Boxes

If you enjoyed this post, check out these Diwali inspired posts.

17 thoughts on “DIY Mithai Boxes

  1. This is a great idea Nisha! I’m definitely going to try to make these. Where did you find the metallic henna prints?

  2. Love this idea & I can’t wait to make these with my little one. Where did you find those gorgeous metallic temporary tattoos?

  3. These are soooo amazing!!! Can’t wait to try it. I don’t see the links that you provided. Would you please provide them again?

    1. Hey sure, if you click on the links under the updated section it will take you right to them!

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