We are almost into December, so it won’t be long until the big man breaks into your house and empties his stack in your stockings. While many Leeds residents are starting their Christmas shopping, some business-savvy individuals are determined to make some extra cash by selling Christmas boxes.

Christmas boxes are not a new concept. Millions of people globally prepare a Christmas box for their kids and loved ones. These boxes are traditionally given on Christmas Eve and often contain stocking-filler presents or sweets. In recent years, Facebook Marketplace has been awash with people flogging homemade Christmas boxes. Some are excellent, and others leave a lot to be desired.

It has become common practice to bundle £1.50 worth of penny sweets in some plastic wrap and sell them for a tenner. Bizarrely, Leeds folk snap them up like they’ve never seen a dozen sweets in a pizza box before.

Christmas Box Expert Gives Insight Into Her Operation

People who use their skills to generate revenue should be applauded. Kylie Donovan (24) of Seacroft is one such person. She was kind enough to chat with The Yorkshire Tribune‘s business correspondent, Cee Eeoh, about why she started making the popular boxes and what makes the perfect gift box.

“I found myself with hardly any money once I’d had my fifth lickle ‘un. His dad was doing an eight stretch, and Daz the Dealer was taking the piss with his MCAT prices. Some of my friends made an OnlyFans, but my kitty looks like a punched lasagne, so I needed another way to make money. I saw people were selling any old tat on Facey B, so I thought why not join them.”

Kylie has previously run illegal bonus ball competitions and raffles for stolen and shoplifted goods, but it is Christmas boxes where she says the best returns are possible.

“Raffles and that can make you money, but you risk the Five-O getting wind and shutting you down. At least with gift boxes, you can shove any old shit in them, put a ribbon or plastic wrap on it, and people snap ’em up.”

What Makes the Perfect Gift Box?

One only has to check Facebook Marketplace to see how popular Christmas boxes are. There are hundreds to choose from, so how does Kylie make hers stand out from the crowd?

“All my stuff is genuinely handmade. We have a takeaway five nights a week so always have empty pizza boxes laying around the gaff. At Christmas, I like to put some Lynx Africa, a pair of socks, and a ten-pence mix in the box. I then put some red and green tissue paper in with ’em, slap some tinsel to the box, and stick ’em online for £15. Sometimes, I leave a pizza crust in there. Those who get a free crust are getting a freebie. Knowing you can get sumat for nowt make people want to delve into my box. The smell of a £3 margherita coming from the box makes you think of Christmas.”

Kylie only takes cash payments for her wares because “Cash is King;” it has nothing to do with her enterprise affecting her Universal Credit. Once Christmas is over, Kylie turns her attention to other key dates.

“I do Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Easter, Father’s Day, Teach Appreciation Day, and getting out of the nick boxes throughout the year. I’m not daft; I can do a box for every occasion.

Why Not Make Your Own Gift Box?

The Yorkshire Tribune has a handful of tips for those wanting to follow in Kylie’s footsteps.

• People go mad for anything secured in plastic wrap. You could sell a dog turd if you put it in clear plastic wrap
• Only accept cash for your box; you don’t want the DWP snooping into your affairs
• Ensure your box is massively overpriced. If it has worth of stuff in it, £30 is an excellent price to list it for.
• Chuck any old shit in the box, even if it’s not related to the special day. Remember, it’s the plastic wrap, ribbon, and tissue paper that makes it work