Written by: Timur Lesov

September 27, 2025

Updated on August 18, 2025

When you need a single shipping box-whether for mailing a gift, returning an item, or simply storing belongings-finding a retailer that sells individual boxes rather than bulk packs can save both money and waste. Below is an in-depth exploration of the best sources for purchasing single shipping boxes, covering brick-and-mortar stores, online retailers, specialty suppliers, marketplaces, and even creative alternatives. Each option is assessed in terms of convenience, cost, selection, and environmental impact to help you choose the solution that best fits your needs.

1. Major Office Supply and Retail Chains

Office Depot / OfficeMax

These national office supply chains carry a variety of box sizes and styles, including corrugated mailing boxes, folding cartons, and padded mailers.

• Selection: Standard letter-size mailers, small, medium, large corrugated boxes.
• Pricing: Prices per box typically range from $1 to $5 for standard sizes. Specialty boxes (e.g., file storage boxes) may cost more.
• Convenience: Most stores sell individual boxes over the counter. Many locations support online orders for in-store pickup the same day.
• Additional Services: Packing tape, bubble wrap, and shipping services (UPS, FedEx, USPS drop-off).

Staples

Similar to Office Depot, Staples offers a single-unit purchase option for shipping boxes and mailers.

• Selection: Flat-rate USPS and FedEx boxes, corrugated boxes, padded envelopes.
• Pricing: Single boxes start around $1.50; flat-rate options are priced per the carrier’s zone chart.
• Convenience: Widely available at thousands of retail locations; add-on supplies sold alongside.
• Additional Services: Same-day online orders, shipping label printing, custom box cutting in select stores.

Walmart

Walmart’s packaging aisle includes shipping boxes and mailers sold both by the unit and in small packs.

• Selection: Corrugated boxes (small to large), padded envelopes, poly mailers.
• Pricing: Boxes from $1 to $4 each for popular sizes.
• Convenience: Over-the-counter purchase; many Supercenters have dedicated shipping areas with packing tape and bubble wrap.
• Additional Services: USPS pick-up, FedEx shipping kits.

The Home Depot & Lowe’s

While primarily home improvement stores, both chains carry a modest shipping supply selection.

• Selection: Medium and large corrugated boxes, heavy-duty moving boxes, specialty contractor boxes (e.g., plasterboard cartons).
• Pricing: Boxes average $2 to $6 each, depending on strength and size.
• Convenience: In-store pickup; some locations offer limited online ordering.

2. Shipping Carriers and Their Retail Outlets

United States Postal Service (USPS)

USPS retail locations provide free Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express boxes-even for single-box orders.

• Selection: Flat-rate small, medium, and large boxes, regional rate boxes; also provide free padded flat-rate envelopes.
• Pricing: Free boxes; postage applies only when mailing.
• Convenience: Available at post offices nationwide; order online for home delivery.
• Limitations: Boxes must be used with USPS service; cannot be repurposed for private carriers.

FedEx Office (formerly Kinko’s)

FedEx Office stores sell FedEx Express and FedEx Ground packaging-both flat-rate and weight-based.

• Selection: FedEx small, medium, large, and extra-large boxes; bubble mailers.
• Pricing: Individual FedEx boxes cost $2–$7 depending on type; flat-rate Express ensures fast delivery but costs more.
• Convenience: In-store purchase; shipping labels and drop-off accepted on site.
• Additional Services: Packing, printing, drafting, scanning.

UPS Store

UPS Store locations offer UPS-branded boxes and third-party packaging options.

• Selection: UPS small, medium, large, and tray packs; padded envelopes, specialty containers.
• Pricing: Boxes typically $2.50–$8; trays and specialty kits cost more.
• Convenience: Packing services, shipping label printing, pickup services.
• Additional Services: Custom crate building at larger locations.

3. Hobby & Craft Retailers

Michaels / Hobby Lobby / Joann Fabrics

Crafters often need small, sturdy packaging. These retailers carry decorative boxes but also basic shipping cartons.

• Selection: Small gift-sized boxes, corrugated boxes, padded mailers.
• Pricing: Gift boxes $1–$3; shipping boxes $2–$5.
• Convenience: Ideal for small-scale or decorative packaging; online orders available.
• Additional Services: Decorative wrapping paper, ribbons, tissue paper.

4. Specialty Packaging Suppliers

Uline

Uline is a leading distributor of industrial packaging supplies, but they also sell individual boxes.

• Selection: Hundreds of box styles, including heavy-duty, archival, telescoping, and slotted boxes.
• Pricing: Prices per box range from $1.50 to $10+ depending on dimensions and strength.
• Convenience: Online ordering only; next-day delivery in many metro areas.
• Additional Services: Custom printing, kit assembly, specialty inserts.

Paper Mart

Paper Mart focuses on both retail and wholesale packaging, selling single-unit boxes.

• Selection: Corrugated, kraft, mailer boxes; auto-locking, reverse-locking, and telescoping styles.
• Pricing: Individual boxes from $1.25 to $6.50.
• Convenience: Online ordering with low minimums; shipping nationwide.
• Additional Services: Decorative packaging, ribbon, fillers.

EcoEnclose

For eco-friendly options, EcoEnclose offers 100% recycled and recyclable single-unit boxes.

• Selection: Mailers, corrugated boxes, folding cartons.
• Pricing: Boxes start around $2.50; flat-rate pricing on mailing solutions.
• Convenience: Online shopping with fast shipping; excellent for small businesses prioritizing sustainability.
• Additional Services: Compostable mailers, recyclable tape, custom printing.

5. Online Marketplaces and General E-Commerce Sites

Amazon

Amazon’s “Packaging and Shipping Supplies” section offers individual boxes sold by a variety of third-party sellers.

• Selection: Corrugated boxes (1 to 50 pack options), mailers, padded envelopes.
• Pricing: Depending on seller, $1–$5 per box. Prime shipping available on select sizes.
• Convenience: Next-day delivery for Prime members; easy returns if wrong size.
• Additional Services: A-to-Z customer service, fulfillment by Amazon options for businesses.

eBay

Individual sellers often unload surplus packaging on eBay in single or small multipacks.

• Selection: New and used boxes, specialty crates, USPS and FedEx-branded boxes.
• Pricing: Auction and Buy It Now options; used box prices can be as low as $0.25 each.
• Convenience: Must account for shipping cost, which can negate savings.
• Additional Services: Rare or discontinued packaging sizes.

Etsy

Etsy shops sell handcrafted, decorative, and vintage boxes, as well as standard shipping containers.

• Selection: Unique boxes, gift packaging, custom-printed mailers.
• Pricing: Gift-style boxes $2–$10; shipping boxes similar to Office Depot prices.
• Convenience: Handmade options, direct seller communication for customization.
• Additional Services: Custom printing, personalized designs, eco-friendly materials.

6. Supermarket Chains and Drugstores

Target / Walmart Neighborhood Market

These stores occasionally stock basic shipping supplies, especially during back-to-school seasons.

• Selection: Small corrugated boxes, padded mailers, bubble wrap.
• Pricing: Boxes $1–$3; mailers $1 each.
• Convenience: Ideal for emergencies when other outlets are closed.

CVS / Walgreens

Primarily for padded envelopes and poly mailers rather than boxes.

• Selection: One to two sizes of padded envelopes.
• Pricing: About $2 each.
• Convenience: 24/7 locations make them handy for urgent mailings.

7. Moving and Storage Retailers

U-Haul

Known for moving equipment, U-Haul also sells single packing boxes and supplies.

• Selection: Standard moving boxes (small, medium, large), wardrobe boxes, dish pack boxes.
• Pricing: Boxes range from $2 to $10 depending on style.
• Convenience: Nationwide locations, truck rentals, in-store packing assistance.
• Additional Services: Professional movers, storage rental.

PODS / 1-800-Pack-Rat

Less common for single boxes but may have local outlets that sell packing kits.

• Selection: Moving boxes and specialized containers.
• Pricing: Typically sold in kits, not single units.

8. Hardware and Home Improvement Micro-Retailers

Local Hardware Stores

Smaller hardware stores sometimes carry small assortments of packing supplies.

• Selection: Corrugated boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape.
• Pricing: $1.50–$4 per box.
• Convenience: Supporting local businesses; less selection than big chains.

Farm & Feed Stores

Stores such as Tractor Supply Co. may stock box grates and shipping containers for agricultural shipping.

• Selection: Heavy-duty corrugated boxes suitable for bulk produce or farm equipment parts.
• Pricing: Typically sold individually at $3–$8 per box.
• Convenience: Rural access where city shipping outlets aren’t available.

9. Creative and Sustainable Alternatives

Reuse and Upcycling

• Free Sources: Grocery stores, bookstores, big-box retailers often discard sturdy boxes that you can request for free.
• Community Exchanges: Online neighborhood groups (e.g., Nextdoor) and local “Buy Nothing” Facebook groups often give away used boxes.
• Environmental Impact: Reduces waste and conserves resources by reusing materials.

DIY Folding Cartons

• Materials: Kraft paperboard sheets, scoring tool, bone folder.
• Cost: Under $1 per sheet; requires crafting time.
• Use Case: Ideal for small gifts, jewelry, or specialty packaging.

10. Key Considerations When Buying Single Boxes

Conclusion Whether you need a single box for a one-off shipment, a last-minute mailing, or a carefully branded presentation, there are plentiful options at retail chains, shipping carrier outlets, specialty suppliers, and even community sources. Prioritize your key factors-size, strength, carrier, cost, and sustainability-to select the best purchasing channel. Each avenue offers its own blend of convenience, selection, and pricing, ensuring that no matter your requirement or timeline, you can find the perfect single shipping box for your needs.

1. Size & Strength Determine dimensions and weight capacity. Check Box Maker’s Certificate for E-rating (e.g., ECT-32 or ECT-44 for standard mail).
2. Purpose & Carrier Compatibility If using USPS flat-rate, use their free boxes. For FedEx/UPS, consider using respective branded boxes to ensure flat-rate pricing.
3. Cost per Unit vs. Waste Individual boxes cost more per unit than bulk, but reduce excess inventory and storage needs.
4. Environmental Impact Choose recycled content, recyclable materials, or reuse existing boxes when possible.
5. Customization Needs For branding, look to suppliers offering low-minimum custom printing on single or small-batch boxes (e.g., Packlane, Sticker Mule’s packaging).
6. Urgency For immediate needs, opt for brick-and-mortar retail or carrier outlets. For planned shipments, online ordering from specialty suppliers may be more economical.

Timur Lesov

Eco-freak, nerd, and green technology fanatic. I’m in favor of making eco-friendly living simple as well. I graduated from Berkeley in 2017. Studied environmental science and all things sustainability related. I create content and share simple tips for greening your everyday life. I think even small changes can make a huge difference and we can build a cleaner and more sustainable future.