How to Hide an Engagement Ring Box

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: December 9, 2021 References

If you are ready to propose, you can easily stash the ring box! Hide it inside of loose clothing, or use a prop to keep it concealed. You can recruit a trusted accomplice to hold the box for you, as well. If you are traveling with a ring box, hide it inside a clothing item and place it at the bottom of your carry-on. In addition, you can use slim-profile ring boxes to easily conceal them in your pocket. With a little planning and careful execution, you can pull off a proposal to remember.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Concealing the Box

1
Put the box inside of a pocket to conceal it on your body. If you want to use your engagement ring box when proposing, you can easily hide it in clothing like cargo pants and hooded sweatshirts. Simply slip the box into your pocket, and check on it periodically to make sure it stays in place. Then, pull out the box when the time is right.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Keep tabs on your ring box so it does not fall out of your pocket. Touch your pocket or slip your hand inside every so often to ensure it is still in place. You don't want to lose it!
2
Use specialty socks to hide the ring box if you want a creative option. You can purchase specialty socks designed to stash the ring box safely until it's time to propose. Order these online 1-3 weeks before your proposal so they arrive on time. Then, place your box inside the pocket before your proposal, and press it down into the sock as deep as you can.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- When you are ready to propose, get down on 1 knee and slip your box out of the pocket.
- Oftentimes, these come with a discreet, slim-profile ring box.
Advertisement
3
Conceal the ring box inside of a prop to easily place it out of sight. The prop you use will depend on what kind of proposal you want. For instance, if you are hiking and want to propose in the woods, place your box inside your backpack. Think about what props work best for your proposal, and place the ring inside before you go! Remember exactly where you put the ring, and place it in a secure prop only you will handle.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- You can also wrap the box in a blanket or place it inside a box of granola bars.
- If you are proposing at the beach, you can stash the ring box inside your beach bag or wrap it up inside of a towel.
4
Ask a friend or family member to carry the ring if proposing in public. This is easy to pull off with a little bit of planning. Recruit an accomplice to carry the ring, and mention your proposal idea and timing. Come up with a discreet signal, like a hand gesture or head movement, so your accomplice is ready when the time is right. Give them the ring ahead of time, get into place, and make the signal! Your partner will not expect the ring to be in someone else’s hands.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- For example, maybe you want to propose in the city where had your first date. Arrange to go out to lunch or dinner with a few others, and give the ring to a trusted person before you leave for the meal. Then, make your signal when you want to propose, and they can easily pass you the ring box when your partner is not looking.
- This is a great option if you and your partner live together.
5
Hide the ring by itself if you can't confidently conceal the box. If you are worried that you cannot easily pull out the ring box and make a seamless proposal, then simply get rid of the box and hide the ring somewhere else. Sometimes the best proposals don’t involve the ring box at all. However, handle your ring with care so you don't lose it. It's much harder to lose a box than a ring.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- You can stash it in your pocket, wallet, or small carrying pouch instead.
- This is a good idea if you’ve tried to stash the ring box on your person, but it is still visible.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Traveling with an Engagement Ring

1
Place the box inside of a sock when packing your items. When you are traveling with an engagement ring box, put the ring in another item so your partner doesn't discover it. Locate a long sock and put your box inside. Wrap the box up inside the sock and tuck the box into 1 of your dress shoes. Then, place the shoe at the very bottom of your suitcase.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- Alternatively, you can place the box in a pant pocket.
2
Keep the ring in your carry-on so you don’t set off a metal detector. If the ring is in your pocket, you can set off the metal detector when you go through security. Place the ring box inside your carry-on to avoid any security issues. It is also best to leave the ring in your carry-on in case your checked bag goes missing.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- This way, you will have the ring on you at all times.
- Always leave valuables in your carry-on bag when traveling.
- If you are worried about getting randomly searched, write a note saying, “Engagement ring inside” and place it around the box. If a TSA agent does search your bag, they won’t blow your cover.
3
Use the hotel concierge's safe if you think your partner will find the box. If you store the ring in the safe at your hotel, your partner may find it. After you check in, sneak downstairs and mention your proposal to the concierge attendants. They may have a safe you can store the ring box in until the time of your proposal. Be sure to sneak back down to get it!^{[8]
X
Research source}
- When you retrieve the ring, you can pretend you are getting directions or asking for recommendations.
4
Propose early in your trip if you don't want to keep track of the box. If you are worried about losing the ring while traveling, simply propose as soon as you get there! This gets rid of the stress of carrying the ring with you, and it will surely be a trip to remember.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- For example, you can propose at dinner on the first night.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using Creative Ring Boxes

1
Go with a slim-profile engagement box if you want a discreet option. There are all sorts of slim engagement box styles! Search online or visit a local jeweler. Pick out a box that you think your partner will love, and simply slip it into your pocket when you are ready to propose. The slim-profile of the ring box makes it inconspicuous, so you can plan the perfect surprise.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- You can place your box inside your front or back pocket. If you’d like, you can place it in the breast pocket of a shirt as well.
- You can also get a personalized wooden engagement ring box that your partner can cherish forever.
2
Get a custom engraved engagement ring box for a personalized option. Search online for custom engraving companies, and select a small jewelry box option. Then, choose to write your initials or names and include the date.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- Order your box 1-5 weeks in advance if you have a date in mind.
3
Try a kinetic spinning ring box if you want a unique proposal display. Search online to purchase a kinetic spinning box. These are handmade, wooden boxes that enable the ring to spin around and face your partner when you open it. These easily fit into your pocket and provide a special way to propose.^{[12]
X
Research source}
- Use this if you are looking for a nontraditional proposal option.
4
Repurpose a jewelry box or wooden box if planning a rustic theme. Oftentimes, ring boxes can be bulky. You can use a different jewelry box to hold your ring instead. Use a ring stand to hold your engagement ring, and line the box with stuffing or silk to protect it.
- This can add a personal touch to your engagement ring box.
5
Use a plastic quarter machine container if there's sentimental meaning. If you or your partner like quarter machine toys, go with this for an out-of-the-box alternative. Look for a quarter vending machine display when you are running errands. Insert a quarter, and redeem your prize. Then, use the container to hide your ring.
- The plastic container is much smaller than an average ring box, so you can easily use it as a diversion.
- Practice opening and closing the container in advance, so you can easily open it when it's time to propose.