Blog

How to Make Gift Bags

A gift bag is a popular way to wrap presents in part because it can be reused again and again. But many people can’t afford to buy this packaging, especially in larger sizes. And sometimes you just can’t find quite the style you want. Luckily, you can make your own gift bag in just a few minutes with the right materials. Businesses can also use our tutorial to make custom gift bags for certain products or occasions without breaking the bank.

Materials You’ll Need

• Wrapping paper (you can also use brown kraft paper or scrapbooking paper)
• Ribbon (use chord or twine if you want a more country-style look)
• Scissors
• Glue and/or scotch tape
• A hole-punch
• The gift or a cardboard box (optional)
• Eyelets (optional)
• Tissue paper (optional)

Gift Bag Steps

Getting Started

1. Lay out the paper face-down on a table or floor. Place the gift or cardboard box in the center to use as a guide.
2. Cut your paper down to size. Make sure it is large enough to completely cover the gift if you were wrapping it normally.
3. Fold the top edge of the paper down to create a seam for the top of the bag. (You can also fold it the opposite way if you want an accent at the top.)
4. Fold the left and right edges of the paper in so that that they meet in the center with a little bit of overlap, thus creating a tube with a seam in the center.
5. Use the tape or glue to secure the seam.
6. Flatten the sides with your fingernail so there are creases. Skip this step and step 14 if you prefer a more oval shape.

Creating the Bottom of the Bag

1. Fold the bottom edge of the paper up 3-5 inches. The more you fold the edge up, the wider the base will be.
2. Separate the pieces of paper. This will open up the pocket that you created by folding the edge up.
3. Flatten the corners of the opened pocket and make creases by running your fingernail along the sides. This should result in a diamond shape with “tabs” at the top and bottom.
4. Fold both tabs toward the center so they overlap slightly. Use glue or tape to secure the tabs.

Making the Gift Bag Top

1. Use the hole punch to create two “handle holes” along the top seam on both the front and back of the bag. The holes should be about ½-inch from the top edge and closer to each other than to the sides. Add eyelets if you want them to be stronger for repeat use.
2. Cut two equal lengths of ribbon for the handles.
3. Thread the ends of one piece of ribbon through each hole on the front of the bag. Tie each end into a knot on the inside. Repeat for the back of the bag.

The Final Touches

1. If you want your bag to have a traditional rectangle shape, fold the edges inwards on each side until the base and the top are the same widths. Flatten the edges with your fingernail to create creases and unfold the edges.
2. Open the bag and add tissue paper. Insert the gift and top it with more tissue paper if needed.