Are you tired of spending a lot on gift bags, only to find they are usually just one plain color? Making your own gift bags offers so many more design choices, which is really nice. It also gives you a chance to use up some of that beautiful wrapping paper you might have stored away. Plus, it's a clever way to add a truly personal touch to any present, making the gift feel even more special.

This guide will show you exactly how to make a bag out of wrapping paper, step by step. We'll cover everything from getting your materials ready to adding those little touches that make your bag stand out. You'll learn simple methods that are easy to follow, even if you don't consider yourself very crafty. So, you know, get ready to transform a simple sheet of paper into something amazing.

Beyond saving some cash, creating your own gift bags is a wonderful way to be a bit more thoughtful about how you give presents. It’s also pretty good for the planet, since you’re reusing materials and cutting down on new purchases. For instance, I tend to compost paper I can't reuse, but recently learned how to make some really cool things with it. This method lets you put a little bit of your own creative flair into every present, which is honestly quite rewarding.

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Table of Contents

• Why Make Your Own Gift Bags?
• What You'll Need
• Step-by-Step: How to Make a Bag Out of Wrapping Paper
  • Measuring and Cutting Your Paper
  • Folding the Sides
  • Creating the Base (Using a Box as a Guide)
  • Securing the Bag
  • Adding Handles (Optional but Recommended)
• Tips for Perfecting Your Wrapping Paper Bags
  • For Oddly Shaped Items
  • Adding Structure
  • Decorating Ideas
• Smart Storage Solutions for Your Supplies
• Beyond Bags: Other Clever Uses for Wrapping Paper
• Frequently Asked Questions

Why Make Your Own Gift Bags?

Making your own gift bags out of wrapping paper comes with a whole bunch of good things. For one, gift bags can get quite pricey, especially if you give a lot of presents throughout the year. By making your own, you're saving money, which is pretty neat. You're also getting to pick exactly the look you want, which store-bought options rarely offer.

Another big plus is the freedom of design. Store bags are generally solid colors or have very basic patterns. When you make your own, you have a lot more options in the design of the bag. You can match the paper to the person's favorite colors or even the theme of the gift itself. This really makes the present feel more thought out, and honestly, a bit more special.

It's also a great way to be more mindful of what you use. If you're smart and buy wrapping paper that's versatile, you can use it for many different occasions. This cuts down on waste and means you're not buying a new bag for every single gift. So, it's a win-win for your wallet and the environment, actually.

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What You'll Need

Gathering your supplies before you start makes the whole process much smoother. You won't need anything too fancy, just some basic craft items you might already have around the house. Having everything ready to go means you can just focus on the fun part: making your bag.

• Wrapping Paper: Of course! Choose a paper that's sturdy enough but not too thick to fold easily. Lighter papers might tear, so pick something with a bit of body.
• Scissors: Sharp ones make clean cuts, which really helps the bag look neat.
• Tape: Double-sided tape works wonders for a clean finish, but regular clear tape is perfectly fine too. A glue stick can also be used for some parts, especially for the bottom flap.
• Ruler or Straight Edge: For accurate measurements and crisp folds. This is honestly very important for a good-looking bag.
• Pencil: To mark your measurements before cutting and folding.
• A Box (Optional but Recommended): This is a key tip for making a gift bag. Use a box, big enough for your oddly shaped item or whatever you plan to put inside, as a base to create the bottom of the bag. This trick makes forming the bag's base much easier and more precise.
• Hole Punch (Optional): If you plan to add handles.
• Ribbon or String (Optional): For handles or decoration.

Having these items ready will help you create a bag that's both functional and pretty. It’s surprising how much you can do with just a few simple things, you know?

Step-by-Step: How to Make a Bag Out of Wrapping Paper

Here’s a simple guide to help you create your very own gift bag. Following these steps will give you a sturdy and attractive bag, perfect for any present. It’s a pretty straightforward process once you get the hang of it.

Measuring and Cutting Your Paper

First things first, you need to figure out how much paper you'll need. This depends on the size of your gift. A good rule of thumb is to measure the height, width, and depth of your item. Add a few extra inches to each measurement for overlap and the bottom of the bag. For the width of your paper, you'll want it to be about twice the width of your item plus twice its depth, plus an inch or two for overlap. For the height, it should be the height of your item plus half its depth, plus a few inches for the top fold.

Lay your chosen wrapping paper flat, design side down. Use your ruler and pencil to mark out the dimensions you've calculated. Make sure your lines are straight; this helps a lot with keeping the bag neat. Then, carefully cut along your marked lines. A clean cut really makes a difference in the final look of your bag, so take your time with this step, you know?

Folding the Sides

Now that your paper is cut, it's time to form the body of the bag. Take one long edge of your paper and fold it over about an inch or so. This will be the flap where you tape the bag together. Put a thin line of glue or a strip of double-sided tape along this folded edge. Then, bring the opposite long edge of the paper over to meet this folded edge, overlapping it slightly. Press down firmly to secure the seam, creating a tube shape.

Next, you'll make the side creases. Decide how wide you want your bag to be. From the seam you just made, measure in from each side by half of your desired bag width. Fold the paper inward along these lines, creating two crisp creases. Then, fold the entire tube flat along these new creases. This creates the side panels of your bag, which will give it its shape. This part can be a little tricky at first, but it makes sense once you see it come together.

Creating the Base (Using a Box as a Guide)

This is where that box comes in handy. For a really sturdy and well-shaped bottom, use a box (big enough for your oddly shaped item or whatever you're wrapping) as a base to create the bottom of the bag. Stand your paper tube upright, with the seam at the back. Place your box inside the tube, pushing it down until it sits comfortably near the bottom. This helps immensely with getting the right dimensions for the base.

With the box in place, fold the bottom of the paper tube upwards, creating a flap that will become the bottom of your bag. The height of this fold should be a little more than half the depth of your box. Flatten this folded section, then open it up so the edges form a diamond shape. Fold the top and bottom points of the diamond towards the center, overlapping slightly. Wrap the paper around the bottom of the box, fold the flaps, and only tape down that side for now. This method makes a very strong and flat base, which is honestly quite helpful for heavier items.

Securing the Bag

Once you have the bottom flaps folded into that neat diamond shape, it's time to secure them. Apply tape or glue to the overlapping flaps you just created. Press down firmly to make sure they stick well. You want this part to be very secure, as it will hold the weight of your gift. This creates a strong, flat bottom for your bag. Take your time to really press the tape down, especially at the corners.

After the bottom is secure, you can carefully remove the box from inside the bag. Now, gently push out the sides of your bag to give it its full shape. You might need to re-crease the side folds you made earlier to make them sharp. Finally, fold down the top edge of the bag about an inch or two. This gives the top a clean, finished look and adds a bit of strength to the opening. You can use tape or glue to hold this top fold in place if you wish, especially if you won't be adding handles, which is often a good idea.

Adding Handles (Optional but Recommended)

Adding handles makes your gift bag much easier to carry and gives it a more polished, store-bought look. This step is optional, but it really makes a difference. You can use ribbon, string, or even strips of paper for this. Decide on the length you want your handles to be; typically, about 12-18 inches per handle works well, depending on the bag's size.

First, flatten the top of your bag. Using a hole punch, make two holes on the front side of the bag, about an inch or two from the top edge and equally spaced from the center. Do the same on the back side, making sure the holes line up. Thread your chosen ribbon or string through the holes from the outside in, then tie a knot on the inside to secure each end. You might want to reinforce the holes with a small piece of tape on the inside before punching, just to give them a bit more strength. This prevents the paper from tearing when the bag is carried, which is something to think about.

Tips for Perfecting Your Wrapping Paper Bags

Making a gift bag is one thing, but making it look really good is another. These tips will help you create bags that are not only functional but also quite beautiful. Little details can make a big impact, you know.

For Oddly Shaped Items

Sometimes, gifts come in shapes that are just plain awkward to wrap. This is where your homemade bag truly shines. For oddly shaped items, like a plush toy or a collection of small, varied things, using a box inside the wrapping paper method is a lifesaver. As mentioned earlier, use a box that's big enough for your item as a guide for the bag's base and sides. This ensures the bag will fit your gift perfectly and have a stable bottom. It really takes the guesswork out of it.

You can also place the oddly shaped item directly into a simple cardboard box first. Then, create your wrapping paper bag around that box. This gives the bag a neat, structured shape, and the gift inside is well protected. It’s a very practical approach, especially for things that might otherwise flop around in a loose bag. This is something I've found to be very helpful over the years.

Adding Structure

Some wrapping papers are thinner, and even with careful folding, the bag might feel a bit flimsy. To give what you're wrapping some structure, it might be a good idea to either put it in a box or to fold the blanket around a piece of square cardboard. For instance, if you're wrapping a soft item like a scarf or a blanket, placing it around a piece of square cardboard before putting it in the bag can make the bag hold its shape better. This also makes the gift look neater when presented.

You can also reinforce the bottom of your bag by cutting a piece of cardboard to fit the exact dimensions of the bag's base. Just slip this piece of cardboard inside the bag before you put the gift in. This adds significant strength and prevents the bottom from sagging, which is a common problem with paper bags. It’s a simple trick that makes a big difference in how sturdy your bag feels.

Decorating Ideas

This is where you can really let your personality shine! Once your bag is assembled, you can add all sorts of embellishments. Think about ribbons, bows, or even small ornaments. You could attach a little gift tag with a personalized message. For example, 37 years ago, a designer friend of mine was using brown paper plus dried flowers to wrap gifts, and I was stunned about how cool his gifts looked. This idea still holds up today.

Consider drawing on the bag with markers, or using stamps to create a unique pattern. You can glue on glitter, sequins, or even small fabric scraps. If you have some tissue paper, crumple it up and place it inside the bag before the gift; it adds a nice touch and helps cushion the item. The possibilities are really endless, so just have fun with it and make each bag a little piece of art.

Smart Storage Solutions for Your Supplies

Keeping your wrapping paper and gift-making supplies organized makes the whole process much more enjoyable. Nobody likes rummaging through a messy pile when they're trying to get creative. Having a system means you can quickly find what you need and get to work, which is pretty convenient.

For rolls of wrapping paper, I stand them up in a tall trash can, like a kitchen-sized one, in the corner of a closet. This keeps them upright and prevents them from getting squashed or unrolled. Another good option is one of those upright Sterilite or Rubbermaid bins, like the red ones with a frosted domed lid. These are great for keeping rolls tidy and dust-free.

As for finished gift bags and other smaller items, I use an Amazon box to store my gift bags, so they're standing up like files. This makes it easy to flip through them and pick the right one. Tape, ribbon, cards, tissue paper, and small gift bags can live in two or three drawers of a small storage unit. This keeps everything together and easy to access when you're ready to wrap a gift. It’s all about making your crafting life simpler, you know?

Beyond Bags: Other Clever Uses for Wrapping Paper

Wrapping paper is so versatile, it’s a shame to only use it for gifts. There are many other smart ways to use up those leftover rolls or even paper you've received from gifts. This helps reduce waste and keeps your creative juices flowing. For instance, I like to use reusable grocery store bags to give gifts instead of wrapping paper and gift bags sometimes. Anyone else have a favorite?

For gifts for extended family, I’m planning to make some reusable fabric bags, and wrap some using brown paper grocery bags. (We’re not allowed to use certain materials for some things, but these are fine.) You can also use wrapping paper to line drawers or shelves, giving them a fresh look. It’s perfect for crafting projects with kids, like making paper chains or collages. Some people even use it as a temporary tablecloth for parties, which makes cleanup super easy.

If you have any leftover pieces, you can cut them into smaller shapes to use as confetti or decorative tags. Or, you know, if the paper is plain enough, you can even use it for drawing or doodling. The possibilities are quite broad when you start thinking outside the box. It’s all about getting the most out of what you have, really.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any type of wrapping paper to make a gift bag?

You can use most types of wrapping paper, but some work better than others. Thicker, more durable papers tend to make sturdier bags that hold their shape well. Very thin or flimsy paper might tear easily, especially when you're folding and creasing it. So, it's generally a good idea to pick something with a bit of weight to it, you know, for better results.

How do I make the bottom of the bag extra strong?

To make the bottom of your bag really strong, there are a couple of things you can do. First, make sure you use a box as a guide when creating the base folds; this helps make a flat, even bottom. Second, after you've folded and taped the bottom flaps, cut a piece of cardboard that fits exactly inside the base of your finished bag. Slip this cardboard piece in before you put your gift inside. This adds a lot of support and keeps the bottom from sagging, which is pretty helpful for heavier items.

What if my wrapping paper isn't wide enough for a large gift?

If your wrapping paper isn't wide enough for a big gift, you can actually tape two pieces together. Overlap the edges of two pieces of paper by about an inch, then secure them with tape along the seam. Make sure the patterns line up if that matters to you. This creates a larger sheet of paper that you can then use to make your bag. It’s a simple way to make the paper fit your needs, which is quite practical.

Learn more about creative gift wrapping ideas on our site, and link to this page for more DIY craft projects.