Gift bags are very useful and come in a variety of sizes. These bags are also expensive, especially if you buy a bag that is bigger and heavier, and the contents are not always what you want. Make your own gift bag and save it until it's time to gift someone.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Making a Simple Gift Bag
Step 1. Choose the material of the gift bag
You can make gift bags using the various types of paper available, including brown kraft paper, patterned scrapbook paper, and wrapping paper. However, it is not recommended to use cardstock because it is too stiff.
- If the paper size is not correct, cut it. Make sure it's a rectangular shape.
- For a slightly more extravagant gift bag, consider using fancy wrapping paper that has glitter or has a lively design.
Step 2. Decorate the plain paper
If you use plain colored paper, such as brown kraft paper, it's a good idea to decorate it. This way, your work will look attractive like a gift bag instead of a regular paper bag. Get paint and stencils ready, and apply pretty designs to paper. Otherwise, you can stick the pattern using a rubber stamp and an ink pad or acrylic paint.
- For a fancier touch, paint the design with glue, then sprinkle some glitter on top before the glue has time to dry.
- Make sure the paper is dry before proceeding.
Step 3. Fold the top edge of the paper down
Adjust the orientation of the paper so that it stretches (landscape), and the part with the design or embellishment is facing up. Fold the top edge of the paper (long side) down by 2.5-5 cm. Sharpen the crease by rubbing it with your fingernail.
For a more luxurious look, trim the edges of the paper with pink shear before folding it
Step 4. Turn the paper over so the back is facing you
The folded part should now be flat against the work surface. Make sure the crease is still along the top edge of the paper.
If you are using plain paper, which has the same front and back sides, skip this step. The folded edge of the paper will be inside
Step 5. Fold both sides of the paper width towards the center and form a tube
Overlap the folds by 1.5 cm. If you want, you can run along the crease with your fingernail to make it sharp. If you want a bag that is more oval in shape, don't crease the edges of the paper.
Step 6. Glue the edges of the paper with glue or tape
Unfold the top of the paper. Apply glue or apply double-sided tape along the edges of the bottom crease. Press the top fold. Run your finger along the crease to close it together.
If you're using a glue stick, make sure there isn't any glue inside the gift bag
Step 7. Fold the bottom edge by a few centimeters
The larger the fold, the wider the base of your gift bag. Ideally, fold it by 8-12 cm.
Step 8. Unfold the resulting folded pocket, and flatten it out
When you fold the bottom of a gift bag, you're also creating a pocket. Fold the top of this bag down and flatten it out. Run your fingernail along the bevelled side to sharpen it. Now, you get a diamond-like shape, with the inside of the pouch appearing to be a rectangle in the middle.
Step 9. Fold the top and bottom sides of the diamond shape towards the center
The diamond shape at the base of this bag has two labels or tongues at the top and bottom. Fold it in the middle, and overlap it slightly.
Step 10. Glue the bottom of the bag with tape or glue
Unfold at the base of the bag. Apply glue along the edges of the bottom crease, or apply several strips of double-sided tape. Press the top crease down and run your finger along the crease so the adhesive sticks tightly.
Step 11. Make two holes for the handles on the front and back of the bag
This hole should be 1.5 cm from the top edge of the bag. The distance between these two holes should be closer to each other than the distance to the sides of the bag.
- If your paper is thin enough, simply poke a hole through both layers of the paper at once.
- Consider inserting eyelets into these holes. The eyelets will make the hole stronger while adding detail to the design.
Step 12. Cut the ribbon as the handle of the bag
Measure and cut two strips of the same length of tape. For a more old-fashioned look, use knitting yarn or strong tendrils.
- Choose a color that matches the gift bag.
- Avoid thin tape. This ribbon knot will not be big and strong enough to hold the contents of a gift bag.
Step 13. Attach the ribbon handles
Thread the ends of the tape into each of the holes from the outside of the front side of the bag. Tie the end of the ribbon into a knot inside the bag. Turn the bag upside down, and do the same on the back side of the bag.
Step 14. Fold the sides of the bag if you want to make it rectangular
If you open the bag now, it will look like an oval pouch. If you want to make it rectangular, like a regular bag in general, follow these steps:
- Fold the left and right edges until the bottom of the bag is the same width as the top.
- Run your fingernail along the edges to create creases.
- Open the edges and turn the bag over.
- Fold the sides of the bag back up, and run your fingernail along the edges to create creases.
Step 15. Open the bag
Your gift bag is now ready to use! Put your gifts in it. Also add some tissues if needed to make the bag look full.
If you fold the bag to make it rectangular, like a traditional bag, you may need to adjust the folds
Method 2 of 2: Making Traditional Gift Bags
Step 1. Choose the material for the gift bag
You can make gift bags out of any type of paper you want, such as brown kraft paper, patterned scrapbook paper, and wrapping paper. However, cardstock paperboard is not recommended because it is too stiff.
For an extra fancy gift bag, use fancy wrapping paper that has glitter or a lively design
Step 2. Decorate the plain paper
If you're using plain colored paper, such as brown kraft paper, it's best to decorate it so that the gift bag looks more vibrant and doesn't look like a shopping bag. Use paints and stencils to add beautiful designs to gift bags. You can also use rubber stamps to make simple patterns.
- Make sure the paper is dry before proceeding.
- For a slightly fancier gift bag, paint the design with glue first, then sprinkle it with glitter.
Step 3. Choose a small gift-sized box to use as a template
You will be folding the paper around this box so make sure it is larger than the gift. You can use all kinds of boxes, including cereal boxes, milk powder boxes, shoe boxes, gift boxes, etc.
Step 4. Trace and cut thin cardboard to form the base of the gift bag
Trace the narrow end of your box onto a thin cardboard sheet using a pen or pencil. Cut the resulting rectangle using a cutter knife, then set aside. You will place this cardboard into the base of the gift bag.
Use white cardboard or other colors that will match the color of the bag
Step 5. Cut two thin strips from thin cardboard
These two strips will support the handle of the bag. It should be slightly smaller than your gift bag and about 2.5-5 cm wide. Also set these two strips aside after cutting.
These two strips will be inside the top hem of your gift bag. The color of the stripes doesn't really matter
Step 6. Cut the paper to the desired size, if necessary
The shape of the paper should be rectangular and large enough to cover the entire box, like a gift. That is, the paper must also be able to wrap around the sides of the box.
Step 7. Adjust the paper orientation so that it is landscaped
Fold the long top edge by 2.5-5 cm. Run your fingernail along the crease so that it is sharp. This will make the top of the bag look neat.
- The width of the hem should be the same as the cardboard strip.
- If the paper has a pattern, make sure the pattern is facing down and the blank is facing you.
Step 8. Wrap the paper around the box
Cut off any excess paper and overlap the two narrow ends by 1.5 cm. Try to place the hem on one of the edges of the box on the front, back, or sides. Secure each edge with double-sided tape or glue stick.
Step 9. Fold the bottom of the box like a gift
Fold the side edges of the paper in first, just leaning against the box. Run your fingers along the top and bottom corners of your tongue to make creases. Fold the top and bottom tongues of the paper on the square, and glue them together using a glue stick or double-sided tape.
Step 10. Remove the box
If you want, you can pinch the corners of the box before removing the box. At this point, you can set the box aside as it will no longer be used.
Step 11. Flatten the bag and make side folds, if desired
Flatten the gift bag and fold the sides inward, just like a real gift bag. Run your fingernail along the edges to make it sharp. You only need to make the hem halfway down.
This step is not mandatory, but will add a professional touch to your gift bag
Step 12. Add the handle supports
Apply a glue stick or apply double-sided tape along one of the thin cardboard strips. Open the hem in front of the gift bag. Tuck the strip into it, and press the hem until it's even. Repeat the process on the back of the bag with the other strip.
Step 13. Glue the cardboard rectangle to the bottom of the bag
Draw a cross on the cardboard rectangle using a glue stick or double-sided tape. Place the cardboard with glue or tape face down on the bag, and press it against the bottom of the bag.
Step 14. Make two holes for the handles on the front and back of the bag
This hole should be 1.5 cm from the top edge of the bag. The distance between the two holes should be closer than they are to the sides of the bag.
To make it more beautiful, attach the eye of the chicken to the hole
Step 15. Cut the ribbon as the handle
Measure and cut two ribbons that are the same length. Choose a color that matches the gift bag. For a vintage look, use straw rope, tendrils, or even knitting yarn. However, avoid using threads that are too thin as they will not be able to hold the weight of the gift in the bag.
Step 16. Add handles
Insert each end of the first tape from the outside of each of the holes on the front side of the bag. Tie each end of the ribbon into a knot on the inside of the gift bag. Repeat with the other ribbon on the back side of the bag.
Step 17. Use a gift bag
Open the bag and put in some tissue paper. Put in the gift and add a few more tissues, if needed to make the bag look full.
Tips
- Choose a color that matches the event. Green and yellow are suitable for Eid, while blue and white are suitable for Christmas.
- Give a little tassel on the gift bag so it looks more attractive.
- Make gift bags ahead of time so you'll have a bribe when the holidays arrive.
- Decorate plain paper with stamps, stencils, or glitter.
- Purchase Christmas wrapping paper after the holidays for a discount.
- Create matching labels using scrap paper. Cut it into a nice shape, and fold it in half. Make a hole in the top corner, right next to the crease. Tie it to the handle using pretty thread. Write a message in it.
- Run your fingernail along the crease to keep it neat and sharp.
- You can use any paper, but the prettier the paper, the better.
- Open the paper gift bag. Lay your own paper on top, and use the initial fold as a guide.
