How To Make A Gift Bag From Wrapping Paper

Homemade is hot.  In the past few years, our spending habits have changed dramatically as a whole, and many people are turning to fun and creative ways to save money.  One of them is making their own wrapping paper, gift bags, and even gorgeous gift bows.  You can go to the store and spend $4 or more for a gift bag (especially the large, sturdy ones), or you can make one at home for next to nothing.  If it really is the thought that counts when giving gifts, then homemade bags will score you a few more points with your recipients.

What You Will Need

You can use brown grocery bags and newspapers to make your own gift bags.  To add a festive touch, some color, or a fun pattern, you can also use wrapping paper.  Next time you get a gift or attend a holiday gathering, look at all the wrapping paper that ends up in the recycling bin.  Why not save some of this yourself to make your bags?  There are a variety of different methods you can find online, but one of our favorites uses both paper bags and wrapping paper for a sturdier bag.  Next time you go to the grocery store, opt for paper instead of plastic.
 
You will also need:

  • A glue stick
  • Scissors
  • Paper punch if you have it. Otherwise, your scissors will do.
  • Ribbon for the handles.

Step 1

Paper bags are glued together.  To make your gift bag, start by gently peeling apart the edges so the bag lies flat on your table.  A little tearing is ok.  If you are using a large paper grocery bag, you can trim some of the excess height for a shorter bag.

Step 2

Next, glue your wrapping paper to the paper bag.  Make sure you smooth it down to create a strong bond with no air pockets.  Cut around the bag, while leaving some extra wrapping around the vertical edge.  You will want the extra to overlap with the other edge when you refold the bag.

Step 3

Now you’re going to make the rim of the bag.  Fold the paper and make a 1 ½ to 2 inch flap.  Glue this in place securely.  The next step is to refold the bag.  The brown grocery bag already has folds so you can just use these.  Overlap the side edges and glue them securely together.  Also glue the bottom together again.

Step 4

At this point, you may have some brown paper showing at the bottom of the bag.  Simply cut a piece of wrapping paper and glue it on to hide this.  The bottom of the bag is not a big deal at all, and this is a perfect patch.

Step 5

All you have left to do is make the handles.  Use your hole punch or scissors to make two holes along the rim (which is reinforced) on each side. Make sure they are evenly spaced.  Cut a length of ribbon, cording, twine, or another material and push it through the holes.  Tie knots at the ends so the ribbon doesn’t go through the holes.

Voila!

And there you have it.  A lovely homemade gift bag that costs you nothing but a bit of time and a bit of glue.  These are perfect for Christmas, birthday gifts, and any other occasion in which you want to present a great gift in a unique package.
 
Image by eszter on Flickr.
 
Pinkchic18 is an event planner with a passion for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and holidays. She is also a regular contributor to the All About Gifts & Baskets Idea Blog.