How to Make a Gift Bag from Wrapping Paper – Simple & Beautiful!

Ever find yourself with leftover wrapping paper that’s too pretty to throw away but too small to wrap a full gift with? Me too! I found a wonderful way to turn those scraps into something special: transform your extra paper into beautifully wrapped gift bags! They’re super simple to make and add a personal touch to any present. These easy DIY gift bags are perfect for last-minute gift ideas, awkward shaped gifts, or when you just want something a bit more special than a store-bought bag. Get out your scissors and tape, and let’s craft something lovely together!

Making Your Own Gift Bags

Here’s how to turn your gift wrap paper into a charming gift bag in just a few easy steps! Take a peek at my video tutorial if you learn better that way!

Step by Step Instructions

Cut your paper

Start by cutting a rectangle of gift wrap paper to approximately 14×8 inches (35×20 cm). This size works well for a medium-sized gift bag. But, feel free to adjust based on the size of your gift.

Create the bag shape

Place the paper with the pretty side facing down. Then, fold both the left side and right side edges of the paper toward the centre until they overlap slightly, creating the back of the bag. Secure the overlap with double-sided tape or a glue stick to keep it flat and neat. Regular tape will do just fine, too!

Forming the bottom

Now, let’s make the base of your bag. Fold up the bottom edge of the paper about 2 inches to create the base. Then, open this folded section, pressing it down into a diamond shape. You’ll see the bottom section of the wrapping paper expand as you push the sides out.

Crease the bottom points of the diamond (the left and right sides of the diamond shape). Next, fold the top and bottom flaps toward each other, meeting in the centre of the diamond. Secure them together with tape to keep the bottom of the bag strong and stable.

Fold the sides for structure

Now, let’s add some shape to the bag! Fold each side inward, creating a crease from the top flap to the bottom. These side creases will help the bag stand up like a regular paper bag. Once you’ve creased both sides, unfold them gently to give the bag more volume.

Next, carefully open up the top of your bag by separating the top. Gently shape the sides so the bag opens into a boxy, rectangular shape with a solid base.

Finish & add details

To give your bag an extra special touch, try using your hole punch to make two holes near the top of the bag and thread a ribbon through for a cute handle. You could also fold the top flap over and seal it with a decorative sticker or stamps for a polished look.

That’s it! All done. Now you have a beautiful, custom-made gift bag using just wrapping paper — perfect for any occasion!

More Ways to Wrap, More Ways to Impress!

Love the homemade gift bag but need a little variety in your life? Here are a few more of my favourite DIY gift wrapping ideas, plus some free, printable gift tags to top them all off!

Creative DIY Gift Wrapping Ideas

If you’re like me and love turning gift-wrapping into a little holiday art, I think you’ll love these creative DIY gift-wrapping ideas! I partnered up with Rocky Mountain Soap Co. to create some beautiful ways to wrap their heavenly Vanilla Candy Cane Gift Set, made with natural ingredients right here in the Albertan Rocky Mountains. I’ll walk you through making the perfect, full bow, how to wrap with a cozy blanket scarf, and even a simple way to put together a stunning gift basket. This scent is the most festive blend of vanilla and peppermint, and I can’t wait to share these lovely ideas with you! 

Creative Wine Gift Wrapping Ideas That Spark Joy

Looking for thoughtful ideas to add to your wine gift-giving? Here are some wine gift wrapping ideas that turn everyday items like cozy socks and napkins into really cool, unique wraps. Wine is perfect for so many occasions, from anniversary and birthday to Valentine’s Day and, of course, Christmas! And why stick to a basic gift bag when you can make your gift extra special and personal with a little DIY magic? These are some of my favourite ways to wrap a bottle, but these techniques work just as well with pop, juice, or any bottled treat. Cheers!

Tis the Season: 11 Free Printable Christmas Gift Tag DIYs for a Personal Touch

Every gift bag needs a cute tag to top it off. Here is a roundup of my favourite Christmas gift tags I’ve created over the years that you can print and add to your gifts. And best of all, they are all FREE! Print, trim, and use a little twine or some satin ribbon to add them to the top of your gift bag! Easy as that.

I hope you have as much fun making these DIY gift bags as I did! It’s amazing what a bit of leftover wrapping paper, a few simple folds, and some creativity can do. These homemade bags are a thoughtful, personal touch, perfect for wrapping up any surprise. So, next time you’re left with extra gift wrap (or even some fun wallpaper!) remember, you’ve got the makings of a beautiful, handmade gift bag right at your fingertips. Happy wrapping, and here’s to all the smiles these little bags will bring!

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