How to Make a Gift Bag from Wrapping Paper

Last Updated on November 29, 2022

Do you ever have a weirdly shaped gift that you have no idea how to wrap? Or do you ever find yourself without a gift bag when you need one? Fear not. You can make your own DIY gift bag from wrapping paper. These DIY gift bags are so easy to make and I think they are even cuter than store-bought options! Learn how to make a gift bag from wrapping paper with this easy tutorial. It only takes a few simple steps and is the PERFECT solution for oddly shaped items!

I wish I could take credit for this idea, but I saw a video on Facebook around Christmas that I believe was posted by The Today Show (or another morning show) demonstrating how to use gift wrap to make a paper bag for your present. I was captivated and amazed. And I have tons of beautiful wrapping paper, while beautiful gift bags aren't that easy to come by.

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How to Make a Gift Bag from Wrapping Paper

If you prefer to watch a video to learn how to make a gift bag, check out the short video I put together. If you prefer written step-by-step instructions, I've included those as well :)

Materials Needed to Make a DIY Gift Bag

• Scissors
• Scotch tape
• Rectangle hole punch
• Ribbon
• Wrapping paper (I love Minted, Etsy and Rifle Paper Co for wrapping paper–see some beautiful options below–just click on any of them for more information)

Steps to Make a DIY Gift Bag

1) Roll out some of your wrapping paper on a flat surface and place the oddly shaped item that you want to wrap on top of it. Make sure you use enough paper to cover the item. Cut your wrapping paper to size.

2) Place your paper face down on your table. Fold the right and left sides in until they meet in the middle and overlap some. Tape the seam.

3) Fold the bottom of the wrapping paper up to create the bottom of the bag.

4) This is the trickiest step in how to make a gift bag, but I promise it's easy after you do it once! Separate the two pieces of wrapping paper and flatten out the corners to create a diamond shape.

5) Fold the top and bottom corners in toward the inside of the diamond and make creases. Tape the triangle shape flaps in place.

6) Open your bag. Then fold the top flap of the bag over to the backside. Use your hole punch through the top of the bag for the ribbon of your choosing.

 8) Attach a gift tag, thread ribbon through, knot and tie a bow, and you are DONE! You can use tissue paper to fill it out if you need it to. Now you know how to make a gift bag from wrapping paper! How cute are these DIY gift bags?

What do you think? Just a few easy steps to creating the perfect wrapping paper bags. Now that you know how to make a gift bag, will you ever buy gift bags again?!  I don't think I will. 

Want some great ideas for beautiful wrapping paper? Below are some of my favorites. I love high-end paper for this project. Even at a higher price point it still makes a more affordable bag. Also, it tends to be thicker paper and I can find amazing unique and different patterns. Some of these options come in a roll of wrapping paper or in packs of single sheets (which are even faster and easier!). Grab a few of your favorites and keep them on hand to make your own quick and easy DIY gift bags!

Scroll and click on any image for full product details.

Other posts you may enjoy:

• 26 Clever and Creative Gifts for Makers
• Fabulous Gift Ideas for Grandparents & Parents
• 23 Unique Housewarming Gifts
• Awesome Presents for Mothers of All Ages
• Cool Gifts for Teens & Tweens

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