DIY Christmas Gift Bags

The Christmas wrapping market is huge and can also be costly. But a really simple and cost-effective way to wrap your Christmas gifts is to buy inexpensive brown paper craft bags and decorate them yourself.

You can create a really lovely, cohesive look for all your Christmas gifts, that won’t cost as much as traditional wrapping.

In this article, we show how to transform a simple brown paper craft bag into a cute gingerbread house Christmas gift bag.

Make an Easy DIY Gingerbread House Christmas Gift Bag — Photo Credit: The Listed Home.

How to Decorate a Christmas Gift Bag?

Decorating a Christmas gift bag can add a personal and festive touch to your gifts. Here are some creative ideas on how to decorate a Christmas gift bag:

Create a Theme

Pick a specific theme for your gift wrapping and coordinate the decorations accordingly. Whether it’s a winter wonderland, Santa Claus theme, or classic red and green, sticking to a theme can create a really cohesive and visually appealing look.

Add a Ribbon or Bow

Tie a colorful ribbon or a festive bow around the handles of the gift bag. This simple addition can instantly make the bag look more elegant and celebratory.

Attach a Gift Tag

Use a decorative gift tag to add a personal message or the recipient’s name. You can find pre-made tags or create your own using festive paper and string.

Use Stickers or Decals

Decorative Christmas stickers, or decals can be applied to the surface of the gift bag to create a festive theme. Consider using Christmas-themed stickers, glittery decals, or even personalized stickers with the recipient’s name.

Draw or Paint

If you enjoy artistic activities, consider drawing or painting directly onto the gift bag. You could create holiday scenes, write festive messages, or even personalize the bag with the recipient’s name.

Add Decorations

Attach small Christmas decorations or embellishments to the gift bag. This could include jingle bells, or you could even make salt dough ornaments that complement your Christmas theme.

Layer with Tissue Paper

Place colourful tissue paper inside the bag, letting it peek out from the top. This not only adds a decorative element but also conceals the gift for an extra element of surprise.

Stamp or Emboss

Use holiday-themed rubber stamps or embossing tools to decorate the surface of the gift bag. This can create intricate designs and patterns that enhance the festive feel.

Glitter or Sparkle

Add a touch of sparkle by applying glitter or sparkly glue to the gift bag. Be mindful of the mess glitter can make, and use it sparingly to avoid excessive cleanup.

Personalise with Photos

If you have a photo of the gift recipient, consider attaching it to the gift bag. This adds a personal touch and makes the gift presentation even more special.

Whether you prefer a simple and classic look or a more elaborate and personalised style, decorating a Christmas gift bag can be as rewarding as giving the actual gift!

Do you Wrap Gifts in a Gift Bag?

It’s up to you! Traditionally, gifts did not used to be wrapped within a gift bag. The purpose of a gift bag was to provide a convenient and attractive way to present a gift without the need for wrapping paper.

However, there are no strict rules, and personal preferences can vary. Some people might choose to put a wrapped gift inside a gift bag for added visual appeal or to provide an extra layer of surprise. In such cases, the wrapped gift serves as the actual present inside the bag, and the bag itself becomes a decorative outer layer.

Whether you choose to wrap a gift in paper or use a gift bag depends on your preferences, the occasion, and the nature of the gift. Both methods are widely accepted, and the choice often comes down to convenience, aesthetics, and personal style.

Why Christmas Gift Bags are the Easiest Choice

Christmas gift bags are often considered easier to use than wrapping paper for several reasons:

Time and Effort

Gift bags are a quick and convenient option. Simply place the gift in the bag, add some tissue paper, and you’re done.
Wrapping gifts with paper can be time-consuming, especially if you’re not skilled at it. It may require measuring, cutting, and folding, which can take more time and effort.

Skill Level

Not everyone is proficient at wrapping gifts neatly with paper. Gift bags provide an easy alternative, making it accessible to people of all skill levels.
Wrapping presents with paper can be an art that requires practice to perfect. Gift bags eliminate the need for precise cutting and folding.

Reusable

Gift bags are often made of durable materials and can be reused multiple times. This is not always the case with wrapping paper, which can tear or get crumpled after a single use.
The reusability of gift bags can make them a more sustainable option over time.

Versatile

Gift bags come in various sizes and designs, making it easy to find one that suits your gift. They can accommodate awkwardly shaped items or larger gifts that might be challenging to wrap with paper.
Wrapping paper may not always be suitable for certain gift shapes and sizes, leading to more frustration and effort.

Less Mess

Wrapping paper can generate a lot of waste, with excess paper often ending up on the cutting room floor. Gift bags, on the other hand, are a cleaner option as they generate less mess during the wrapping process. Plus, as already mentioned above, they’re reusable, so less wasteful too.

Concealing the Gift

You can use a layer of tissue paper to conceal the gift inside the Christmas gift bag, adding an extra layer of surprise. Wrapping paper, while offering a layer of secrecy, might not be as effective at concealing the contents.