While it's true gift bags are not always expensive, it is also easy to learn how to make gift bags, and who doesn't like to do crafts? With a few materials and a hot glue gun, you can create several great gift bags in an afternoon. Children and adults alike will love this project.
While you can use a simple grocery bag-it makes for a large gift bag-I prefer to purchase medium and small bags, similar to the size movie popcorn comes in, in bulk. Both white and brown bags can be found in most stores that sell items in bulk. Additionally, bags bought in bulk do not have a company name on the side, which makes them easier to decorate.
Reinforce the top of the bag by either rolling it down (twice) to make a cuff or simply adding reinforcement in the form of two or three pieces of additional paper or ribbon that is wound around the top 2 inches of the bag. Sometimes I reinforce with paper and then use yarn to stitch the handle in place. Sometimes I simply punch the holes for my handle and then reinforce the entire top of the bag by running a length of ribbon around the top and gluing in place. Either way works.
Items to use for the handles
Anything you can think of that comes in lengths can be used. But because each gift is different, you'll have to put on your thinking cap and be a little creative. I suggest you try and match the handle to the design on your gift bag or, better yet, to the gift hidden inside the gift bag.
For a girl: Gift bag filled with toys, make handle out of a jumprope; gift bag filled with beauty products, make handle out of ribbon
For a boy: Gift bag filled with the child's first lace-up shoes, make the handle out of a second set of shoelaces-camouflage or bright colored
For the kitchen: Regardless of what you put into the gift bag, you can always turn a couple of dishtowels into ties.
For the garage: Use the same strategy. It doesn't matter what you have in the gift bag. Bungee cords or a small electric cord-folded to make the handle-will always find a place in a man's heart.
This type of gift bag offers several great rewards. One, it gives you the opportunity to show your creative side. Two, it makes for a beautiful wrapping for any gift for any occasion. Three, whoever receives the gift won't soon forget the gifter or the extra effort put in to wrapping their gift. Even a very young child could use crayons and decorate a gift bag for his mother or father or for a sibling.
For a simple Christmas gift bag, use a white bag and add holly leaves and berries to the outside. Simply cut holly leaves out of green construction paper and berries out of red construction paper. Then decorate the bag as sparsely or as completely as desired. Make the handle out of a half yard of thick, red ribbon.
Directions
Fold bag down two times to create a 2- to 4-inch cuff (whichever you prefer).
Punch two holes with a handheld paper punch on each of the two wide sides of the bag. Center the holes on each side of the bag with about 4 inches between the two holes. As a rule of thumb, center your hand of the top side of the bag with your fingers pointing down, then put a hole on each side of your palm.
Cut the ribbon in half. One ribbon goes on each side. Insert each end of the ribbon into one of the holes. Knot each end of the ribbon on the inside.
To reinforce the top cuff, squeeze a line of glue between the bag and the cuff. Press to seal.
Decorate.
Holly leaves and berries with either a red or green ribbon will add a simple yet elegant look to the perfect gift bag.
Hints
Other items that work well include binder twine, duct tape (folded over onto itself to create a handle that is approximately 1-inch wide), string of any sort, a measuring tape, old 8-track tape, cassette ribbon, clothesline, etc.
If you want to get really creative, use something no one else would think of using, like licorice whips.
For a stronger gift bag, cut a piece of cardboard the exact size of the bottom of the bag. The cardboard will help the bag maintain straight lines and keep pressure and weight evenly distributed on the bottom. If the gift is particularly heavy, a piece of cardboard glued to the bottom as extra reinforcement is a good idea.
 | Once you have the basics down, creative gift wrapping techniques include using recyclable materials and letting kids get involved. |
 | Have you ever made your own handmade gift wrapping paper or handmade gift bags? Let's face it, there's always something going on that requires some type of gift-giving, and we all enjoy giving. |
 | These gift wrapping ideas merge classic tips with new innovations, such as texture and going green. If you want your gifts to be special and creative, don't conform to the old standbys. Instead, start thinking outside the box. |
For a nostalgic feel of yesteryear, use 8-Track tape ribbon to decorate gifts-especially gifts to be given to the middle-aged crowd. Baby Boomers grew up listening to 8-Track tapes and will not only appreciate the walk down memory lane but also the smart and innovative idea on what to do with the broken 8-Tracks they have filling their own garages and basements. |
Instead of using those store-bought gift tags, why not make heirloom gift tags for your lovely gifts this year? These tags are inexpensive and easy to make, but turn out to look really nice. |
