How to Make Gift Bags From Paper Lunch Bags

Present your gifts in a handmade gift bag.

Make your own gift bags out of basic paper lunch bags to present gifts in a personalized way. Show off your creativity by making each homemade gift bag specifically for the person or occasion, and perhaps to complement the gift you're giving. Make the gift bags as simple or elegant as you wish. Your children can help you make gift bags, or make their own, for special occasions.

Things You'll Need

• Lunch bags
• Paint or markers
• Scissors
• Hole puncher
• Decorative paper, confetti or foil
• Glue
• Stamps
• Ink
• Ribbon, twine, yarn or string (handle)
• Heavy book

Instructions

Decorating the Bag

1. Paint or color the bag if you want the background color to be different than plain brown. Or, use lunch bags that are already the color you want.

2. Cut shapes out of colorful paper or foil, or use a hole punch to make shapes you can use. Glue the shapes onto the paper bag in the arrangement you desire. For example, if the gift is for someone who's into astronomy or astrology, consider arranging the solar system or a constellation of stars on the bag.

3. Stamp images or patterns onto the bag using various stamps and ink colors. Use stamps in conjunction with paper cutouts, or in lieu of them.

Adding Handles

1. Cut each of the four corners, following the natural folds, about an inch down. Cut and remove 1/2 an inch from each of the corners on the two longer flaps.

2. Fold each of the four pieces into the bag. Keep it even by folding the bag over, inside of itself, at the same spot on each side. This should create an even edge all the way around the bag.

3. Turn the bag inside out to make it easier to add the handles.

4. Cut ribbon, string, yarn or twine to the size you want your handles to be. Tie the ends together in a knot, creating a circle. Make two handles that are the exact same size.

5. Slide the handle under one of the long folds, with the knot underneath the fold. Glue the fold down onto the inside of the bag. Repeat this for both long sides. Glue both short sides down completely.

6. Place a heavy book on top of the gift bag until the glue dries. Turn the bag right side out and your bag is ready.

Tips & Warnings

• There are numerous other ways to decorate and make gift bags from lunch paper bags. For example, a gift bag can be made to look like any animal and be stapled closed instead of having handles.

• Supervise children with scissors, hole punchers and glue at all times.

References

• Artists Helping Children: Paper Bags Arts and Crafts Ideas
• Family Fun: Reindeer Gift Bag