How to Make Gift Bags With Kids

Homemade gift bags are a simple and inexpensive craft you and the kids can do together.

When giving gifts that are impossible to wrap nicely, gift bags are the perfect solution. Rather than spending money on a manufactured gift bag, creating your own gift bags is a simple and fun craft that can make the experience of gift-giving even more personal. Involve the kids in making your own gift bags with items you already have stashed in your craft cupboard or lying around the house.

Things You'll Need

• Tape
• Scissors
• Wrapping paper
• Empty box
• Pencil
• Cardboard
• Paper punch
• Ruler
• Yarn

Instructions

1. Find an empty box that the gift you are giving would fit comfortably inside. For example, use an empty shoe box, cereal box or light bulb box. Place the gift inside to test the fit and then remove it.

2. Lay out a piece of wrapping paper and place the empty box in the center of the wrapping paper.

3. Wrap the bottom of the empty box as you would a gift box, taping the corners securely into place. Do not wrap the top of the box, as you will need to leave it open in order to place the gift inside.

4. Tape the seam where the wrapping paper overlaps to hold the bag together.

5. Remove the empty box and stand it up on top of a piece of sturdy cardboard. Trace the bottom of the box onto the cardboard with a pencil and then cut the cardboard rectangle out. Lower the cut piece of cardboard into the bottom of the gift bag and lay it flat. This allows your gift bag to stand upright without falling over.

6. Trim the top of the gift bag to the desired height for your gift. You can use craft scissors with fancy edges to add a sense of flare to your bag.

7. Poke two holes in each side of the gift bag, directly across from one another.

8. Measure and cut two pieces of yarn approximately five inches and length. Loop the yarn through the holes you cut into the top of the bag to create handles. Knot the ends so the yarn does not slip through.

Tips & Warnings

• Use holiday or birthday wrapping paper to coincide with the event.

References

• Kaboose: Homemade Gift Bags
• Craft Ideas: How to Make Gift Bags Using a Box Template and Wrapping Paper