Gift Bag Directions

Toss confetti and streamers into the gift bag for a festive flair.

Creative gift bags add to the gift and help make it more memorable. Gift bags can be reused and used as storage containers for keepsakes. After removing the gift, gift bags can also be used to hold sachets, by folding them and placing them inside closets and drawers to give the areas fresh aromas. Gift bags can be created easily by combining tissue paper, small items for confetti and ribbon.

Things You'll Need

• Gift bag
• Tissue paper
• Confetti
• Ribbon
• Streamers

Instructions

The Bag

1. 

   Place more expensive items in an upscale bag.

   Choose the gift bag. Gift bags can be made of any material that you wish, including paper or fabric. The gift bag should reflect the gift you are giving and suit the theme of the gift-giving occasion. Some bags can be homemade or constructed from a bandana or a quilt. Consider using straw hats, baseball caps or cowboy hats turned upside-down as gift bags.

2. Choose the gift bag color that reflects the gift. The colors should complement each other and be aesthetically pleasing.

3. Choose a gift bag that is a foundation for creativity if you plan to design the bag's paper. For example, a plain white, brown or solid color is the perfect background for a gift bag that will be used for stenciling or a child's fingerpainting design.

Tissue Paper

1. 

   Tissue paper should be colorful.

   Choose a colorful tissue paper that complements the gift bag. White tissue paper is simply -- white. Choose tissue paper that has some color.

2. Separate the tissue paper sheets and fluff them up. Bunch them together in your hands without wrinkling or wadding them.

3. Stuff the tissue paper into paper gift bags with the center of the tissue paper going into the bag first, one piece at a time, layering them as you go. Fabric gift bags or gift bags shaped like small pouches don't require tissue paper, unless you want to wrap the item in tissue paper for added filler. The corners of the tissue paper should fluff out from the top of the gift bag at different levels.

4. Reach into the gift bag and flatten the bottom. Place the gift into the gift bag and arrange it safely.

5. Cover the gift with another sheet of tissue paper and fluff it up, over the gift, covering it completely. Tuck the edges of the tissue paper around the gift if needed, and add another piece of tissue paper on top of the gift. Fluff that piece to fill in the top of the bag.

Confetti, Streamer and Ribbon

1. 

   Mini candy canes make perfect confetti during the holidays.

   Choose a confetti medium that will correspond with the gift. Cupcake sprinkles make effective gift bag confetti fillers. You can also use stickers, glitter, small chocolate candies or make your own confetti by using a paper shredder.

2. Toss streamers into the gift bag for added flair. Streamers can be hung on the outside of the bag and around the handle of paper bags.

3. Add ribbon to the bag. No matter the gift, some type of tie is important. A diamond necklace can use a velvet cord or satin ribbon. The ribbon will serve as the finishing touch.

References

• Crafts.Kaboose: Homemade Gift Bags
• Casa Sugar: Casa Quickie: Make Your Own New Year's Eve Confetti

Resources

• Kam Sew Unique: Custom Gift: Gift Bag Ideas
• The Artful Crafter: Paper Mini Gift Bag Pattern
• Internet Family Fun: Printable Christmas Gift Bags