Don’t you love the look under the tree when all the wrapping paper matches? The loveliness and organization soothes the overstimulated, holiday-frazzled brain. Sometimes, though, a gift just needs a bag. (Have you ever tried to wrap a basketball?)
Why not make a bag from the wrapping paper you’re already using? Your holiday display will look all the more cohesive, and will highlight the care you’ve taken in choosing and packaging the presents for their very special recipients. This how-to guide can help you do just that!
New life for wrapping paper
This craft project is also a great way to reuse wrapping paper. When you receive a beautifully wrapped present — especially knowing the time, effort and resources its preparation entailed — tossing that festive wrapping in the recycling bin seems like such a waste.
This is one way to give new purpose to that beautiful paper. Even the inevitable scraps can be reused as perfectly coordinated tags!
Get this craft’s supply list and complete how-to directions below.
Supplies for a DIY wrapping paper gift bag
- Wrapping paper
- Tape
- Scissors
- Optional: Hole punch and ribbon
Directions
- Cut a rectangular section of wrapping paper from the roll, making sure you have enough paper to cover your item.
- Place it face down and fold 1/3 over to the middle.
- Take the opposite third and fold it to meet the first section, letting it overlap a bit.
- Tape the seam down.
- Fold up about a 2-inch section of the bottom and make a crease. This is the bottom of the bag.
- Open up the bottom and refold it, making a diagonal crease (like a diamond shape).
- Fold bottom section up, and fold the top section down to meet it.
- Tape the seam closed.
- Gently open up the bag.
- Put the gift inside.
- Trim the excess from the top of the bag to size and stuff with tissue paper.
- Optional: Punch holes through the top and tie a bow with ribbon.
