Christmas wrapping ideas using paper bags
You may have bought Christmas presents, but many people worry about how to wrap them.
If you ordered online and the item is too small or too large for store-bought wrapping, or you have lots of leftover wrapping paper—these paper bag wrapping ideas will solve those problems.
From decorating paper bags, DIY reusing paper bags, to making paper bags using wrapping paper and more, we’ve gathered a variety of paper bag ideas.
You’re sure to find the perfect wrapping idea for the gift you’ve prepared!
Christmas wrapping ideas using paper bags (1–10)
Natural handmade paper bag made of kraft paper
It’s a simple paper bag idea using kraft paper.
Fold one edge about 1 cm, overlap it with the opposite side, and glue to form a bag shape.
From the crease lines on the left and right, shift about 5 cm and make new creases to create gussets, then overlap the gusset creases and add a crease down the center.
Next, fold in the bottom to form gussets there as well and glue to finish the bag.
Punch two holes in the flap, tie a ribbon, and stamp a cute design wherever you like on the bag.
You can also use stickers instead of a stamp.
mini-mini paper bag
Here’s a handmade idea for a small paper bag shaped like a tote.
You can easily make it with origami paper and the like.
First, fold back one edge slightly, overlap the opposite edge, and glue to form a bag shape.
For the bottom, crease according to the gusset width you want, then squash the open sections inward and glue the remaining top and bottom flaps together.
Trim a little off the top of the bag with scissors, and use the trimmed piece to make the handles.
Fold the top edge of the bag slightly inward, attach the handles over that fold, and you’re done! It’s a handy idea for handing out small treats like candies or ramune sweets.
Simple wrapping
This is a very simple wrapping method that’s easy to do.
Make two slits about 3 centimeters from the top of a paper bag, cutting all the way through.
Thread a ribbon or tie on a flower there—it’s a neat wrapping idea.
It’s recommended when you want a simple decoration or just a small touch to a plain paper bag.
Also, if you attach an origami ring (cut into a donut shape) under the ribbon and add stickers or other decorations, it can look like a Christmas wreath.
Because the wrapping is simple, you can enjoy many variations depending on your ideas.
Original sticker gift bag
Why not try stamping with handmade stamps to create your own original gift bags? Kids love sticking and stamping! It sounds like a fun craft to do together as a parent and child.
Cut cardboard or sponge into shapes like Christmas trees or boots to make the stamps.
Using a plastic bottle cap as a stamp handle is recommended! Stamp all over paper bags to make your unique gift bags.
Adding decorations like beads, sequins, and pom-poms will make them even more festive.
Make original paper bags
Let’s try making your own original paper bag! You can use any kind of paper, but I recommend reversible paper because it turns out even cuter.
The process is simply folding a single sheet of paper into a bag, but the key idea is to fold back about 5 centimeters along the top edge before forming the bag.
Decorate the folded section by punching star or snowflake shapes with a craft punch, or by adding stickers.
It’s a simple and easy idea that lets you quickly create a paper bag in your own style.
Decorate with Christmas-themed motifs
If you want Christmas-style wrapping, the best approach is to decorate with classic Christmas motifs.
When you think of Christmas motifs, there are plenty: Christmas trees, gifts, Santa Claus, holly, bells, and more.
You can buy standard motifs at 100-yen shops and the like, so gather materials, mix and match them, and create your own Christmas decorations.
Larger embellishments will make it look more festive and result in lovely wrapping.
Collage wrapping
Let’s try wrapping with a paper bag collaged with various illustrations! You can use a store-bought bag or make your own.
Decide on the overall vibe, choose your illustrations, and collage them while keeping the balance in mind.
If the envelope is simple, it’s a good idea to prepare some background-style illustrations as well.
Using Santa Claus, reindeer, or snowmen can create a Christmas feel.
A snowy landscape could be nice, too.
With an original paper bag, you’re sure to delight everyone!