15 DIY Gift Bag Ideas for Every Occasion

A DIY gift bag is an excellent way to add even more thought to a gift. While some of these gift bags will save you money, some will take a considerable amount of time to make, depending on how intricate you want to get with your design.

There are a few tried-and-true methods for how to make DIY gift bags. We have some of those classics to share and then also some ideas that are a bit more complicated and out of the box.

01 of 15

Make This Handmade Gift Bag Using a Cardboard Box

The Centsible Life

If you don't like to waste anything, consider repurposing a cardboard box from your recycling bin. Make some cuts to the box, flip it inside out, then reattach. Add color and style with various fabric scraps for the handles.

DIY Recycled Cardboard Box Gift Bag from The Centsible Life
02 of 15

Follow These Paper Gift Bag Templates

Lia Griffith

Gift bag templates make it much easier to create bags with different shapes and sizes. The clearer the instructions, the more likely you will fold the paper in all the right places. This example tutorial is one of the best templates we found for making a straightforward DIY paper gift bag.

DIY Scrapbook Paper Gift Bag Tutorial from Lia Griffith
03 of 15

Print Off a DIY Paper Gift Bag

Damask Love

Learning how to make handmade gift bags doesn't need to be overly complicated. If you are making a small bag intended for treats or party favors, you can print a template right off your computer.

Print Your Own Treat Bags from Damask Love
04 of 15

Use Fabric to Make Gift Bags for Bottles

Lia Griffith

You can make a fabric gift bag with little-to-no sewing experience. This version does require some sewing, but you can make a similar bag using fabric glue if what you intend to carry isn't heavy. Opt to sew the bag if you want to transport glass wine bottles.

Simple Fabric Gift Bags for Bottles from Lia Griffith

Continue to 5 of 15 below.
05 of 15

Add Dimension to a Paper Gift Bag

Keren Howell

This DIY gift bag is a way to add dimension and interest to a present without needing to spend a ton of money on a designer gift bag. Consider this style for smaller gifts like jewelry.

Faceted Gift Bag from Keren Howell
06 of 15

Learn How to Make a Gift Bag Out of Scrapbook Paper

Inspiration Made Simple

Handmade paper gift bags can be made out of any type of paper, but we suggest using something like cardstock or scrapbook paper. Cardstock will hold up well and can be reused time and time again. Scrapbook paper has a ton of fun designs to consider.

Paper Gift Bag Tutorial from Inspiration Made Simple
07 of 15

Craft a DIY Gift Bag from Wrapping Paper

Oh Happy Day

Do you have a ton of wrapping paper left but need a gift bag to hold something that is awkwardly shaped? Make a DIY gift bag out of the wrapping paper you have on hand. It's much easier than you'd think!

DIY Wallpaper Gift Bag from Oh Happy Day
08 of 15

Upgrade a Paper Gift Bag Using Stamps

A Beautiful Mess

Sometimes making a gift bag on your own doesn't necessarily mean making it from scratch. Purchase some inexpensive craft paper bags and customize them to your liking, depending on the occasion.

Make a Buffalo Plaid Stamp Set from A Beautiful Mess

Continue to 9 of 15 below.
09 of 15

Repurpose an Old Book Into a Paper Gift Bag

The ReFab Diaries

We don't suggest ripping apart antique books that could be valuable, but some books or magazines would work well for this project. Even a newspaper would work, but you might have to double the pages for durability.

DIY Book Page Gift Bag from The ReFab Diaries
10 of 15

Take the Time to Crochet a DIY Gift Bag

Falling Spring Crochet

Sometimes it makes sense to have the gift bag be part of the gift. For example, if you plan on gifting crochet supplies, perhaps you put them inside a crochet bag that the person could use for storage.

Easy Gift Bag Crochet Pattern from Falling Spring Crochet
11 of 15

Upgrade Some Basic Paper Treat Bags

Spoon Fork Bacon

If you're throwing a party, spend some time on the smaller details that will tie everything together. Little signs are a charming and fun way to make treat bags seem more custom.

Let's Make Some Cookie Gifts from Spoon Fork Bacon
12 of 15

Customize a Gift Bag With Pockets for the Gift

Laura's Creative Moments

Homemade gift bags come in all shapes and sizes. Some are even made with a very specific gift in mind. These tea-boxes are customized to fit all sorts of tea accessories right inside. This technique might seem intimidating, but the end result is worth it.

Tea-riffic Gift Box Tutorial from Laura's Creative Moments

Continue to 13 of 15 below.
13 of 15

Transform a T-shirt Into a Gift Bag

Kenarry

If you have an old shirt that you want to donate, consider using it for a quirky gift bag instead. After the gift-giving, the bag can be reused as a grocery tote or even a purse.

How to Upcycle a T-shirt to a Tote Bag from Kenarry
14 of 15

Fold Paper Into an Origami Gift Bag

Pootles

Do you want to learn how to make a paper gift bag without glue? One option is to look up different origami patterns that require no adhesive This origami shape is tied together with a ribbon and would fit many small-scale gifts.

12x12 No Cut No Glue Box from Pootles
15 of 15

Sew These Reusable Drawstring Fabric Gift Bags

Positively Splendid

Earlier we shared an idea for a larger fabric gift bag that is perfect for wine bottles. These fabric gift bags are much smaller in scale and would work well for treats and party favors. The nice thing about investing in fabric is that the resulting gift bag will be much more durable and can be reused time and time again.

Drawstring Fabric Gift Bag Tutorial from Positively Splendid

Did you find a DIY gift bag that would work for you? Remember that homemade gift bags can be fragile if made incorrectly. Make sure that any paper you use is thick enough to withstand being held by the handles. Test the bag out in advance so you don't end up with a broken bag and gift at the party.

15 DIY Gift Bag Ideas for Every Occasion

More from The Spruce Crafts