Australians have a knack for adding personal touches to just about everything—whether it's refreshing their home decor, giving thoughtful gifts, or learning how to make a gift bag out of wrapping paper. If you're searching for a fun and creative way to elevate your gift wrapping, this simple DIY project could be just what you need. It’s a project that anyone can try, regardless of skill level, and it’s a wonderful way to show that you’ve gone the extra mile. In this blog, I’ll guide you through each step of the process and share some tips for matching your bag’s style and colors to different occasions. Let’s get started!
Materials you will need:
- Wrapping paper (pick a design that suits the vibe—something festive, fun, or elegant)
- Scissors
- Double-sided tape or a trusty glue stick
- A ruler (for those straight edges)
- Pencil (to mark your measurements)
- Ribbon or string for the handles—anything you have lying around works!
- Hole punch (if you want to get fancy with the handles)
- A few extras like stickers, little ornaments, or even dried eucalyptus if you want to add a natural, Aussie touch
Step 1: Pick the right wrapping paper
Choosing the right wrapping paper is where fun begins! It really sets the vibe for your gift. Here are a few ideas that might help, especially with an Aussie twist:
- Christmas: Go for classic red, green, or gold paper, but why not mix in some local charm? Look for patterns with Aussie native plants like wattle or banksia, or even cute koalas and kangaroos.
- Birthdays: Bright, happy colors like yellow, turquoise, or pink are always winners. Or, if you want to get a bit more creative, try papers with fun patterns or abstract designs.
- Weddings & anniversaries: Think elegant and subtle—pastel shades like blush, beige, or ivory are perfect. Add a touch of Aussie beauty with floral patterns featuring native blooms like proteas or eucalyptus leaves. It’s simple but makes a statement!
Also read: How to Wrap Your Christmas Gift: A Festive Guide
Step 2: Measure and cut the paper
Start by laying your wrapping paper flat on a table, with the printed side facing down—trust me, it’s easier to work with that way! Measure out a rectangular piece that’s about twice the width of your gift, plus a little extra to give yourself room for overlap. Make sure the height is a bit taller than your gift—around 10 cm more should do the trick. For a medium-sized gift bag, try starting with a piece about 40 cm wide and 30 cm tall.
Use a ruler and pencil to mark your measurements, so you get nice straight lines. When you’re cutting, take your time with the scissors to avoid any jagged edges. It’s a small detail, but it makes a big difference in how neat the bag looks in the end.
Step 3: Fold and create the sides
Now, place your paper horizontally and fold in those shorter edges towards the center. Let them overlap a bit; this is where your seam will be. Use double-sided tape or a glue stick to secure the overlap and turn that flat piece into a tube-like shape.Here’s a little tip: When you press down on the seam, make sure you smooth it out well. If the tape isn’t holding, add a bit more pressure with your fingers or even use a small book to help flatten it. It’s easy to get gaps here, and you don’t want your bag coming apart after all your hard work!
Step 4: Make the bottom of the bag
To create the base of your bag, fold up the bottom edge by about 5 cm and give it a good, sharp crease. Then, unfold it and fold the sides inward, forming two triangles—kind of like when you’re wrapping the bottom of a boxed gift. This will give you a diamond shape. Next, fold the top and bottom points of the diamond towards the center so they overlap a bit, and secure everything with some tape or glue. This step will give your bag a nice, flat bottom that’s sturdy enough to hold your gift.
Step 5: Shape the bag
Now for the fun part—gently open up your bag and start shaping it. Use your hands to press out the base and sides until it looks like a classic gift bag. For a cleaner finish, fold down the top edge by about 2 cm and crease it well. This little fold helps to strengthen the top edge, so it won’t tear when you put your gift inside.
Just a heads-up: Don’t rush through shaping the bag—take your time pressing out the sides evenly. It’s easy to end up with a lopsided bag if you’re not careful, and you want it to look neat when you’re done!
Step 6: Add handles
Want to give your DIY gift bag a polished look? Adding handles is a great way to do it! Use a hole punch to make two evenly spaced holes on each side of the top edge of the bag. Then, cut a piece of ribbon or string for each handle. Thread the ribbon through the holes and tie a knot on the inside of the bag to secure it. For a more personal touch, try using natural materials like twine or cotton rope—it gives the bag a nice, rustic vibe and pairs perfectly with earthy wrapping paper designs.
Pro tip: Make sure the holes are evenly spaced, so your handles sit just right. If they’re too close to the edge, the paper might tear when you lift the bag!
Final thoughts
Learning how to make a gift bag out of wrapping paper is a fun and thoughtful way to add a personal touch to any present. It gives you the freedom to customize your gift to perfectly suit the occasion and the recipient’s style, while also being a more eco-friendly alternative to store-bought bags. This DIY project is a wonderful opportunity to express your creativity and thoughtfulness, capturing the relaxed and heartfelt spirit of Australian gift-giving, perhaps even incorporating native patterns like eucalyptus or wattle flowers.
With these simple steps, you can turn any piece of wrapping paper into a beautiful, custom-made gift bag. Happy crafting, and enjoy bringing a smile to your loved ones with your handmade creations!