How to Make Personalised
Christmas Gift Tags and Bags
The Christmas season is not just about the gifts we give, but the thought and care we put into each aspect of the presentation. One way to add a personal touch to your Christmas gifts is by making custom Christmas gift tags and handmade Christmas gift bags. These small yet thoughtful details transform your presents into something truly special, reflecting the time, love, and creativity behind them.
Why Make Personalised Christmas Gift Tags and Bags?
Whether you’re looking for something elegant, rustic, or whimsical, these DIY crafts can be tailored to fit any theme or recipient. Plus, making your own gift tags and bags can be a fun family activity, allowing you to involve your kids in the holiday preparations.
How to Make Custom Christmas Gift Tags Using String Printing
String printing is a creative way to make handmade Christmas gift tags that stand out. This method, ideal for both kids and adults, allows you to create beautiful, intricate designs.
Materials Needed:
• Blank gift tags
• Festive Paint and Paintbrushes
• Scissors
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Using the provided template, cut out the gift tag shape from a piece of card. Punch a hole at the top of the tag for threading ribbon later.
2. Stick your chosen Christmas shape template onto a piece of cardboard. This will form the base for your string design.
3. Cover the cardboard with a layer of super tacky glue. Be careful not to apply too much glue, as it will obscure your design.
4. Carefully place cotton string along the lines of your template. Press the string gently into the glue so it sticks well.
5. Allow the glue and string to dry completely. Once dry, cut around the string design to create a neat outline.
6. Squeeze a blob of paint into a tray. Roll a foam roller in the paint until it is evenly coated.
7. Carefully roll the paint-coated roller over your string design until it’s fully covered in paint.
8. Place the painted string design face down on your gift tag. Use a clean roller or press down firmly with your hand to apply pressure and transfer the design onto the tag.
9. Carefully peel the string design off the tag, leaving behind a printed impression. Let the print dry fully before continuing.
10. Once the print is dry, thread a ribbon or string through the hole at the top of the tag. Write a personal message or the recipient’s name, and your custom Christmas gift tag is ready! Repeat these steps for additional tags.
Upcycled Christmas Card Gift Tags
Why throw away old Christmas cards when you can upcycle them into beautiful handmade Christmas gift tags? This eco-friendly craft reduces waste and allows you to repurpose the beautiful designs from previous years’ cards into something new.
Materials Needed:
• Old Christmas cards
• Scissors or craft knife
• Hole punch
• Ribbon, twine, or yarn
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Gather old Christmas cards that feature festive images, patterns, or colours. Focus on sections of the card that would make a good-sized tag, like a picture of Santa, reindeer, or a Christmas tree.
2. Use scissors or a craft knife to carefully cut the desired section of the card into a rectangular or decorative tag shape. You can also use tag-shaped stencils if you want uniformity.
3. Use a hole punch to create a hole at the top of each tag, making sure it’s far enough from the edge to avoid tearing.
4. Thread a piece of ribbon or twine through the hole to attach the tag to your gift. If you like, you can embellish the tag further with glitter, small bows, or stickers.
5. Write a festive message or the recipient’s name on the blank side of the tag. Your upcycled tags are now ready to add a unique touch to your Christmas gifts.
How to Make Gingerbread House Bags
Creating handmade Christmas gift bags can be just as fun as making the gift tags. One charming idea is a Gingerbread House Gift Bag, which turns a plain brown paper bag into a delightful, festive gift bag that resembles a gingerbread house.
Materials Needed:
• Brown paper gift bags
• White paint or paint pen
• Craft foam (brown, white, and red)
• Decorative stickers or glitter
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. To make a roof shape, firstly, cut the corners off the top corners of the craft gift bag.
2. Sketch your house design using a pencil.
3. Use white acrylic paint or a paint pen to draw icing details on the bag, such as windows, doors, and decorative swirls. Add small dots of white paint around the bag to look like snow or sugar.
What Material can be used for Gift Tags?
Gift tags can be made from a variety of different materials depending on the look you want to achieve. Here are some common options:
1. Cardstock: This is the most popular material for gift tags because it’s sturdy and easy to print or write on. You can find it in various colours and textures.
2. Kraft Paper: For a rustic or eco-friendly look, Kraft paper is a great option. It has a natural brown colour and pairs well with twine or burlap ribbon to create a rustic look.
3. Foam: For a more playful or 3D effect, craft foam is really easy to use and can be used to create fun, textured gift tags in many different colours.
4. Upcycled Materials: As mentioned earlier, you can upcycle your old Christmas cards or even pieces of cardboard to make your own unique and sustainable gift tags.
Making personalised Christmas gift tags and bags is a wonderful way to add a thoughtful, creative touch to your holiday gifts. Whether you’re string-printing on blank tags, upcycling old Christmas cards, or creating a whimsical Gingerbread House Gift Bag, these DIY projects bring an extra layer of joy to gift-giving. Plus, they’re fun to make, cost-effective, and provide an opportunity for the whole family to get involved in the holiday spirit.
Creating personalised Christmas gift tags and bags is a fun and thoughtful way to add a unique touch to your holiday gifts. Check out Creative Station for lots of crafty project ideas to try this festive season.
