Christmas gifting is all about the little details, and handmade packaging is a brilliant way to make every present feel that bit more special. Better still, your favourite 12" x 12" paper pads aren't just for scrapbooking and cardmaking – they can be transformed into beautiful gift bags too!
Using sheets from our Santa’s Toyshop collection, you can create gift bags in a variety of shapes and sizes, from larger bags for presents to smaller designs perfect for stocking fillers and little treats.
1. Classic Christmas Gift Bag
Turn your favourite 12" x 12" patterned paper into a traditional gift bag that's perfect for placing beneath the Christmas tree.
Choose a statement design featuring plenty of festive imagery – think Santa, Christmas trees, baubles and traditional typography. The larger surface of the bag is a great opportunity to show off those detailed papers that you don't want to cut into smaller pieces.
Once constructed, add coordinating ribbon handles in a rich Christmas shade such as burgundy or red.
Perfect for: Small presents, handmade gifts, craft supplies and festive treats.
What you’ll need:
X2 - sheets of 12” x 12” patterned paper
X3 - coordinating coloured card 5” x 12”
X2 - coordinating coloured card 2” x 3”
Ribbon
How to make the bag:
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Score one piece of the 5” x 12” at 1” and 4” (on the long edge).
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Next, score the other two pieces at 1” and 4” (on the long edge) and then score at 1½” (on the short edge). Along the 5-inch width, score at 2½”, stopping at the 1½” score line. This will help form the base folds.
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To make the hinges, take the two 2” x 3” cardstock pieces and score each piece at 1” along the short side. Fold all score lines and crease firmly.
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To assemble the bag, apply adhesive to the hinge on the 5” x 12” panel, and attach a 12” x 12” patterned paper sheet to these.
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Attached the two remaining 5” x 12” panels to either side using the hinges to join them.
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Next, attach the hinge pieces to the side panels to connect the bag structure. Attach the second 12” x 12” patterned paper sheet to the opposite side.
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Punch holes near the top of the bag to create the handle holes. Thread the ribbon through the holes and tie securely on the inside to create the handles.
2. Mini Christmas Gift Bag
Who says gift bags have to be big?
Use your 12" x 12" papers to create a smaller gift bag that's ideal for those little-but-special presents. Add ribbon handles in a coordinating colour to give your mini bag the same polished finish as its larger counterpart.
These are particularly handy when you're using up remaining sheets from a paper pad, helping you make the most of your Christmas craft stash.
Perfect for: Jewellery, gift cards, chocolates and small stocking fillers.
What you’ll need:
One piece of patterned paper 6” x 12”
Ribbon
How to make the bag:
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Score the patterned paper on the short side at 1” and 4”.
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Rotate and score the paper on the long side at 2”, 5¾”, 7¾” and 11½”. Then score on the same side at ½”, 1½”, 6¼”, 7¼” to the first scoreline.
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Next, rotate to the short side again and score at ½” to the second scoreline and from the 3rd to the 4th scoreline.
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On the long side measure from the first 1” scorelines ¾” down and mark on both of the short sides. Then score diagonal from the bottom of the scorelines to the marks.
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Cut up the bottom and remove two small notches to create the glue flap. You can also cut away the side pieces on the small sides at the top.
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Finally cut some holes in the side pieces and attach a ribbon.
3. Christmas Pillow-Style Gift Bag
For something a little different, turn your patterned paper into a compact envelope or pillow-style gift package.
Choose a lighter Christmas pattern featuring festive foliage, baubles or winter florals and let the paper become the main decoration. The folded construction creates a neat little package without needing lots of additional embellishments.
You could finish it with a small sentiment, ribbon, twine or personalised gift tag – or simply allow that gorgeous patterned paper to do all the talking.
Perfect for: Sweets, money gifts, vouchers, small handmade presents and little Christmas surprises.
What you’ll need:
One piece of patterned paper 12” x 12”
How to make the bag:
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Should your patterned paper have a directional printing, score on the side at 3” x 9”, fold and burnish.
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Then rotate and score at 5” and 7”.
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Using the 5” and 7” score lines, fold each end back towards the side, then fold the ends over the back to create the bag shape. Fold the opposite end over the side and tuck in the corners. Fold one side completely inside the bag to secure it. The side with the folded corners can be tucked either way, depending on your preference.
4. Tall Christmas Gift Bag
Need to wrap something with a slightly trickier shape? Create a tall, narrow gift bag!
A more delicate patterned paper works particularly well for this style. Snowflakes, stars and subtle metallic details give the finished bag an elegant look while the unusual shape makes it perfect for gifts that don't fit easily into traditional packaging.
Finish by gathering or folding the top and securing it with coordinating ribbon for a beautiful presentation.
Perfect for: Small bottles, candles and bath products.
What you’ll need:
One piece of patterned paper 9” x 9½”
How to make the bag:
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Score on the 9½” side at 1½”, 3”, 4½”, 6”, 7½”, 9”
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Score on the 9” side at 2”
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Next, make marks on the 9½” side at ¾”, 2¾”, 3¾”, 5¼”, 6¾”, 8¼” and then make a diagonal score line from the mark to the score line next to it.
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Fold and burnish on the score lines and on the bottom cut up to the 2” score line.
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Line the bag up as a hexagon and glue together then take a piece of ribbon and pierce some holes in the top and thread the ribbon through for the closure.
Make More from Your 12" x 12" Paper Pads
One of the best things about creating your own DIY Christmas gift bags is being able to coordinate your packaging with the rest of your festive crafting.
Choose papers from the same 12" x 12" Christmas paper pad to create a collection of matching bags in different sizes, then use your scraps to make coordinating gift tags, present toppers and Christmas cards.
You can also completely change the look by switching your ribbon and embellishments. Rich reds and tartans create a traditional Christmas feel, while gold ribbon adds a more luxurious finish.
So, before reaching for the wrapping paper this Christmas, take another look through your 12" x 12" paper pads. With a little cutting, scoring and folding, one sheet of patterned paper can become beautiful handmade packaging that's just as special as the gift inside.
