4 Easy DIY Christmas Gift Bags Using 12" x 12" Paper

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.