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You are here: Home1 / Blog2 / Decoration3 / 3 DIY Christmas Gift Bag Ideas for Under $1 or Free

3 DIY Christmas Gift Bag Ideas for Under $1: Budget-Friendly And Creative!

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Who says Christmas gift bags have to be expensive? I found these ideas on the Internet and, of course, added my personal touch as well. With a few disposable cups and plates, you can create adorable and budget-friendly gift bags that impress your family or friends! These creative ideas are perfect for adding a personal touch to your Christmas gifts without breaking the bank. Whether we’re giving small presents for coworkers, gift cards, money, or small staffing stuffers, your personal touch will certainly be appreciated. So fun to make these creative wrappings with kids. These DIY gift bag ideas for under $1 each are as cute as they are clever!

On the page:

  1. Upsicle DIY Christmas Gift Bag Idea From Kraft Bags or Mailers.

  2. Santa Booth DIY Christmas Gift Card Holder From a Disposable Cup.

  3. DIY Christmas Gift Bag From Disposable Plates In The Shape Of Candy.

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1. Upsicle DIY Christmas Gift Bag Idea From Kraft Bags

     This DIY gingerbread Christmas gift bag can be recycled from any kraft bag with a design. How many Kraft bags from Amazon do we usually throw away? I’m sure I’m not the only one! Instead of tossing them, save these bags and upcycle them into festive gift bags.

     Kraft bags are the perfect color for creating a gingerbread house, gingerbread man, or even a Christmas sock. I first saw this idea on Pinterest and instantly loved it. I used an Aldi Kraft bag to make my very first one. The one from the photo above with the box of candies inside, I gave to our mailman. He loves it!

     You’ll find photos and step-by-step directions below, but the design possibilities are truly endless. Take a look — I think you’ll love this fun and creative holiday project! 🎄

Recommended ⇒ DIY Gingerbread House Gift Bag with Lights Easy Christmas Craft

We need:

Kraft bag

Scissors

Paint marker

Glue

*Paint makers work well, but just markers do not work well on this paper.

Decor:

tissue paper

string light

ribbon

Lights options:

For steady light:

String lights for steady light. Online, you can find these lights for under $0.50. Battery included.

For blinking lights:

We can use tea light candles instead for a blinking light, like our house has a fireplace.

How To Upcycle Gingerbread House Gift Bag From Kraft Bag With design

  1. You can use any kraft bag or mailer from the store. The design doesn’t matter, because we’ll turn the printed side inward and use the plain side on the outside.

2. Cut the bag in half, keep the handles, if the bag has handles.

3. Draw any design you like with a paint marker. Cut out the window. Glue together. On the bottom I made holes with a hole puncher and added ribbon. The bag is ready! I placed tissue paper inside and the tea light beside the window.

How I made a gift bag with cut windows, check it out here ⇒ DIY Gingerbread House Gift Bag with Lights Easy Christmas Craft

We can make one without a window, but in my opinion, a window gives personality and life to the bag!

This bag with candies went to our post office man:)

2. Santa Booth DIY Christmas Gift Card Holder From Disposable Cup

        This DIY Santa Booth Christmas gift card holder idea made from a disposable cup is the perfect solution! No glue or much effort and it takes a couple of minutes to make this simple Christmas craft with paper cups. Great project to make with kids. I use Kinder Surprise Egg in my tutorial to make the nose of Santa’s boot, just to show the option and what it looks like. Instead, we can roll any paper into a ball as a budget-friendly alternative! It is unique, easy to make, and budget-friendly, check out!

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We need:

2 disposable plastic cups (16 oz)

Wrapping tissue paper*

2 pipe cleaners**

1 Kinder Surprise Egg***

Scissors

Replacement options:

*Instead of wrapping tissue paper, we can use a paper napkin if we use a smaller size cup.

**Instead of 2 pipe cleaners, we can use ribbon or gift curly ribbon

***To create the nose of Santa’s boot, skip the Kinder Surprise Egg and simply roll any paper into a ball, or use cotton balls for an easy and budget-friendly alternative!

How To Make Santa Boot Step By Step

  1. Place the cup on the middle of the tissue paper and Kinder Surprise Egg (paper ball) in front.

2. Fold the back and sides of tissue paper inside the cup. Then fold inside the cup the front of tissue paper.

3. Cut off the top of the second cup to create an insert for the boot. This insert helps hold the paper securely inside the boot. While you can skip this step, adding the insert gives the inside a neater and more polished look.

4. I make the bow on the front from 2 pipe cleaners and place it on the boot. Then lock up pipe cleaners on the back by twisting them together.

Our Santa’s boot from a disposable cup is a great cute Christmas gift card holder, gift money holder, or just a small Christmas gift for coworkers, family members, or friends! It’s so easy to do Christmas crafts with paper cups to impress!

Recommended ⇒ 7 Easy Ways To Make A Treat Box From Disposable Cup  

3. DIY Christmas Gift Bag From Disposable Plates In The Shape Of Candy

        This cute and easy wrapping idea turns any small gift into an adorable and memorable candy-shaped surprise! Perfect for small gifts, party favors, stocking stuffers, gift cards, or sweet holiday treats. This easy wrapping technique adds a unique touch to your holiday celebrations. I saw it on Pinterest and love it. It’s a budget-friendly gift wrap under $1 and we don’t have to buy anything special just for this project! I will definitely use this for my grandkids next Christmas. Let’s unwrap the step-by-step guide!

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We need:

2 disposable plastic plates (7″)

Clear wrapping tape

Wrapping tissue paper (20″X20)

2 pipe cleaners*

Scissors

*Instead of pipe cleaners, we can use satin ribbon, colorful wrapping tape or gift wrap ribbon…

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How To Make Candy Wrap Step By Step

1. Fill a plate with candies and cover with a second plate. Secure the plates together with clear tape on 4 sides.

2. Place plates with candies in the center of the tissue paper.

3. Cover the plates from the bottom and the top as I show in the photo.

*Optional: Tissue paper is thin and translucent. As an option, I placed a 6-inch paper doily on top of the plates. This adds a layer of visual interest and creates a more decorative presentation for the candy gifts.

4. Tie the sides with pipe cleaners and make bows.

So cute and easy! This budget-friendly idea is perfect for wrapping small gifts for friends and family.

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Welcome! I’m Gala. I love to decorate dishes and try new recipes. You can learn many easy garnish techniques with photos and recipes on my website. I hope, you enjoy it!

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