Creating a unique gift tag to compliment your beautifully wrapped gift only takes a little time and imagination. Using simple craft materials, wrapping paper, and other supplies, you can create a fun or elegant tag for your present.

Gift Wrap Gems

Wrapping paper images make great gift tags if provided with a solid or patterned backing. Using a sharp pair of scissors, snip out whole flowers, snowmen, christmas trees or birthday cakes. Cut a rectangle twice as large as your image from another colored or lightly patterned gift wrap, then fold in half for your card backing. Glue the image to the front and add glitter to enhance the details if preferred.

Holiday Card Cutouts

Recycle old Christmas cards, birthday greetings, and other card stock images by cutting out small scenes or characters. Using sharp scissors, carefully trim around Santa and his reindeer, a birthday present, or even a simple heart design, snipping away any background or excess image you don’t want for your tag. Punch a hole in the top for the ribbon and write the to/from on the back with curvy penmanship.

Playful Pieces

Playing cards from go-fish to the standard deck of fifty-two add a touch of whimsy to a present — simply punch a hole in the top and write the to/from on one side. Play money, generic “admit one” tickets, paper dolls, and comic-strip panels are also unique and creative tag ideas.

Simple and Sweet

A simple card stock cutout, trimmed with glitter or additional paper pieces, adds a perfect touch to an elegant gift. Trace a cookie cutter in the shape of a bird, snowflake, flower, or whatever you prefer, using plain white card stock or colorful patterns. Cut out the shape, then trim as desired, whether with glitter petals, paper wings”, or delicate sequins.

A handmade gift tag conveys more than the name of the recipient; it conveys your time, skill, and thoughtfulness. A few simple ideas can translate to a memorable gesture.