DIY punch design gift bags

Yesterday I mentioned that I teamed up with All You magazine on a holiday savings article and that we were giving away FREE printable gift tags and recipe cards.

Today I’m sharing my craft for the article. I wanted to share an idea that would be adorable, easy and of course, inexpensive. I personally like to give little “happy” gifts to my sons’ teachers, our neighbors, and a number of others who make an impact in our lives throughout the year, but it can get pricey. So I bake! This year I’m going to make our favorite, no-bake chocolate oatmeal cookies (so yummy when warm) and I’ve added a peppermint twist.

For the packaging we’ve designed recipe cards and holiday tags (both can be personalized right in the document before printing) and I got a bit crafty too! I embellished white lunch bags and inserted a gusseted cello to keep my goodies fresh and to keep the bag crisp. 

You’ll need white lunch bags (picked mine up at Target), gusseted cello bags (picked mine up at Target), a hole punch (this one is a Martha Stewart punch that I picked up for 40% off at JoAnn Fabric and Craft Stores, it has three hole sizes to choose from!) and ribbon or twine (this twine is from the Martha Stewart collection too).

Here’s how:

• Fold the bottom of your bag down on both sides so that you don’t punch through it
• Punch a simple design (Christmas lights, snowflakes, ornaments, Christmas tree) on a self-healing mat if you have one (if not, grab a piece of wood or other hard surface you don’t mind scarring) ~ I recommend placing it near the bottom of the bag if your treats are short
• Bag your treats and insert them into the lunch bag
• Download our free tags and recipe cards
• Personalize them with your name and your recipe, print, cut and give!

And here are a few other punch ideas: Tall ornament (like the one on our design) and

a Christmas tree. 

And the best part, this adorable Christmas packaging will cost you less than $.40 per gift! Check out this issue of All You magazine for more wonderful savings ideas this holiday season!

As always, I hope you’re inspired to craft, bake and create!

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