Few things are as exciting as a mystery present that comes in a fun gift bag with pretty tissue paper popping out the top. If you’re looking for a quick and easy wrapping idea, learn how to use tissue in a gift bag so it looks like you had a professional wrapping job done.
In just a few easy steps, you could be ready to hand over a gift that will wow – just check out Paper Mart’s selection of gift bags, tissue paper, ribbons and bows and more. And having a wide selection of supplies on hand is great for those times you need to wrap a gift in a flash.
Things to Avoid When Preparing a Gift Bag
Knowing how to put the tissue paper in a gift bag is just half the battle – there are a few things to avoid so your quick and easy wrap job doesn’t turn into a quick and easy disaster. Be sure you don’t fall into any of these gift wrapping traps:
- Using wrinkled tissue paper
- Using too little or too much tissue paper
- Using a bag that’s the wrong size
- Forgetting to remove the price tag on the bag
Read on for the 6 simple steps to wrapping a beautiful gift using just a bag and some tissue paper (and maybe some ribbon…).
Step 1 – Choose the Right Gift Bag
First, choosing the right bag makes all the difference. Your bag should be 2 to 3 times bigger than your gift. If you’re giving something that’s exceptionally heavy, make sure you have a sturdy bag with a reinforced bottom that won’t break during transit or as you hand the gift bag over. You can select any style and print bag you want. Fun and festive, colorful and bright, classic and clean. The options are endless.
Step 2 – Fold Open the Tissue Paper
The number of tissue papers you’ll need will depend on a few different things. Of course the size of the bag will determine how much you should use for that accent pop at the top. But you’ll also need tissue to cushion the bottom of the bag and to wrap any fragile gifts for added protection. While it can vary from gift bag to gift bag, here’s a basic guide for how many pieces of tissue you will likely need per gift.
- Very large bags might use 3 to 4 pieces of tissue for cushioning on the bottom and sides, plus 3 to 4 pieces to poof out the top. Additional sheets may be used to wrap a delicate or fragile gift.
- Medium bags might use 2 to 3 pieces of tissue for cushioning on the bottom and sides, plus 2 pieces to poof out the top. Additional sheets may be used to wrap a delicate or fragile gift.
- Small bags might use 1 to 2 pieces of tissue for cushioning on the bottom and sides, plus 1/2 to 1 piece to poof out the top. Additional sheets may be used to wrap a delicate or fragile gift.
Step 3 – Line the Insides of the Gift Bag with Tissue Paper
Line or crumple tissue along the bottom of the bag before putting the gift inside. This will help hold the gift in place while also adding some extra protection.
Step 4 – Place the Gift Inside the Bag
Depending on the gift, you may or may not want to wrap it with tissue prior to putting it in the bag. Either way, once the gift is ready, place it in the center of the bag and if needed, add crumpled tissue on either side if there is excess room to prevent too much sliding around.
Step 5 – Shape the Tissue Paper Over the Gift
Getting that professional poofed look at the top is actually very simple once you know how to put tissue in a gift bag the right way.
Simply lay one sheet of tissue flat on a table, pinch the center, and twist into a point, leaving the top of the tissue paper untouched. Then just dropped the pointed end into the bag so the unruffled portion is at the top sticking out of the bag.
Do this with as many sheets as necessary until the top of the bag is completely full with the decorative poofed look of tissue.
Step 6 – Finish the Gift Bag with Embellishments
Once you’re happy with the look of tissue, you can embellish the bag with a bow, thick ribbon, gift tag or anything else you find to add that extra something special on to your gift.
Find the Gift Bag Supplies You Need at Paper Mart!
A gift bag is a fun, creative, easy way to wrap any gift – and with Paper Mart, you can be ready to wrap in no time. Browse through our huge selection of gift bags, tissue paper, ribbons and bows and more – we have everything you need to make any gift ready to give!