What’s inside: DIY Handmade gift tag ideas with a Free printable gift tag template! Includes ideas on how to personalize these gift tags.
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Why?
When you give a gift, a personalized handmade gift tag tells someone that you’ve taken an extra moment just for them. And if it is a handmade gift – well, then you pretty much HAVE to make a little gift tag to keep it extra special.
Besides, they are fun to make and don’t take that much time.
Is it a cheat to use those cool cutters?
No! If you have one, use it! I don’t have one, so I make other shapes.
If you have no idea what I’m talking about – they are called “Gift Tag Punches” and you can get them at your local craft store or Amazon. But they take up space on your craft shelf, so I never got one. If I really want a fun shape I use my pinking shears or my shaped scissors.
Blank Template of Shapes
I’ve made a free download for you with basic gift tag shapes, but you don’t actually need a template. You can just cut your shape directly. Then punch a hole in the top center. Done!
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When you punch your hole, I’ve seen it reinforced with those little circle stickers for reinforcing paper in 8.5 x 11” binders, but it’s only necessary if you want it to look like that.
Rectangles
To make rectangles, just cut even shapes out of cardstock. An 8.5 x 11” sheet will make 9 nice-sized tags. Evenly divide the sheet into 3 tags across and 3 tags down. After cutting 9 rectangles, trim 2 corners with a diagonal cut to make it look a bit fancier.
Hearts
Cut heart-shaped tags for your closest giftees! Punch a hole in the top.
❤️❤️❤️
Odd Shapes
Really any shape will work – triangles, trapezoids, circles, octagons, even free form shapes. You can also use old pre-used cards, like birthday cards, if the back of the picture has no writing on it. Cut out the picture you want from the old card and hole punch it.
The hole punch alternative
Hole punch works if you are going to tie the tag on with a ribbon. But you can also tape a tag directly onto some gifts. In this case, you want to use a tag that folds like a card.
Layering
You can also make a nice effect by layering and gluing two pieces of cardstock together. Let’s say you are making a rectangular shape – cut one slightly larger on a darker piece of paper and one slightly smaller of a lighter color. Center and glue the two together, then hole punch in the lighter area.
Types of Easy Gift Tags
- Cutouts of shapes glued together
- Printed shape and cut out using card stock
- Cutting up the front of old birthday and other cards
Using my free template
First, download the template when you sign up for the newsletter.
Materials
- Cardstock, assorted colors
- Scissors or paper cutter
- Pens
- Ribbon (to attach to gift)
- Hole punch
Instructions
- Select which template you like.
- Select the color paper.
- Print the template page on your cardstock.
- Cut on outlines.
- Use pens to customize your gift tag with the receiver’s name and your name. You can use the back or front of the tag.
- Embellish as desired.
- Attach to gift with ribbon.
Enjoy!
Remember, you are personalizing your gift with this gift tag. Think loving thoughts as you make your tags!
For a fun hand-printed tag, you can use faux calligraphy to make it look even more special. Get the mini-course here on ItList.
For a fun handicraft, try hand lettering! I’ll step you through 6 lessons & projects, all using classic copywork quotes, including:
– Making Bookmarks with Single Stroke Print Forms
– Printing Gift Tags with Drop Caps
– Lettering Notecards with Serif Forms
– Making a Notebook Cover with Bubble Lettering
– Making Wall Art with Faux Calligraphy
– Practicing Layout on a Chalkboard Sign
FAQ
Homemade gift tags can be fun and simple to make. Especially if you use a free template of gift tag shapes!
You can make homemade gift tags by cutting out the tags or by using special tag-shaped paper punches.
Typically, the easiest-to-make gift tags are made from a thicker paper like cardstock.
Keep on Learning
Resources
For additional tips, check out these resources:
- DIY Gift Tags | Full Green Life
- DIY Gift Tags from Fabric Scraps | Upcycle My Stuff
