This heart DIY paper gift bag with handles is the perfect handmade touch for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, birthdays, and anniversaries!
Made from a single square sheet of paper, it requires only minimal glue, a hole punch, and some ribbon to create sturdy handles.
No cutting needed!
Perfect for small gifts, party favors, or handwritten notes.
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Handmade gift wrapping always adds an extra touch of thoughtfulness, and this heart DIY paper bag with handles is a great way to package small treats, jewelry, or heartfelt notes.
Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, a birthday, or just want to surprise someone with a thoughtful gift, this easy paper bag is a wonderful way to make your present feel even more special.
This design is especially great because it requires no cutting—just a bit of folding and gluing, making it a fun and mess-free craft.
The handles, created using ribbon and a hole punch, make it even more elegant while keeping it functional.
You can also use different colors and patterns to fit various occasions—think pastel pinks and reds for Valentine’s Day, floral prints for Mother’s Day, or bold colors for a birthday gift bag.
Even if you're new to paper crafts, this project is beginner-friendly and takes only a few minutes to complete.
Kids and adults alike will enjoy making these adorable gift bags, and you can easily personalize them with stickers, stamps, or even handwritten messages.
Pair this bag with a DIY paper flower, a handmade card or swing tag, or a small treat to create a beautiful, heartfelt gift.
Once you make one, you'll want to create a whole set for future celebrations!
Why You'll Love This Pattern
- No Cutting Required – Just fold, glue, and add ribbon for handles!
- Perfect for Special Occasions – Great for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, anniversaries, or birthday gifts.
- Customizable – Use different colors, patterns, or embellishments to match any theme.
- Beginner-Friendly – Simple folds and easy-to-follow steps make it great for all skill levels.
- A Thoughtful Handmade Touch – Adds a unique, personal element to your gift-giving.
Skill Level
★☆☆☆☆ (Very Easy)
Materials Needed
- 1 square sheet of paper (origami paper recommended for small bags, cardstock or decorative paper recommended for large bags)
- Glue (a glue stick or double-sided tape works best)
- Hole punch
- Satin Ribbon (for handles)
| Paper Size | Final Bag Size | |
| Small Bag | 6 inches x 6 inches (15 cm x 15 cm) | 2.5 inches (6 cm) x 2 inches (5.5 cm) |
| Large Bag | 10 inches x 10 inches (25 cm x 25 cm) | 4.5 inches (11.5 cm) x 3 inches (8.5 cm) |
Instructions
Step 1: Start with the color you want on the outside of your bag facing down.
Step 2: Fold the left edge to meet the right edge.
Step 3: Unfold previous step.
Step 4: Fold both the left and right edges in to meet the middle crease.
Step 5: Unfold previous step.
Step 6: Fold the bottom edge up to meet the top edge.
Step 7: Unfold previous step.
Step 8: Fold all of the corners in to meet their nearest crease line.
Step 9: Fold the left and right edges of the paper in to meet the middle crease.
Step 10: Flip your paper over from left to right.
Step 11: Fold the bottom edge up to meet the middle crease.
Step 12: Fold the top edge down to meet the middle crease.
Step 13: Working on the top half of the paper: Open out the top left corner as shown. Optional: Once opened out, fold the point down slightly and glue into place.
This will give the top of your heart bag a flat look. If you want your heart to have a pointed look, don’t fold down the point.
Step 14: Repeat previous step for the remaining corners.
Step 15: Flip your paper over from left to right.
Step 16: Apply some glue to the inside of your paper so that the folds sit flat. Allow glue to dry.
Step 17: Fold the left and right edges of the paper in slightly (make sure the folds are the same width on either side, or you will end up with a lopsided bag).
This will form the sides of your bag.
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Step 18: Fold the paper in half from bottom to top.
Step 19: Unfold previous step.
Step 20: Apply some glue or double sided tape to the left and right edges you folded inwards in step 16.
Step 21: Refold the paper in half from bottom to top. Press down on the sides and allow the glue to dry.
Step 22: Using a hole punch, make 4 holes (2 on either side) to the top of the bag.
Step 23: Thread some ribbon through the holes on both sides. You will need 1 strand of ribbon per side.
Step 24: Knot the ends of each ribbon. If you find your ribbons go through your holes, tape them down to the inside of your bag.
Step 25: Completed heart DIY paper bag with handles.
Tips For Success
- Use double-sided paper for a fun contrast inside and outside the bag.
- Make sure the folds are crisp for a neater look—use a ruler or bone folder to press them down.
- Choose a sturdy ribbon that won’t fray easily for long-lasting handles.
- Let the glue dry completely before adding weight to the bag.
Color, Paper Ideas, and Variations
- Valentine’s Day: Red, pink, or white with heart patterns.
- Mother’s Day: Floral or pastel-colored paper.
- Christmas: Red, green, or gold paper with festive designs.
- Anniversaries: Elegant metallics like gold or silver.
- Kids' Party Favors: Bright, colorful patterns or cartoon-themed paper.
FAQ
It depends on the paper you use! Cardstock works best for durability, but decorative paper is great for a lighter, elegant look.
Yes! Instead of ribbon, try twine for a rustic touch or paper handles.
Simply use a bigger square sheet of paper—the method stays the same!
Absolutely! Add stickers, stamps, or even a small tag for a personalized touch.
Other Paper Crafts You Might Like To Try:
Helpful Origami Tips
If you're curious to learn more about origami, you might like to look at our basic guides on how to make some common origami folds.
Start with the valley fold and mountain fold—these are the foundation of most origami models.
Once you're comfortable, you might like to try the petal fold for 3D shapes, and explore the bird base and square base for more complex designs.
The water bomb base is also great for creating inflatable or geometric models, like this inflatable origami rabbit.
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