How to put tissue paper in a gift bag

How many sheets of tissue paper do you need for a gift bag?

Plan on a few sheets for the bottom and sides, and a few more to fan out on top.

Is the gift fragile? Add an extra sheet around it. For a thin bag, use more tissue on top so nothing shows through.

How do you do the pinch and swirl?

This is the quick way to fill the top of a bag. Line the bottom, add the gift, then pinch, twist and tuck.

How do you fold tissue paper for a gift bag?

Folding gives a crisper top than the swirl. Try one of these.

• Offset fold. Fold a sheet in half so the corners do not line up. Gather it along the fold and push the fold into the bag, so the loose corners stand up as points.
• Fan fold. Fold a sheet back and forth in pleats about 2 inches wide, like a paper fan. Pinch one end together and tuck it into the bag.
• Flat panel. For a slim bag, fold 2 sheets to the width of the bag. Slide them in behind the gift, with the tops showing.

How do you put tissue paper in a gift box?

1. Lay 2 sheets across the box, one each way, so they hang over all four sides.

   

2. Set the gift in the middle.

   

3. Fold the sides over the gift one at a time, then the ends.

   

4. Close the tissue with a sticker or a small piece of tape, then put the lid on.

   

A small gift can rattle in a big box. Tuck crumpled tissue around it until it stays put.

How do you make tissue paper look nice?

• Mix 2 or 3 colors. Stack the sheets before you pinch them, so each point shows more than one color.
• Save fresh sheets for the top. Creased or reused tissue can go in the bottom, where nobody sees it.
• Keep the points even, about a hand's width above the rim. Too tall and the bag looks top heavy.
• Match the bag. Pick a color from the bag's pattern, or white, which suits any bag.
• Add a finishing touch, like a tag on the handle, a small bow or a sprig of greenery.

How do you hide a heavy or odd shaped gift in a bag?

• Heavy gifts: slide a piece of cardboard into the bottom so the base does not sag or tear. Pick a bag with a stiff base and rope handles, and carry it from underneath.
• Bottles: wrap the bottle in 2 sheets and stand it in a tall, narrow bag. Pack crumpled tissue around the base so it stays upright.
• Odd shapes: wrap the gift in a sheet so the shape is hidden, then fill every gap with crumpled tissue or shredded paper.
• Too tall for the bag: lay the gift on its side in a wider bag. Or add extra points on top to cover the part that sticks out.

How do you close a gift bag?

A bag needs no tape. Fill it with tissue first, then pick one of these.

• Tie the handles. Pull the two handles together, thread a ribbon through both and tie a bow on top. It holds the bag shut and looks finished.
• Fold and clip the top. Fold the top edge over once or twice, then punch two holes and tie ribbon through, or hold the fold with a sticker or a clothes peg.
• Make a tissue cap. Lay one sheet flat across the opening and tuck its edges down inside the rim, so it sits like a lid. Add a few points on top if you like.

The bow guide shows the bow through the handles step by step. Rather skip the tissue and the bow? See gift boxes and bags for ready bags and bows you don't tie.

Can you reuse or recycle tissue paper?

It depends on your town, so check your local recycling rules first. Paper mills can recycle plain tissue, says the paper industry group AF&PA. Some local programs still refuse it, because its fibers are already short.

Tissue with glitter or a metallic finish cannot be recycled, and glitter also keeps it out of the compost. Plain tissue that is too worn to reuse can often go in the compost instead.

Reuse is the easiest choice. Smooth the sheets flat, fold them and keep them for the bottom of the next bag.

How do you store tissue paper and gift bags?

• Tissue: keep it flat in a shallow box or a large envelope, or roll it loosely around an empty wrapping paper tube. Store it somewhere dry and out of direct sun.
• Gift bags: fold them flat along their creases and stand them upright in a bin or file box. Slip small bags inside bigger ones.
• Before you store them: take off old tags and tape, and check inside for writing.
• Keep it all together. Store tissue, bags, ribbon and tags in one place, so a gift for tonight takes minutes.

To wrap a box instead, see how to wrap a present. To finish the bag with ribbon, see how to make a bow with ribbon.