Homemade Gift Tags Three Ways

By Kelly · Updated 2026-10-17

Adding a handmade tag to a gift is an efficient way to elevate simple wrapping paper or a plain gift bag. These three methods use basic craft supplies to create professional-looking labels that can be customized for any holiday or event throughout the year.

Three Methods for Professional Gift Tags

Classic Hand-Stamped Kraft Tags

Adults · 15 min · about $5

• Pre-cut brown kraft paper tags (2x3.5 inch)
• Black archival ink pad
• Wooden alphabet stamps or botanical stamps
• Natural hemp twine
• Scissors

1. Lay the kraft tags flat on a hard, even surface to ensure a clean stamp impression.
2. Press the stamp firmly into the ink pad, rocking it slightly to ensure even coverage without getting ink on the stamp edges.
3. Press the stamp onto the center of the tag with steady, downward pressure; do not wiggle the stamp or the image will blur.
4. Lift the stamp straight up and allow the ink to air dry for at least 60 seconds.
5. Cut a 10-inch length of hemp twine, thread it through the pre-punched hole, and secure it with a lark's head knot.

Layered Punched Cardstock Tags

Adults · 25 min · about $10

• 80 lb white cardstock
• Gold or silver glitter cardstock
• 2-inch circle lever punch
• 1.5-inch scallop circle lever punch
• 1/8 inch hand punch
• Double-sided foam adhesive squares
• 1/4 inch satin ribbon

1. Use the 2-inch circle punch to create base tags from the glitter cardstock.
2. Use the 1.5-inch scallop punch to create the top layer from the 80 lb white cardstock.
3. Apply one small foam adhesive square to the center of the glitter circle to create a 3D effect.
4. Center the white scallop circle over the foam square and press down firmly.
5. Use the 1/8 inch hand punch to create a small hole at the top of the layered tag, ensuring you punch through both layers.
6. Thread the satin ribbon through the hole and trim the ends at a 45-degree angle to prevent fraying.

Clean-Edge Printable Tags

Adults · 10 min · about $2

• 65 lb matte white cardstock
• Inkjet or laser printer
• Paper trimmer or X-Acto knife
• Metal ruler
• 1/4 inch hole punch
• Baker's twine

1. Download your chosen tag template and set your printer to 'Best' quality and '100% Scale' to avoid distortion.
2. Print the design onto the 65 lb cardstock and allow the ink to set for two minutes.
3. Use a paper trimmer for straight edges, or place a metal ruler along the crop marks and cut with an X-Acto knife.
4. Safety note: When using an X-Acto knife, always cut away from your body and keep fingers behind the metal ruler edge.
5. Punch a hole in the designated spot on each tag and thread with 8 inches of baker's twine.

• Fine-tip permanent marker for writing names on the back of tags
• Self-healing cutting mat to protect surfaces when using blades
• Microfiber cloth to wipe excess ink from stamps between uses
• Storage tin to keep unused tags flat and dust-free

Keep a small bin of cardstock scraps from other projects. These are often the perfect size for 1-inch or 2-inch punches, allowing you to create tags for free while reducing paper waste.