Recycling Christmas gift bags

Every year after Christmas I purchase pretty Christmas gift bags at 90% off at craft stores. Doing so prevents stores from discarding them at the end of the season. Yes, they do! Isn't that a shame? They're great for wrapping, of course. I also make Christmas gift bag crafts. These are all fun, easy and cheap crafts anyone can make using a re-purposed or clearanced Christmas gift bag.

Holiday door stop

Hold the door open in style this Christmas. Bring in shopping bag after shopping bag without having to open and close the door. The best crafts are quick and simple. Start with a brick and a lunch sack sized Christmas gift bag. Insert the brick into the bag and form fit it like you would when wrapping a gift. Now tape the gift sack onto the brick tightly where the tape won't show. Wrap a pretty ribbon around the gift bag wrapped brick as if it were a Christmas present.

Holiday door stop #2

Here's another clever and simple door stop you can make this year to brighten up your home. Use a pretty medium sized Christmas gift bag with sturdy handles for this crafts project. Fill the sack about ¼ full with play sand. Test the lifting weight. Add pretty ribbon to your Christmas gift bag door stop.Done!

Luminaria

These are always so beautiful at Christmas time. They're even more beautiful when made with a colorful printed gift bag. Trace a simple Christmas shape such as a tree onto the front of your chosen Christmas gift bag near the top of the bag. Cut out the shape. Put about 3-4 inches of sand or clean kitty litter in the bottom of the sack. Place a votive candle in the center of the sack, burying about ½ inch in the sand for stability. Line finished luminaria up on the sidewalk. Light the candles for Christmas.

Notes:

*Save the tree shaped cut-out for card or tag making.
*If you're concerned about fire, use electric tealights instead. Just remember, they're not a green option.

Fancy bag for giving baked goods

Combine a love of crafts with the joy of baking. Make this homespun looking Christmas gift bag to hold the baked goods you make as Christmas gifts. Use a Christmas gift bag with an old fashioned design for this crafts project. Purchase a pack of miniature wooden rolling pins or spoons and some gingerbread cookie cutters from a crafts store. Paint the handles of the rolling pins with red craft paint. Let dry. Dangle cutters and rolling pins/spoons from the handle of the bag using plaid ribbon to match.

Personalized memories gift bag

Make multiple copies of holiday memory photos. Glue onto each Christmas gift bag in memory book fashion. Add embellishments, paper frames, or stickers if you wish. Christmas gift tags can be added right in with the memory design. Add notes on the photos describing the memory and what it meant to you. Direct the comments to the person receiving the gift to make it more personal.