Whether you are wrapping a birthday present, preparing party favours, or putting together a thoughtful wedding gift, the bag you choose says as much as what is inside it. The good news? You do not need a professional printing service or a big budget to create something beautiful.
In this guide, we walk you through the most popular and practical ways to decorate paper bags in the UK — from simple stamping techniques to creative layering and personalisation ideas. All of these methods work beautifully with plain kraft or white bags, which you can browse in our full range at The Paper Bag Store.
If you are still exploring which type of paper bag to start with, our Ultimate Guide to Paper Bags in the UK covers sizes, finishes, and bag types in detail — a great place to start before you get creative.
DIY decoration gives you complete creative control. You can match your bags to a party theme, a brand colour, a seasonal palette, or a personal style — without paying for a full custom print run.
It is also surprisingly cost-effective. A pack of plain white or kraft bags costs a fraction of the price of pre-decorated alternatives, and with a few basic craft supplies, you can transform them into something unique. For small businesses, handmade touches add a personal warmth that mass-produced branded bags simply cannot replicate.
Here are the top reasons people in the UK choose to decorate their own paper gift bags:
Before we dive into specific techniques, here is a basic craft kit that covers most of the methods in this guide:
Stamping is one of the most popular paper bag decoration techniques in the UK — and for good reason. It is fast and repeatable, producing consistently neat results even without artistic skill.
Rubber stamps and foam stamps both work well on paper bags. For the clearest impression, use:
Here are some of the most effective stamping paper bag ideas for different occasions:
For birthdays: Balloon, star, and number stamps in bright colours on white bags. Add a personalised name tag tied to the handle with twine.
For Christmas: Snowflake, holly, or reindeer stamps using deep green, red, or metallic gold ink on natural kraft bags. Stack a few in a basket for an instant festive display.
For weddings and showers: Floral and botanical stamps using soft blush or sage green ink on white matt bags. This creates an elegant, handcrafted feel that works beautifully for favour bags.
For small businesses: A simple logo stamp or thank-you stamp on the front of the bag adds a branded touch to plain packaging without the cost of custom printing. A return-address stamp on the back adds a professional detail.
Personalised sticker labels are one of the quickest and most flexible ways to personalise paper bags in the UK. You can design and print them at home using free tools like Canva, or order custom labels from a UK stationer.
For twist-handle and boutique bags, a circular or square label placed centrally on the front panel is the most common placement. A smaller label on the back (with a website or address) gives a professional, branded finish.
For party bags, a fun name label at the top — just below the handle or fold — makes it easy for children to identify their own bag.
Avery label sheets are widely available in UK supermarkets and stationery shops. If you prefer something with a more premium feel, kraft paper labels, chalkboard sticker sheets, or die-cut circle labels are available from craft suppliers and Amazon UK.
If you enjoy writing or illustration (even at a beginner level), hand-lettering is one of the most personal and impressive ways to decorate a DIY paper gift bag.
You do not need to be a calligrapher. Even a confident hand-printed message adds charm. Try:
The trick is to sketch lightly in pencil first if you are unsure, then go over in pen. Kraft paper is very forgiving.
Washi tape — a lightly adhesive decorative paper tape from Japan — is one of the most versatile craft bag decorating tools available. It is widely sold in UK craft shops, supermarkets, and online, and comes in hundreds of patterns and colours.
Washi tape also works beautifully for sealing tissue paper inside a bag — fold the tissue paper neatly, then use a small piece of washi tape to keep it in place.
The handle of a paper bag is often overlooked — but it is one of the easiest places to add decoration that transforms the overall look.
Ribbon bows: A simple looped ribbon bow tied around the twist handle of a boutique bag instantly elevates the presentation. Satin ribbon works for weddings and gifts; gingham or velvet ribbon suits seasonal and rustic themes. Match the ribbon colour to your overall palette.
Twine wrapping: Wrap baker’s twine (a red-and-white or natural cotton string) around the handle several times and tie it in a knot or bow. This works particularly well on kraft paper bags for a rustic, artisan feel.
Charm attachments: Thread a small dried flower, wooden bead, or seasonal charm (a cinnamon stick, a miniature ornament) onto the twine before tying. It adds a beautiful detail that turns the bag into a keepsake.
Tassel decoration: Handmade or purchased tassels tied to the handle in coordinating colours work well for more decorative or theatrical occasions — hen parties, baby showers, and festival-themed events.
For those who want a more expressive, craft-forward result, paint opens up far more creative possibilities.
Acrylic paint works well on most paper bag surfaces, especially uncoated kraft or white paper. Use it with:
Seal painted bags with a light spray of matte craft varnish if the bags will be handled a lot — this prevents smudging and gives a more finished result.
A step up from rubber stamps, block printing uses carved linoleum or wood blocks to print original designs. This is a popular technique in UK craft communities and works particularly well for seasonal collections — you can carve a custom design once and use it across dozens of bags.
For a simpler version, try potato printing with children — cut a potato in half, carve a simple shape (star, heart, initial), press it into paint, and stamp away. It is messy, joyful, and the results are charmingly unique.
A decorated exterior is only half the job. The way you dress the inside of a paper gift bag is what creates the full unboxing moment.
Matching tissue paper to your bag colour creates a cohesive look; contrasting colours (white tissue in a black bag, gold tissue in a red bag) add drama and impact.
Not all paper bags are equally well-suited to DIY decoration. Here is a quick guide to matching your bag to your technique:
| Technique | Best Bag Type | Why It Works |
| Stamping | Uncoated kraft or white matt | Ink absorbs cleanly without smearing |
| Hand-lettering | White matt boutique bag | Smooth surface, minimal texture |
| Washi tape | Any flat-surface bag | Tape adheres best to matt finishes |
| Paint and stencils | Brown kraft bags | Natural texture adds character to the finish |
| Label stickers | White gloss or white matt | Labels adhere well and look crisp |
| Ribbon decoration | Twist handle bags | Handle provides a natural attachment point |
Our white matt boutique bags and brown twist handle bags are consistently the most popular choices for DIY decoration across all techniques. Both are available in a range of sizes to suit gifts large and small.
If you run a small business in the UK — whether a market stall, an Etsy shop, or a boutique — craft paper bag decoration is a practical and affordable way to create branded packaging before you are ready to invest in a full custom print run.
A consistent combination of plain bag + stamp + twine + personalised tag creates a professional, recognisable presentation that customers remember. Many small UK businesses report that their bags are kept and reused by customers — extending the life of the packaging and the brand exposure.
When your order volumes grow and you are ready for consistent print quality at scale, professional digital printing from as few as 100 units becomes cost-effective. In the meantime, handcrafted decoration is not a compromise — it is a feature.
| Occasion | Bag Colour | Decoration Idea |
| Children’s Birthday | Bright colours or white | Name stamp, balloon stickers, washi tape closure |
| Christmas | Kraft, red, or white | Snowflake stamp in gold ink, twine bow, holly tag |
| Wedding Favours | White or ivory | Floral stamp, satin ribbon, personalised label |
| Baby Shower | Pastel pink, blue, or mint | Heart stamp, polka-dot washi tape, name tag |
| Halloween | Orange or black | Ghost/pumpkin stamp, black ribbon, treat tag |
| Easter | Yellow or lilac | Egg stamp, raffia bow, spring message tag |
Browse our seasonal occasion bags for ready-to-decorate options in the right colours for every time of year.
What type of paper bag is easiest to decorate at home? Uncoated white matt bags and natural kraft bags are the most DIY-friendly options. They accept ink, paint, stamps, and adhesive labels cleanly and evenly.
Can I use a regular rubber stamp on a glossy paper bag? Glossy bags have a coated surface that resists some inks. Use a pigment-based ink pad (not dye-based) and allow extra drying time. For best results, stick to matt-finish bags for stamping projects.
How many bags should I order if I am making DIY party bags? Order 10–15% more than your guest count to allow for any decoration mistakes or last-minute additions. Most suppliers sell plain bags in packs of 10, 25, or 50.
Where can I buy plain paper bags in the UK for decorating? You can shop the full range of plain, ready-to-decorate bags at The Paper Bag Store — available in a wide range of sizes, colours, and finishes, with delivery across the UK.
Is it cheaper to decorate plain bags myself or buy pre-decorated bags? For small quantities (under 50 bags), DIY is usually more cost-effective and gives you more creative control. For larger events or retail use, pre-decorated or professionally printed bags offer better consistency and time savings.
Decorating paper bags at home is one of the most satisfying and accessible craft projects you can take on — whether you are an enthusiastic maker or a complete beginner. With the right base bag and a handful of supplies, you can create something that feels genuinely special.
The most important step is choosing a good quality plain bag to start with. A well-made paper bag provides the structure, surface, and durability your decoration needs to look its best. Explore the full range of plain craft paper bags at The Paper Bag Store — from small party bags to large boutique carriers — and find the perfect canvas for your next project.
For a deeper understanding of bag types, sizes, and eco credentials before you buy, revisit our Ultimate Guide to Paper Bags in the UK.
