A great gift deserves a great presentation, and nothing does that job better than a well-chosen gift bag. Whether you’re wrapping up a birthday present, dressing a wedding favour, or packing party goodies, the right gift bag takes the effort out of wrapping while making the moment feel special.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the different types of paper gift bags available, how to pick the correct size, which colours and styles suit which occasions, and how to buy gift bags in bulk if you’re a business or event planner. By the end, you’ll know exactly which bag from our range is right for you.
Types of Paper Gift Bags
Not all paper gift bags are made equal. The material and finish of a bag say a lot about the gift inside, so it’s worth understanding your options before you buy.
Kraft Gift Bags

Kraft paper has a natural, rustic look that suits everything from artisan retail packaging to casual birthday gifts. It’s a popular, affordable choice for businesses wanting an eco-conscious feel without sacrificing durability. Browse our brown twist handle bags for a classic kraft option.
Boutique & Luxury Gift Bags

For weddings, corporate gifting, or premium retail packaging, a luxury gift bag adds a polished, high-end finish. Our Boutique Bags range comes in matt and gloss finishes, giving you a sturdier, more premium feel than a standard paper bag.
Twist Handle Gift Bags
Twist handle bags are one of the most versatile and popular gift bag styles in the UK. The twisted paper handle is strong, comfortable to carry, and works well across colours and sizes. Explore the full Twist Handle Bags collection to see the range.
Gift Bags by Size – Which One Do You Need?
Choosing the right gift bag size is one of the most common sticking points for shoppers. Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Small gift bags – ideal for jewellery, candles, small bottles, and stocking-filler-style gifts. Our small twist handle bags are a popular choice for this.
- Medium gift bags – suited to books, cosmetics sets, and boxed items.
- Large gift bags – best for clothing, larger boxed gifts, or multiple smaller items bundled together. See our large twist handle bags for options.
Tip: always measure your item before buying. A bag that’s slightly too big is far easier to style with tissue paper than one that’s too small to close properly.
Gift Bags with Handles – Style & Function
Handles aren’t just practical, they’re part of the presentation. Twisted paper handles are the most common style across our range, offering a good balance of strength and neat appearance. If you’re buying for repeat use (say, as part of a retail packaging strategy), it’s worth checking handle reinforcement at the base of the bag, since this is typically the first point of wear.
Popular Gift Bag Colours
Colour plays a big role in how a gift bag reads – from bold and modern to soft and elegant. Our Boutique Bags range is available in a variety of shades to match your event or brand.
Black Gift Bags

A go-to choice for premium retail packaging, corporate gifting, and modern celebrations. See our black matt boutique bags.
White Gift Bags
Clean and versatile, white gift bags suit weddings, christenings, and minimalist branding. Browse white matt boutique bags.
Pink Gift Bags

A soft, celebratory choice that works well for baby showers, birthdays, and Mother’s Day gifting. Take a look at our light pink matt boutique bags.
Gift Bags for Every Occasion
Wedding Favour Bags
Wedding favour bags need to strike a balance between elegant and practical, small enough to hand out easily, but sturdy enough to hold a keepsake. Our Weddings collection has been put together specifically for this.
Paper Party Bags
For birthdays and celebrations, paper party bags are a staple for filling with sweets, favours, and small toys. Our Paper Party Bags range covers a wide range of colours and sizes for exactly this.
If you’re shopping for a specific date in the calendar, we also have dedicated collections for Christmas, Halloween, and Valentine’s Day.
Buying in Bulk: Wholesale & Trade Gift Bags
If you’re a retailer, event planner, or business owner, buying gift bags individually quickly becomes impractical. As a UK-based own-brand supplier, we design and stock our paper bags at scale, meaning bulk and wholesale gift bag orders are something we handle regularly, not an afterthought. If you have a bulk order in mind, get in touch with our team and we’ll help you find the right bag and quantity for your needs.
Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Gift Bags
Paper gift bags are inherently more recyclable and reusable than plastic gift wrap or laminated alternatives. When choosing an eco-conscious option, look for:
- Uncoated or lightly coated paper stock, which recycles more easily
- Reusable handles that hold up to a second or third use
- Kraft or matt finishes over heavily glossed or foiled paper, where recyclability can be reduced
Small choices like this add up, especially if you’re buying in volume for a business.
Styling Your Gift Bag
A gift bag isn’t finished until it’s styled. A few simple additions can elevate a plain bag into something that feels genuinely thoughtful:
- Tissue paper – layering two or three colours adds depth and hides the contents until the big reveal
- Ribbon or bows – tied around the handles for a finishing touch
- Gift tags – a small, personal detail that goes a long way
Browse our Accessories range for tissue paper and finishing touches to complete your bag.
How to Choose the Right Gift Bag: Quick Checklist
- Size – measure your gift and choose a bag with a little extra room
- Material – kraft for a natural look, boutique matt/gloss for a premium finish
- Colour – match to the occasion or your brand
- Quantity – single bag for personal gifting, bulk/wholesale for business or events
- Finishing touches – tissue paper, ribbon, and tags to complete the look
Gift Bags Guide FAQs
What size gift bag do I need for clothing?
A large gift bag is usually the best fit for clothing items like jumpers or jeans, giving enough room to fold the item and add tissue paper without overstuffing the bag.
Are paper gift bags recyclable?
Most paper gift bags are recyclable, particularly those without heavy lamination or foil detailing. Kraft and matt-finish bags are typically the easiest to recycle.
Can I buy gift bags in bulk for my business?
Yes. We supply gift bags at wholesale and bulk quantities for retailers, event planners, and businesses across the UK. Contact us to discuss your order.
What’s the difference between a gift bag and a boutique bag?
“Gift bag” is the general term for any bag designed to present a present, while “boutique bag” typically refers to a more premium, sturdier paper bag finished in matt or gloss, often used for higher-end retail or gifting.
Final Thoughts
Whether you need a single small gift bag for a birthday present or a bulk order of paper party bags for an event, choosing the right size, material, and colour makes all the difference to how your gift is received. Browse our full range of gift bags to find the perfect fit for your next occasion.