Instead of scavenging for boxes and fussing with gift wrap, turn paper bags into charming parcels with a hole punch, scissors, tissue paper, ribbon, and special gift tags.

Jaunty Angle

(shown, far left)
What You Need: Papivore ornament tag, $5 for five, Alphabetique, 888-751-2550. Lunch sack #392411, 20 cents. Ribbon #31901, $2 a yard.
How to Do It:

Fold over the bag top to make a one-inch flap.

At one flap end, punch two holes 1/4 inch apart.

Thread ribbon through the holes and tie a bow.

Country Time

(shown, second from left)
What You Need: Holly Jolly gift tag by Claudia Laub, $10.50 for 10, Embrey Papers, 310-440-2620, ext. 3. Kraft Cub Tote, 7 3/4 inches tall, 60 cents. Ribbon #13543, $2 a yard.
How to Do It:

Punch a centered hole through the bag, about 1/2 inch from the top.

Thread ribbon through the hole (capturing tag between) and tie a bow.

Sweet Stuff

(shown, second from right)
What You Need: Sticker, 24 for $13, Iomoi. Party Bag, 7 1/2 inches tall, $3.50 for eight (assorted). Ribbon #02215, $2 a yard. Candy cane.
How to Do It:

Fold over the bag top to make a one-inch flap.

At the center of the flap, punch two holes 1/4 inch apart vertically.

Thread ribbon through the holes, tie a bow, and slip in the candy cane.

Twisted

(shown, right)
What You Need: Mitten tag, $5 for five, Snow & Graham. Kraft Cub Tote, 9 3/4 inches tall, 70 cents. Ribbon #50000, $3 a yard.
How to Do It:

Cut a ribbon-width slit an inch from the bag top and another 1 1/2 ribbon widths below it.

Thread ribbon through both slits, twist lengths around each other once, wrap ends around the bag, and tie.