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Gift-giving is one of the best parts of any occasion. The process of carefully choosing a thoughtful present and finally getting to see the look on your loved one's face when they open it is simply priceless. But if you're someone who jumps at the opportunity to take on a craft whenever you can, the step in between purchasing and giving a gift can actually be just as enjoyable. We're talking about the creative aspects of gift-giving — picking unique gift wrapping for each person, writing a cute tagline and topping it all off with a personalized DIY gift tag.
So whether you're preparing a gift for Mother's Day, adding a special message to a birthday present or sprucing up a holiday gift for your secret Santa, these DIY tags will surely secure your spot as #1 gift giver. Plus, most of these DIY gift tags only a require a few affordable materials, including ones you may already have around the house. Simply follow the step-by-step instructions, add your own personalized message and tie it all up with a bow!
Garland Letter Gift Tag
Simple yet sophisticated, this DIY garland gift tag is perfect for adding a personalized touch to a loved one's holiday gift. Just snip off a piece of garland, shape it into the letter you want to create and hot glue it onto a plain white gift tag.
Bird Gift Toppers
Create stunning contrast with bright wrapping paper and black paper birds. Simply download the template and get crafting! You can personalize each messenger bird with the gift recipient's name as well as who it's from on the flag the bird is carrying.
Veneer Wood Gift Tags
These rustic-looking gift tags look way more difficult to make than they actually are. With just a few materials — wood veneer edging, scissors, a hole punch and a gold paint pen — you can craft a personalized gift tag for any occasion, whether it's a birthday, holiday or wedding.
Printable Gift Tags
Looking for something a bit less craft-intensive? Go for these cute printable gift tags. Although only semi-handmade, they still give off that personalized feel. This blogger recommends using a mini printer that produces peel-and-stick prints for easier crafting.
Dip-Dyed Gift Tags
These super simple dip-dyed gift tags take less than five minutes, according to the blogger. Mix watercolor paint with water in an old jar or mug, adding in more and more color until it's concentrated. Dip the ends of the gift tag in and let it dry. Write a name or message to complete the look!
Embroidered Tree Gift Tags
Embroider your own holiday gift tags using cardstock, embroidery floss and a push pin. To create the patterns shown here, click the link below and download the free files. And if you're an embroidery beginner, don't worry! This is the perfect craft to learn the basics.
Get the tutorial at Crafting Cheerfully »
RELATED: 6 Best Embroidery Machines in 2024, According to Sewing Experts
Robot Valentine Gift Tag
As a kid, Valentine's Day is all about exchanging candy and fun messages at school. With this easy printable gift tag, you can create tons of customizable tags at once for your kids and their classmates. Just print the different designs available on the blogger's site below and have your kids fill them out.
Photo Tags
Turn your favorite photos into gift tags for friends and family with this simple DIY. Add the 'To' and 'From' sections to each photo, print them out and stick them on. It's that easy!
Rustic Monogrammed Gift Tag
With wood hearts and letters, you can create rustic monogrammed gift tags to tack onto any present. Drill a small whole into the top of the heart, thread string through and attach it to a bow or the present itself.
Wood Burned Gift Tag
Grab some wood gift tags from the craft store for this unique DIY. Write out the name or design you'd like to burn onto the tag lightly with a pencil. Using the woodburner, make a series of dots over your design. Once the tag has cooled down, erase the pencil marks. Tie a colorful string or bow through the hole and attach it to the present.
Get the tutorial at Crafty Little Gnome »
RELATED: The 56 Best Mother's Day Gifts Ever
Valentine's Day Treat Gift Tags
If you love to bake sweet treats for Valentine's Day, these cute tags are a must. Just print them out on thick, sturdy paper and attach them to the containers for an even sweeter gift for friends and family.
Get the tutorial at Crazy Little Projects »
RELATED: 55 Homemade Valentine's Day Treats That Celebrate Love
3D Letter Gift Tag
Get crafty with a Cricut machine this holiday season and create 3D gift tags! The best part? These initial cutouts can later be repurposed as ornaments.
Get the tutorial at Crafting Cheerfully »
RELATED: The Best Cricut Machines, Tested by Crafting Experts
Accordion Gift Tag
Using just cardstock, scissors, a hole punch and string, you can create double-sided, accordion-style gift tags to attach to any gift. Just download the printable and get folding!
Stamped Easter Gift Tags
Cut gift tags out of cardstock and stamp on a saying of your choice! This blogger spelled out "Spring" on one jar and "Hoppy Easter" on the other, but you can use this fun technique for any occasion.
Get the tutorial at DIY Beautify »
RELATED: 72 Easy Easter Crafts for Kids and Adults to Try at Home
Vintage Christmas Gift Tags
Give any gift a vintage feel with these glittery tags. All you have to do is print out the designs on glitter cardstock and add some red and white thread for an old-fashioned holiday look.
Halloween Gift Tag
If you're unfamiliar with the concept of being "booed," get in on the fun with this gift tag. The steps are simple — fill up a bucket or bag with some candy, tack on the gift tag and ding-dong-ditch a friend of your choice!
Get the tutorial at Crazy Little Projects »
RELATED: 70 Best Halloween Crafts for Kids to Take on This Spooky Season
Fruit Slice Gift Tags
These simple yet unique fruit-inspired tags will become your go-to gift topper. Simply cut a circle out of construction paper or cardstock that's the color of your rind and another smaller one that's the color of your fruit. Then all you have to do is glue them together and attach a ribbon. You can even write a message inside!
Gold Leaf Gift Tags
Go for gold this holiday season with these glammed up gift tags. All you need are some gilding sheets, gilding adhesive and gold letter stickers to create tags that are truly one-of-a-kind.
Stamped Christmas Gift Tag
These glittery holiday gift tags will add a whole lot of sparkle to any celebration. Using wood gift tags, glitter cardstock and Christmas-themed stamps, you can spread some major holiday cheer. And if you're looking for a gift tag idea for a different occasion, you can still follow these simple steps with stamps of your choice!
Wood Wine Gift Tags
Time to wine down? Dress up a housewarming gift with these DIY gift tags. This blogger used a Cricut machine to iron each design onto the wood gift tag. Once you're done crafting the tag, just tie it around the top of the bottle to display your personalized message.
Laura Millar (she/her) is the assistant lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC's TODAY.com, where she covered everything from entertainment news to pop culture updates.
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