TL;DR: DIY Gift Tags
- Upcycle old holiday cards into gift tags: The article shows how to reuse last year’s greeting cards instead of throwing them away, turning them into charming, handmade gift tags.
- Simple tools and materials: You only need basic supplies like scissors, a hole punch, string or ribbon, and old cards, making this an easy, budget-friendly craft.
- Customizable and creative: Cards can be cut into different shapes, layered, or decorated to match your wrapping style or the recipient’s personality.
- Eco-friendly and meaningful: Upcycled gift tags reduce waste while adding a personal, thoughtful touch to your gifts.
- Quick holiday craft: The project is beginner-friendly and can be completed in a short amount of time, perfect for last-minute gift wrapping.
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In this article:
- Repurposing Your Old Holiday Cards
- A Simple and Straightforward DIY Craft for the Holidays
- How to Turn Holiday Cards Into DIY Gift Tags
- DIY Gift Tags Ready in a Jiffy!
Nifty DIY Gift Tags from Repurposed Holiday Cards
If you’re looking for a creative way to reduce waste and make your gifts feel more personal, DIY gift tags made from upcycled holiday cards are the perfect solution. Instead of tossing old greeting cards into the trash, you can transform them into charming, handmade tags that add character to any wrapped present.
This easy craft is budget-friendly, beginner-friendly, and ideal for the holiday season, or any time you want to give a thoughtful gift with a sustainable twist. With just a few basic supplies, yesterday’s cards become today’s finishing touch.
- Punches a perfect tag shape
- Perfect for scrapbooks, cards, decorations and any paper craft
Why Make Gift Tags from Old Holiday Cards?
Upcycled gift tags aren’t just cute, they’re practical and meaningful. This project helps you:
- Reduce paper waste after the holidays
- Save money on store-bought gift tags
- Create one-of-a-kind designs
- Add a personal, handmade feel to gifts
Small details make a big impression, and handmade tags show extra care without extra cost.
Repurposing Your Old Holiday Cards
Do you have a hard time deciding what to do with your old holiday cards? Consider upcycling them into DIY gift tags!
I know, I know. It sounds a bit callous: cutting up a heartfelt card a friend or family member sent you. This is where sorting is key!
Every year, I round up all the really special holiday cards I received, ones with long, personal messages, ones from really special people in my life, and ones just really pretty!
Unfortunately, ones that just have the signature of the sender or came from the dentist's office have to go. If I kept them all, my room would have stacks and stacks of old Christmas cards.
Instead of just throwing them away this year, I decided to recycle them into something useful–DIY holiday gift tags. Really, this project couldn't be easier.
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A Simple and Straightforward DIY Craft for the Holidays
Simply cut out a shape from the card (e.g., a snowman or snowflake) and glue it to a piece of cardstock or a thick piece of paper.
Cut it out again, and voila! You've got a beautiful holiday-themed DIY gift tag.
Or, if you want to dress up a boring plain bag (or even cover an unsightly logo!), you can glue the shape right onto the bag. This technique can be done with all cards, so don't feel limited to holiday themes!
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How to Turn Holiday Cards Into DIY Gift Tags
So many holiday cards! It's good to be loved. 🙂 Choose the ones you are comfortable upcycling.
Let's start with this one. Cute, huh? Prepare some supplies to help you, like scissors, glue, strings, and other crafting supplies you might want to add.
Check to make sure there's nothing on the back cover. This one's perfect because there's only writing on the back cover. However, you can always glue the shape to another piece of paper to cover up any unsightly text.
Now just cut out your shape! You can stick with a traditional rectangle shape for your tag or spice it up and follow the contours of the designs.
Here's another idea. I get some free printable gift tags online, print and cut them out, then paste them on top of the holiday cards.
I leave a little space around the gift tag so the holiday card creates a border, making the gift tag sturdier and fancier.
DIY Gift Tags Ready in a Jiffy!
Voila! In no time, you have a ton of unique DIY gift tags. Got a nice sturdy bag with an unsightly logo?
Dress it up with one of your cutouts! Add some tissue paper, and you have a lovely DIY gift bag.
- Made in China
- Package Dimensions : 3.35 L x 7.5 H x 1.0 W (inches)
Get more ideas on how to repurpose old Christmas cards into DIY gift tags in this video from Lisa Fulmer:
Small Craft, Big Impact
DIY gift tags made from upcycled holiday cards prove that thoughtful gifts don’t require spending more money—or creating more waste. With minimal effort, you can turn something old into something meaningful, adding personality and sustainability to every present you give.
Sometimes, the smallest handmade details are the ones people remember most.
Start Upcycling Today
Before you throw away those holiday cards, grab a pair of scissors and turn them into something useful. Try this simple DIY project and give your gifts a personal, eco-friendly upgrade.
👉 Save money
👉 Reduce waste
👉 Add a handmade charm to every gift
Once you start making your own gift tags, you may never go back to store-bought again.
DIY Gift Tags FAQ
- What are DIY gift tags made from holiday cards?
DIY gift tags from holiday cards are handmade tags created by cutting and repurposing old greeting cards into smaller decorative labels for gifts. - What supplies do I need to make upcycled gift tags?
You only need a few basic supplies: old holiday cards, scissors, a hole punch, ribbon or twine, and optional markers or stickers for decoration. - Are upcycled gift tags easy for beginners?
Yes. This is a beginner-friendly craft that requires no special skills and can be completed quickly, even as a last-minute project. - Can kids help make DIY gift tags?
Absolutely. With adult supervision for cutting, this craft is kid-friendly and a fun way to involve children in holiday gift wrapping. - Are DIY gift tags environmentally friendly?
Yes. Upcycling old cards reduces waste and extends the life of materials that would otherwise be discarded, making it an eco-friendly crafting option.
Will you be raiding your holiday card stash for these DIY gift tags? Let us know your plans for it in the comments section below!
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Stay connected with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on January 7, 2016, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
