This fun and easy paper bag gingerbread house craft is a great way to doodle and create pretty and inexpensive gift bags this season.

Three brown paper bags with gingerbread house drawn on the fronts.

I'm still loving the whole gingerbread house decoration theme. This year I made some fun paper bag gingerbread houses. It's a great craft to make with friends, kids, or simply enjoy by yourself.

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Stack of brown paper bags, a white paint pen, tape and stickers.

How to Make a Paper Bag Gingerbread House

Supplies

Brown paper lunch bag
Low tack tape
White paint pen
Sticker or Decorative Tape

A brown paper bag with the top corners folded towards the middle, clear tape and washi green tape.

Step 1: Lay the paper bag so that the flap is facing up. (see above)

Brown paper bag with corners folder over and taped down with green washi tape.

Step 2: Fold down the corners at the top until they meet in the center and use a bit of low tack tape that can easily be removed to keep them in place.

A brown paper bag with the corners folded back. A white paint pen on the side. A white door and some white snow on the roof.

Step 3: Flip the bag over and start drawing the gingerbread house. Begin with the larger sections, such as the door, windows, and roof.

Three images of gingerbread houses drawings.

Here are some examples for inspiration.

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Step 3: Then fill in with fun doodles.

The back side of the paper bag gingerbread house with a colorful Merry sticker holding the folded corners.

Step 4: Remove the tape from the back and fill your bag. Then close it with a more permanent closure such as a decorative sticker or tape.

Gingerbread Bags Uses

Fill them with homemade cookies, candies, or other tasty goodies.
Fill them with a simple gift card wrapped in tissue.
Use them as part of a grab bag game for a party activity.
Group several together for a little gingerbread village as part of your decor.

A trio of three different paper bag gingerbread houses.

Imagine listening to Christmas music while you doodle away with this fun gingerbread house paper bag craft. It's an easy useful project that doesn't cost much and a perfect vehicle for small gifts to all your family and friends.

More Christmas Paper Crafts

Three paper bag gingerbread house gift bags with a small piece of faux pine, berries and a rusty bell in front.

Paper Bag Gingerbread Houses for Gift Bags

You can make adorable gift bags with this easy and inexpensive paper gingerbread house craft.

Active Time30

Total Time30

Materials

Brown paper lunch bag
Low tack tape
White paint pen
Sticker or Decorative Tape

Instructions

Place the paper bag on a table with the bottom flap side up.
Fold down the top corners until they meet in the middle and press the edges with your finger.
Use some low tack tape to hold the corners in place.
Turn the bag around and begin creating your gingerbread house with a white paint pen.
Start with the larger items such as the door, windows, and roof.
Then fill in with fun doodles and smaller details.
Let the bag dry.
Remove the tape and fill the bag with whatever you like.
Use more permanent decorative tape or a sticker to close the bag.

Notes

You can also use some pretty ribbon or baker's twine to enclose your bags. Just punch two holes in the peak of the house about 1 inch wide, thread the twine through, and tie it into a bow.

You can also use a white crayon in a pinch instead of a paint pen.

Tried this project?Tag @hearthnvine on Instagram

Comments

Mary

December 14, 2023 at 8:24 am

What a cute idea! Every year I get together with family to make some Christmas crafts. This is on my list for 2024. I get so many great ideas from you; thank you so much. Merry Christmas!

- Patti Estep
  
  December 14, 2023 at 9:37 am
  
  Mary that sounds like so much fun. Merry Christmas to you too!