DIY Gift Wrap Ideas Your Kids Will Actually Love (and You Too!)

Got a bunch of leftover wrapping paper from past presents? Don't toss it! Turn those scraps into a festive Christmas tree. All you need is some leftover wrapping paper, a pair of scissors, and glue. Start by cutting the paper into triangles of various sizes. Your kids can then arrange them on a large sheet of plain paper in the shape of a tree.

This easy activity can be done with just about any materials you have lying around—tissue paper, newspaper, or even old holiday cards. And, let’s be honest, the best part of this craft is letting your kids decorate the trees with pom-poms, glitter, or even buttons. They'll be excited to see their creations come to life on every gift.

Fun Tip: For added personality, you can help your kids use their thumbprints to create ornaments for the tree. This is a great way to add a special touch to each gift, while also capturing a piece of your child’s growth during the holidays.

One of the most iconic symbols of Christmas is the string of Christmas lights twinkling in the dark. Why not bring that magic to your gift wrap? With a plain sheet of wrapping paper as your canvas, let your little ones draw colorful Christmas lights using markers, crayons, or even glitter pens.

Have them draw a string of lights all over the paper, adding their favorite colors to each bulb. This simple activity allows for endless creativity and the results are both beautiful and festive. Whether they use traditional red, green, and gold or go for a bold rainbow scheme, your gifts will definitely stand out under the tree.

Pro Tip: If you want to step it up, use glitter pens or stickers to make the bulbs shine and sparkle. These little details will make the paper look extra festive and add an exciting element to your gift wrapping.

This idea is a classic, but it’s also a great way to let your kids practice their cutting skills while creating a beautiful holiday scene. All you need is a piece of plain wrapping paper and some colorful paper scraps. Have your kids cut out Christmas tree shapes and glue them onto the large wrapping paper.

Once the trees are in place, it’s time for the fun part—decorating! Let your kids go wild with markers, glitter, or even holiday-themed stickers to make their trees extra special. You can even add some faux snow at the bottom or a paper star at the top of each tree to give them that extra holiday charm.

This craft is not only simple but also educational. It helps improve fine motor skills through cutting, gluing, and decorating. Plus, it gives the kids a chance to design something they’ll be proud to show off!

If you’re looking for a simple yet personalized way to finish off your holiday gift wrap, consider making your own DIY monogrammed gift toppers. These personalized additions are a great way to add a thoughtful touch to your presents, and they’re incredibly easy to make with just a few basic materials.

Start by cutting out a simple circle or square shape from thick cardstock. Then, write the initials of the person receiving the gift in bold, festive letters. Your kids can help decorate these monograms by adding colorful patterns, stickers, or even drawing little doodles around the edges. Once the topper is decorated, attach it to the top of your wrapped gift using ribbon or string.

Not only does this gift topper add a personal touch, but it also serves as a keepsake that the recipient can hang on their tree or keep as a memento for years to come. It’s a simple yet meaningful way to add a little something extra to your holiday wrapping.

Looking for an eco-friendly way to wrap your gifts this holiday season? Recycled newspaper gift wrap is not only good for the environment, but it also gives your presents a unique and rustic charm. All you need is a few old newspapers and some twine, ribbon, or string for added flair.

Have your kids color in parts of the newspaper or decorate it with stamps, drawings, or stickers. You can even add a special touch by stamping holiday phrases like “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays” directly onto the paper. The final result is a one-of-a-kind wrap that looks stylish and feels personal.

This craft is also a great way to teach your children about recycling and sustainability. Plus, it’s a fun challenge to see how many ways you can decorate a plain piece of newspaper!

No gift is complete without a tag, and making your own holiday gift tags is an easy and fun way to add a personal touch. Simply cut out small shapes like stars, trees, or even circles from thick paper or cardstock. Let your kids write the recipient’s name or a sweet holiday message, then decorate the tag with drawings, stamps, or glitter.

To attach the tag to your gifts, use festive ribbon, twine, or even a piece of fabric. Not only will your kids have fun making these tags, but they’ll also be helping to make the gift-giving experience even more special. And as an added bonus, these handmade tags can be reused as ornaments on the tree!

Creating your own holiday gift wrap is not just about saving money—it’s about making memories. Whether it’s turning scrap paper into Christmas trees, drawing colorful lights, or designing personalized gift tags, these DIY crafts are a fun way to engage your kids and add a personal touch to every present you give. Plus, it’s a great way to slow down and enjoy the holiday season together, making memories that will last far beyond the wrapping paper.

So, gather your craft supplies and let the kids’ creativity take the reins this holiday season. With these easy and fun DIY gift wrap ideas, your presents will be wrapped in love—and that’s the best gift of all!