Homemade Christmas Gift Tags - Tag, You're It!

Gift tags are one of the most inexpensive, yet creative ways to personalize your gift giving, but how? Even those who are not "crafty" can find these 10 homemade gift tag ideas and instructions to be easy and inexpensive to use.

Go High Tech with Your Homemade Gift Tags

Supplies needed: Computer, color printer, curling ribbon (in a variety of colors for the holiday), hole punch, card stock paper in a variety of complimentary colors for the holiday. For example, if you are making gift tags for Christmas try using red card stock with white and green ribbon.

Variation: Use mailing labels, business cards or pre-printed post cards instead of card stock.

Instructions: Using a standard word processing program you can either:

1) Simply type to and from and names or greetings onto a regular word document, or;

2) Use the formatting tools for business cards or business labels and type the to and from in the label or card box

3) For variety, insert either photo images of yourself (the from) and the "to" person.

4) Another variation includes inserting into the documents, label or business card clip art images according to the holiday you are celebrating, such as Christmas, Mother's Day, or Valentine's Day.

Simply print, using your color printer.

Next, you can either:

1) Attach the mailing label to the gift wrapped present, or:

2) Using pinking shears, design scissors or Crayola design tools cut the card stock provided a creative edge,

Lastly, you simply punch a hole on the corner of the card, and tie it to the gift using the curling ribbon of your choice.

Don't have a computer or color printer? That's ok; you can still create these personalized gift tags. Using the card stock, mailing labels, pre-printed postcards or business cards (business cards means no cutting as does preprinted and cut post cards) use fine point paint pens, glitter, glue, photographs and/or stamps to create these great gift tags.

How to Say More with Your Homemade Gift Tags

Do you want to say more than just too and from? Maybe share a thought, memory or special occasion? Or maybe you just want to provide a laugh, giggle, chuckle or smile. Try using a fine point or calligraphy pen and these "14 Can't Miss Quotes for Christmas Gifts and Cards: Humorous, All Occasion and Religious. "

According to Occasion Homemade Gift Tags

Try something this simple, for Valentine's Day-cut out pink, red, and white hearts. You can use them individually or layer them for a 3D effect. Use different types of paper - such as card stock, tissue or even scrapbooking paper. For Christmas, cut out the shapes of Christmas trees, squares for gift boxes (top them with a little curling ribbon shaped like a bow). For Birthdays, cut the gift tag out shaped like a star, this design works for Christmas too. Just the shape can change the look of the gift tag, providing creativity and expression. The decorate using whatever tools and scraps you have on hand.

Give Me a Little Hint - Will Ya Huh? Homemade Gift Tags

Maybe your friends or family are the kind of people who love to pick up their boxes and shake them before Christmas morning arrives. For those, go ahead; give them a little hint about what's inside. Try these easy to do handmade gift tag ideas:

Use a blank CD and a Sharpie Marker in Red or Green to indicate the To and From for musical gifts.

Try using a Hair Bow and a paint pen, to create a great gift tag for the little girl in your life. Write your name on one side of the bow, her name on the other and use the clip to attach it to the ribbon.

Recipe Cards can turn into thoughtful and useful gift tags for not only food gifts, but kitchen gadgets and appliances.

What You See is What You Get Handmade Gift Tags

You don't have to purchase items to make your handmade gift tags. Honestly, I don't think I have bought gift tags in 10 years, but have used those items I have on hand. Try thinking outside the box. Supplies that you don't even know you have but you can try using are crinkled packing cardboard, tissue paper, gift bags, Christmas or other occasion greeting cards, glue, glitter, paint, pens, crayons, markers, aluminum foil, buttons, dried leaves or flowers. Place them on the table in front of you and start designing. You will be amazed at the creative ways you can make a gift tag from items that are just "cluttering" up your house.

Crafting Homemade Gift Cards for the "UnCrafty"

Still not sure of your ability to create a beautiful, thoughtful, creative and personalized gift tag. Then sit back, relax and let your fingers and the experts do the creating for you. Family Fun gift tag creations can be had at Family Fun.com. Better Homes and Gardens has a variety of handmade gift tags ideas and instructions and let's not forget the Queen of Creativity, Martha Stewart, who offers detailed ideas and instructions on creative and beautiful handmade gift tags on her website Martha Stewart.com.

Whatever you want to say and how you want to say it is up to you. You can be trendy or stylish, simple or sassy, but all of these gift tag ideas will let you express yourself in your gift and the ones you love.

Happy Holidays!

For more creative and easy to do Christmas Holiday ideas, visit Six Can't Miss Children's Activities for Your Holiday Social and Family Events , Top Ten Photography Lessons You Should Know This Holiday Season , Recipe for Stress Management During the Holiday's and Everyday , and What Gifts Can You Make for Christmas? 15 Unique No Fail Ideas and Instructions.