Bag Tags

The great thing about bag tag gifts is that they're quick and easy to make and will fit anyone's budget.  A perfect computer craft for beginners, because no special equipment or supplies are needed.

The 3 elements of a bag tag gift are:   1) the content of the bag (can be homemade or store bought), 2) the small zip-top bag, and 3) the tag.  The supplies you'll need to create the tags are your computer & printer, lightweight cardstock (white usually works best), paper cutter or scissors, and a stapler.  Optionally, to give your finished tags a more professional look, laminate the design side of the tags using a super thin laminating film.

There's no limit to the things you can make or buy to put into a bag tag gift making it suitable for any gift-giving occasion.  Tiny bag tag gifts can be slipped into a letter or greeting card.  They're also a perfect product for craft fairs, fund raisers, Valentine swaps, and business promotional give-aways.  Click on the thumbnails below for close-up views of bag tag gifts.

Instructions:

• Measure the width of the ziplock bag or clear envelope you are using for your bag tag item.  Decide how tall you want the tag to be and double that (the tag will be folded in half to slip over the top of the bag/envelope).
• In your graphics design program, create a frame the size of the dimensions above.  If your graphics design program has a business card template (such as Print Artist®), open a blank business card and change the dimensions to match those you figured for the bag tag.  This will allow your finished design to automatically tile on the page to print several tags at once.
• Place a temporary guideline across the middle of your template horizontally (remove before printing); the area below the line will be the front of your tag, and the area above the line will be the back of your tag.  Click illustrations at right for detailed view.
• Create your design for the front of your tag in the lower half of your design area.  Create the design for the back of your tag in the upper half of the design area.  When your design is finished to your liking, group together all the elements in the back of the tag and rotate the grouped design so that it is upside down (when your tag is folded over the top of the bag/envelope, the back design will be right side up). 
• Print your tag(s) on cardstock and cut out.  Fold the tag(s) in half.   Slip your tag over the top of your filled bag/envelope and staple in place.
• Add extra interest to your bag tag by extending the graphic above the fold line.  Click illustrations at right for detailed view.

OTHER BAG TAG GIFT IDEAS

• Puppy Love:  Prepare your favorite sugar cookie dough (or use store bought cookie dough).  Roll out dough and cut with a mini dog bone cookie cutter (available from Wacky Wagon).   Place 2 or 3 cooled cookies in a small bag or clear envelope.  Include the words "Puppy Love" on your tag.  Cute gift for Valentine's Day swaps or bridal showers.
• Party Favors:  Use a sandwich-size ziplock bag.  Fill with sheets of colorful construction paper (cut to fit), sparkly stickers, plastic safety scissors, small pencil, and glue stick.  Decorate the bag tag to match the birthday kid's party theme.  Makes an inexpensive party favor.
• Wedding Rice:  Package white rice in small bags or clear envelopes.  Include the bride & groom's photo on the bag tag and wedding date & place.  Make enough so each guest receives 2--one to keep and one to throw.