How to Put Tissue Paper in a Gift Bag: Three Easy Methods
Stack two or three sheets of tissue, pinch them together in the center, and push the pinched point down into the bag so the corners fan up above the rim. Put the gift in first on a crumpled sheet, then add the fanned tissue on top. A medium gift bag takes two or three 15 x 20 inch sheets; small bags use 10 x 15 or 12 x 18 sheets, and large bags 18 x 24 or 20 x 30.
What you need
- A gift bag with room above the gift for the tissue to stand.
- Two to four sheets of tissue sized to the bag, from the chart below. Gift grade 10 lb tissue holds a fold and stands up best.
- One extra sheet to crumple into the bottom as a base.
Method 1: Pinch and fan
The quickest way to get the classic look, with points of tissue standing above the bag.
- Crumple one sheet loosely and drop it into the bottom of the bag.
- Set the gift on top of it, so the gift sits higher and the bag keeps its shape.
- Lay two or three sheets flat on a table, each turned a little so the corners point in different directions.
- Pinch the stack in the center from underneath and lift; the sheets drape down into a cone.
- Push the pinched point into the bag about a third of the way down, beside or over the gift.
- Pull the points apart gently so they fan out above the rim.
Method 2: Fold and fan
A neater, more even look that works well in tall, narrow bags.
- Fold each sheet in half on the short side, so it fans above the rim instead of collapsing into the bag.
- Slide the first folded sheet down the inside of the back wall, with its corners standing above the rim.
- Add the next sheet against the front wall, then one at each side, offsetting the corners each time.
- Put the gift in the middle, then fluff the corners so they stand evenly.
Method 3: Line the bag and wrap the gift
Best when the gift should stay hidden until it is unwrapped, or when it is fragile.
- Drape one sheet into the bag so it lines the bottom and hangs over two opposite sides.
- Drape a second sheet across the other two sides.
- Set the gift inside, then fold the overhanging tissue over the top of it.
- Finish with one pinched sheet on top, fanned above the rim.
How much tissue each bag size needs
Stocked paper shopping bags, with the tissue sheet size and count that fill them without overstuffing. Gift size changes the count, so treat these as a starting point.
| Bag, W x D x H in | Tissue sheet, in | Sheets |
|---|---|---|
| 5 1/2 x 3 1/4 x 8 3/8 | 10 x 15 | 2 |
| 8 x 4 1/2 x 10 | 12 x 18 | 2 |
| 10 x 5 x 13 | 15 x 20 | 2 to 3 |
| 13 x 7 x 13 | 15 x 20 | 3 |
| 16 x 6 x 12 | 18 x 24 | 3 |
| 18 x 7 x 18 | 20 x 30 | 3 to 4 |
Tips for tissue that looks right
- Use at least two sheets. One sheet of 10 lb tissue shows the gift through; two hide it.
- Mix two colors by stacking them before you pinch, with the darker color underneath.
- Keep deep colors away from damp gifts. Dark dyed tissue such as black or cerise can transfer color when it gets wet.
- Store tissue flat and dry. It takes up humidity, then wrinkles and tears on the fold.
- Leave room for the handles. If the tissue pushes the handles apart, take a sheet out.
Tissue paper for shops and events
Gift grade tissue is sold by the ream: 960 sheets of 15 x 20 or 480 sheets of 20 x 30 per case, which works out to a few cents a sheet. The tissue paper size chart lists every stocked size, weight and color with cost per sheet, and the tissue paper collection has white, kraft and 30 colors of 20 x 30. Paper shopping bags come in kraft, white and tinted colors from 5 1/4 to 18 inches wide.
Frequently asked questions
How many sheets of tissue paper go in a gift bag?
Two or three sheets for a medium bag and three or four for a large one, plus one crumpled sheet in the bottom as a base. Use enough to hide the gift and stand above the rim.
What size tissue paper is best for a gift bag?
15 x 20 inches fits most gift bags. Use 10 x 15 or 12 x 18 sheets for small bags and 18 x 24 or 20 x 30 for large ones.
Does tissue paper go in before or after the gift?
Both. A crumpled sheet goes in first as a base, then the gift, then the fanned tissue on top.
How do you make tissue paper stand up in a gift bag?
Pinch the stacked sheets in the center and push only the pinched point into the bag, then pull the corners apart. Gift grade tissue holds a fold, so its points stand up better than thin economy tissue.
How do you fold tissue paper for a gift bag?
Fold each sheet in half on the short side, then slide it in with the corners above the rim, offsetting each sheet from the last.
Can you reuse tissue paper?
Yes, if it is not torn. Smooth it flat and store it flat and dry, since damp tissue wrinkles and tears on the fold.
Related tools and charts
Sheet counts are starting points for a gift that fills about half the bag; a larger gift needs fewer sheets.