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Make paper bags with children
Crafting Paper Bags with Kids – Creative Ideas for Little Artists
Last updated: February 2026 | Reading time: 4 min
All craft projects in this guide have been tested with children and use safe, easily available materials. Step-by-step instructions ensure that kids of all skill levels can follow along.
Making paper bags is a wonderful and simple way to keep kids creatively engaged. Whether used as gift bags, part of a scavenger hunt, or just as a fun rainy-day craft, custom-decorated paper bags fit many occasions and offer an easy entry into crafting. In this guide, I’ll show you how to decorate paper bags with kids so they turn into little artworks that are sure to catch everyone’s eye!
Materials for Crafting Paper Bags
Before you begin, you’ll need a few basic materials. The great thing is that most of them are probably already at home:
- Paper bags (can also be folded by hand)
- Paint and brushes (finger paint is perfect for young kids)
- Colored pencils and markers
- Stickers, glitter, pom-poms (for extra decoration)
- Scissors and glue
For an extra creative crafting session, you can also include folding a paper boat and decorate the bags as “treasure pouches” — a great addition to any treasure hunt!
Ready to play instantly & easy to set up:
Stress-free for your kid’s birthday: Just print our scavenger hunts — about 30 minutes of prep.
✅ Includes an invitation
✅ Includes riddles & clues
✅ Includes a treasure map
✅ Includes answer keys
✅ Includes a certificate
✅ Includes easy instructions
✅ Includes a full storyline (for reading aloud & getting kids excited)
✅ Perfect for indoors & outdoors
How to Fold Your Own Paper Bags
If you don’t have ready-made paper bags, you can easily make them yourself. Here’s a quick guide:
- Choose your paper – Thicker craft paper in A4 size works best.
- Fold – Fold the paper lengthwise to create a bag shape.
- Fold the bottom – Fold the lower part upward and glue it to create a stable base.
- Decorate – Now the bag can be decorated however you like!
These homemade bags offer a personal touch and are perfect for wrapping small gifts or using them as part of a treasure hunt.
Ideas for Decorating Paper Bags
Here are some creative ideas for decorating paper bags with kids:
1. Paint Colorful Animal Characters
Kids love animals — so why not turn a bag into a cute animal figure? Paint a face on the bag, add paper ears or pom-poms, and voilà! A bear bag or a cute kitten bag is ready. These animal-themed paper bags are great for a fairy-tale scavenger hunt, where they can serve as magical treasure pouches.
2. Magical Unicorn Bags for a Unicorn Party
For a unicorn scavenger hunt or party, decorate the bags with glitter, pastel colors, and a big unicorn horn made of cardboard. These bags also make great party favors and will delight every little guest. Get inspired by our Unicorn Scavenger Hunt for more fun ideas!
3. Pirate Treasure Bags
Pirates love their treasure pouches! Paint skulls, pirate flags, or anchors on the bags and add jute twine as handles. These bags fit perfectly into a pirate scavenger hunt, where kids can carry their collected treasures in true pirate style.
4. Secret Detective Bags with Codes
A classic idea for a detective scavenger hunt: use paper bags to hide secret clues! Decorate them with invisible ink or coded messages and encourage kids to uncover hidden hints.
Ways to Use Homemade Paper Bags
Paper bags are incredibly versatile and work well in many games and activities. Here are a few ideas:
- Scavenger hunt clue bag: Use the bags as stations during a scavenger hunt. Each bag can contain a small riddle or hint leading to the next location.
- Party favor bag: Fill the bags with small gifts or sweets at the end of a birthday party.
- Treasure pouch: Ideal as treasure bags for a treasure hunt. At the end of the hunt, kids can store their loot in their personalized bags.
- Balloon surprise game: Fill the bags with small tasks or prizes. Each bag becomes a surprise balloon alternative with a fun challenge inside.
Simple Craft Variations for Paper Bags
If you want to keep things extra simple, here are a few quick craft ideas that require minimal effort:
- Painted handprints – Kids press their painted hands onto the bag for a sweet, personal design.
- Stickers – A fast way to decorate bags without any drying time.
- Stamps – Use small stamps to create patterns. This method is ideal for a scavenger hunt for ages 4–6.
Conclusion: Crafting Paper Bags for Creative Adventures
Whether as treasure bags, gift bags, or surprise pouches during a scavenger hunt — handmade paper bags are fun, spark creativity, and make little eyes shine. Kids can let their imagination run wild and take home something truly unique. Have fun crafting and discovering!
