A custom gift bag is a handled paper bag with a flat base and folded side gussets, printed with your brand so the carry itself becomes part of the gift. TBPB makes them to your size and artwork with no minimum order, and if you hold a written quote for the same specs we work to beat it.
What separates a gift bag from a shopping bag
The difference is how it feels when the recipient takes it. A gift bag usually uses a heavier paper, a cleaner print finish and a handle that feels deliberate instead of disposable. It stands on its own because the base is reinforced, and it is meant to be kept, reused or at least admired for a minute on the way home. Boutiques, jewellers, perfumers, event hosts and corporate teams use them for exactly that reason. A thin plastic carry bag does not say anything about the goods inside; a good paper gift bag does.
If your need is a utility bag at a checkout, our T-shirt bags do the job at lower cost. For ordinary retail carry-out, custom paper bags sit between the two.
Choosing paper, handles and size
Paper choice drives the look. White paper takes full-colour artwork and soft-touch or gloss coatings well. Kraft gives an earthy, hand-finished feel that suits natural brands and pairs nicely with a one- or two-colour logo. Handle style changes the mood too: a flat paper handle looks clean and modern, while a twisted paper or cord handle feels softer and more traditional. Ask us what handle styles are available for your bag size.
For sizing, put the real gift in a box first and measure the box. Add a couple of inches of height so the tissue can peek out, and allow for the gusset depth. A bag that fits a perfume carton snugly feels expensive. A bag three times too big makes the gift look small.
- Custom width, depth and height to fit your gift box
- White or kraft paper
- Full-colour CMYK, Pantone-matched or one-colour print
- Matte, gloss or soft-touch coating where the paper allows
- Foil stamping or embossing on the logo for premium runs
- Flat, twisted or cord handles, subject to bag size
Weight and strength
Do not under-spec the bag. Paper handles are glued into a reinforced fold at the mouth, and the weight a bag takes depends on the paper thickness, the handle attachment and the size. A bottle of wine in a bag meant for a scarf will tear at the handle. Tell us what the bag carries and the heaviest item, and we recommend a build. If the gift is delicate, consider a gift box inside the bag instead of loose goods.
Pairing bags with boxes
Gift bags work best as the outer layer on a printed box. A promotion packaging set or a sleeve box tucks into a matching bag so the whole unboxing chain looks consistent. The custom bag range has the rest of the styles if you want to compare.
Occasions where gift bags earn their keep
Wedding favours and welcome bags are the obvious ones, where guests receive a bag at the hotel desk and the printed names or date set the tone for the weekend. Corporate teams use them for onboarding kits, conference swag and client thank-yous, where the same layout is reused and only the contents change. Retailers run seasonal versions, such as a holiday colourway, and keep the plain version in stock for the rest of the year. Because there is no minimum order, a small shop can test a seasonal design on a modest run before committing to a bigger one.
Ready to start? Send your gift box size, the quantity and your artwork, even a quantity of one, and TBPB quotes the bag and checks the print placement before production.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a minimum order for custom gift bags?
No. TBPB sets no minimum order. You can order one sample bag to check size and print, or thousands for a retail season. Send your gift box size and the quantity you need and we quote that run directly, with no pressure to order more.
What size gift bag should I order?
Put the real gift or its box in first and measure the width, depth and height. Add a couple of inches of height so tissue paper can show and so the item sits comfortably. Choose the gusset depth to match the box so the bag stands upright when loaded.
What paper are custom gift bags made from?
White paper and kraft paper are the common choices. White suits full-colour artwork and soft-touch or gloss coating. Kraft gives a natural feel with one- or two-colour print. Tell us the weight of the gift and we recommend a paper thickness that carries it comfortably.
What handle types can I choose?
Usually flat paper handles, twisted paper handles or cord handles, depending on the bag size and paper. Flat handles look clean and modern, while twisted or cord handles feel softer. Ask us which options suit your bag dimensions and how much weight it will carry.
Can I add foil or embossing to a gift bag?
Often, yes, on suitable paper. A foil-stamped or embossed logo makes a gift bag feel more premium, which suits jewellery, fragrance and corporate gifts. Tell us your artwork and paper choice and we confirm what is possible on that bag before you commit.
How strong are paper gift bags?
Strength depends on the paper thickness, the handle attachment and the bag size. Light items like clothing or cosmetics are fine in most builds, while bottles and heavy boxes need a firmer bag. Tell us the heaviest item and we recommend a build that will hold.
More Custom Bags
See the full Custom Bags range, or explore related options with no minimum order and our best-price guarantee:
