20 Christmas Gift Tag Ideas

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Quick answer: 20 Christmas Gift Tag Ideas. This guide gives 20 ideas in 4 sections: Simple Ready Made Tags; Handmade Tag Ideas; Personalised and Pretty Tags; Finishing Touches and Attachments.

Written by the PinkDux Team. Last updated October 2026.

A gift tag is the finishing touch on a wrapped present. It tells the recipient who the gift is from, and a pretty one can turn plain paper into something that looks truly special.

Here are twenty ideas, from simple kraft tags to handmade labels and clever tricks that stop tags from falling off. Whether you like neat and elegant or colourful and silly, there is something here to suit your wrapping style.

Simple Ready Made Tags

Ready made tags are quick, neat and perfect when time is tight.

• Kraft paper tags: Plain brown tags suit nearly every colour of wrapping paper. Write with a white pen or metallic marker for a smart finish.
• Pre strung tags: Tags with string already attached save time. Buy a big pack and use them throughout the whole of December.
• Self adhesive labels: Stick on labels are brilliant for large parcels and tricky shapes. They also look neat on wrapped boxes.
• Foil printed tags: Gold or silver printed tags add a touch of sparkle. They look luxurious for very little money.
• Luggage style tags: Luggage tags have a vintage look and are very sturdy. They suit gifts for travellers and anyone who likes a retro feel.

Handmade Tag Ideas

Handmade tags show that you have thought of the person.

• Cut up old Christmas cards: Trim the front of last year’s cards into rectangles and punch a hole. It is free, eco friendly and has a nostalgic charm.
• Stamped tags: Use a stamp and ink pad to print a star or tree on plain card. Repeating the same print gives all your gifts a matching look.
• Watercolour tags: Paint a quick wash on thick paper, let it dry and cut into tags. Every one is unique and pretty.
• Pressed greenery tags: Glue a tiny sprig of dried leaf or fern onto a plain tag. Pressed leaves from a walk look natural and delicate.
• Child drawn tags: Let children draw a picture on each tag. Grandparents will be delighted, and it keeps little hands happily busy.

Personalised and Pretty Tags

Personalisation adds a special touch for the recipient.

• Wooden name tags: Small wooden tags with names can double as decorations on the tree. Write with a permanent pen and tie on with twine.
• Calligraphy pen names: A brush pen gives a smart handwritten look. Practise on scrap paper first and keep your lines even.
• Ribbon name labels: Print names onto ribbon and tie around the parcel. They are tidy and easy to read.
• Photo tags: Print a tiny family photo for the tag. It turns a plain present into a keepsake.
• Tag with a message: Write a short note or kind thought on each tag. Grandparents and friends love reading a personal line.

Finishing Touches and Attachments

Make sure tags stay on and look good.

• Baker’s twine: Striped twine in red and white gives a cheerful look. Tie tags with a bow and a knot so they stay put.
• Mini pegs: Clip tags on with tiny wooden pegs. They look sweet and can be reused as decorations.
• Metallic ribbons: A shiny ribbon adds glamour and is soft enough to tie neatly in bows.
• Adhesive foam pads: Pop a tag on a raised foam pad for a layered look on bigger parcels.
• Tag storage box: A small box keeps your tags, pens and ribbons together so wrapping day goes more smoothly.

Helpful links and further reading

A few trusted places to find out more.

• Recycle Now: Find out what you can recycle and where, including wrapping and cards.
• WRAP: An environmental charity with ideas for cutting waste and food waste.

Frequently asked questions

What should I write on a gift tag?

Keep it simple: the name of the person, a short message and who the gift is from. For children, a rhyme or small joke is fun.

How do I stop tags falling off?

Tie them on firmly with string or ribbon, or use adhesive tags on slippery paper. Tuck the string under a bow for extra hold.

Can I reuse tags from last year?

Absolutely. Cross out the old name or flip the tag and write on the back. Reusing is good for the budget and for the planet.

More ideas you might like

• Gift Wrapping Ideas on a Budget
• Homemade Christmas Card Ideas
• Stocking Filler Ideas
• DIY Gift Hamper Ideas