• The first impression of the gift you're giving is what it's in. The bag you choose to use when giving a gift at Christmas can set the tone for what's inside. Some people choose to purchase gift bags while others reuse and recycle gift bags from years past. You can make a decorative gift bag without having to spend a lot of money. Getting creative and using a little innovation can take an ordinary gift and make it impressive.
  
  

Reuse and Recycle

• A great way to save some money around Christmastime is to save gift bags every year and then reuse them. This not only saves money but it is also a way to cut down on the overuse of paper products. You can save money and be environmental conscience at the same time. Be sure to remove any items on the gift bag such as a gift tag or price that would give away the fact that it was from someone else. Replace the old gift tag with a new one from yourself. You can find gift tags at virtually any big box store around the Holidays.
  
  

Make Your Own

• A great way to make a personal touch to Christmas gift bags is to make your own. You can either purchase craft gift bags for a fraction of the price at a craft store or you can save high-end craft shopping bags throughout the year. Paint a special message or image on the bag that is personal for the recipient. You can also use a photograph to glue to the gift bag of you and the recipient and decorate around the photo with Christmas decorations. This will make the gift bag more meaningful and purposeful.
  
  

Decorate with Candy

• Make the Christmas gift bag a treat itself by using Christmas candy to decorate it. Use candy canes, peppermint mints and red, green and silver wrapped chocolates. You can make various Christmas shapes by gluing or taping the candies in the shape of a Christmas tree, a star or other Christmas symbols. You can add to the candy decorations with other accents of ribbon, sequence and marker. Create a Christmas spectacular right on the bag itself for a unique and innovative gift bag.