Howdy, friends! Today I’m sharing how to make custom chip bags for party favors, treats, small gifts, and even handmade products! These little bags are easy to customize for just about any occasion, and they’re a fun way to make simple treats and gifts look extra special. So let’s get started!
How to Make Custom Chip Bags for Party Favors and Small Gifts
I originally shared this project for Valentine’s Day, but I’ve been making chip bags for years, and they’re definitely not just for classroom parties! Recently, I started making them again to package my 3D-printed Mystery Packet Pals for an upcoming school craft fair. I even found a new paper that I love for this project!
If you’re making birthday party favors, holiday treats, or packaging small items to sell, I’ll show you how to make your own custom chip bags with a few basic supplies. And if you’re looking for my original free Valentine’s Day chip bag printable, don’t worry! It’s still available below.
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DIY Custom Chip Bags
One of my favorite things about making custom chip bags is how versatile they are. You can change the design to match any theme and fill them with all kinds of little goodies.
You also don’t need a cutting machine to make them! All you need is a printer, paper, adhesive, and a few simple tools.
Supplies for Making Custom Chip Bags
Here’s what I use to make my custom chip bags:
- Printable Paper – My new favorite paper for making chip bags
- Inkjet Printer
- Paper Crimper
- Pinking Shears
- 1/4-Inch Scor-Tape or another strong double-sided adhesive
- Bone Folder
- Paper Trimmer or Scissors
- Candy, treats, small toys, or other items to fill your bags
- Your printed chip bag design
What Is the Best Paper for Making Chip Bags?
When I first shared this tutorial, I used photo paper, and it worked well for making cute Valentine’s Day treat bags.
Since then, I’ve experimented with other materials and recently found a paper that I really like for making custom packaging. I used it to make a batch of Mystery Packet Pals bags, and I’m excited to share it with you!
My current favorite:
This glossy photo paper is just the right weight for these bags, it’s not too thick for folding and it prints beautifully!
For this project, I recommend choosing a paper that prints nicely but is also flexible enough to fold and seal. Paper that’s too thick can make it harder to create neat folds and crimped edges.
How to Make Custom Chip Bags
Ready to make your own? The process is simple, and once you’ve made your first bag, it’s easy to make several more.
I also have a quick video showing how I assemble my chip bags. Check it out below!
Step 1: Print Your Chip Bag Design
Start by printing your chip bag design on your chosen paper. I recommend using a high-quality print setting for the best results.
Before printing several copies, make a test print to check the colors and placement of your design.
If your design has a front and back, make sure the front artwork will be centered once the paper is folded.
Step 2: Fold the Sides
Place your printed design face down on your work surface.
Fold both sides toward the center of the back, allowing the edges to overlap slightly. I like to use a bone folder to create nice, crisp folds.
Before creasing everything, flip the paper over to make sure your design is centered on the front of the bag.
For my original Valentine’s Day design, I used the checkered pattern as a guide to help line everything up.
Step 3: Seal the Back and Bottom
Now it’s time to turn your printed paper into a bag!
Apply double-sided adhesive along the bottom edge of the paper. Fold one side toward the center, then apply adhesive along the edge of the overlapping side to secure the back seam.
I recently started using 1/4-inch Scor-Tape for my small packaging projects. It’s a convenient option for creating narrow adhesive seams.
Press the seams firmly to make sure they’re secure.
At this point, you should have a bag with a sealed bottom and an opening at the top.
Step 4: Fill Your Chip Bag
Now for the fun part! Fill your bag with your favorite treats, party favors, or small gifts.
Here are a few ideas:
- Wrapped candy and treats
- Mini toys and party favors
- Stickers and small stationery items
- Small 3D-printed creations
- Classroom prizes
- Small handmade gifts
- Mystery toys and collectibles
Be sure to leave enough room at the top to seal your bag. Overfilling can make it difficult to close neatly.
If you’re packaging items to sell, make sure your packaging is appropriate for the contents. These handmade paper bags are decorative packaging and aren’t a substitute for food-safe or tamper-evident packaging when those features are needed.
Step 5: Seal the Top
Once your bag is filled, apply adhesive along the inside of the top edge and press the opening closed.
Make sure the adhesive is firmly attached across the entire opening so your treats or small items stay inside.
Step 6: Crimp and Trim the Edges
Here’s my favorite part!
Run the top and bottom edges of the bag through a paper crimper to create those familiar ridges you see on snack packaging.
Then use pinking shears to trim the edges and give your chip bag that cute zigzag finish.
Don’t have a paper crimper? No problem! You can still make these bags without one. The crimped edges are just an extra finishing touch.
DIY Chip Bags for Small Business Packaging
Here’s another fun way to use this technique!
I’ve been making little 3D-printed animals for my Mystery Packet Pals collection, and I wanted packaging that would make them feel like a fun surprise. Instead of using ordinary bags, I designed colorful chip-bag-style packaging for my mini mystery pets. Each package holds a surprise animal, and the finished bags are perfect for displaying at a craft fair.
I love how this simple packaging technique can transform a small handmade item into something that feels like a special little gift.
This idea isn’t limited to 3D prints, either! You could use custom chip bags to package stickers, small accessories, party favors, mini craft kits, and other lightweight handmade items. It’s also a fun option for craft fairs, school events, and small-business product packaging.
Free Valentine’s Day Chip Bag Printable
If you loved my original Valentine’s Day chip bags, you can still make them!
I created a free Valentine’s Day chip bag printable that you can use for classroom parties, Sunday School celebrations, or little Valentine’s Day gifts.
Just sign up for my newsletter below to grab the printable and get more creative project ideas delivered to your inbox!
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More Ideas for Custom Chip Bags
Once you’ve learned how to make a chip bag, you can use the same technique for so many occasions!
- Birthday Parties: Match the design to your party theme and fill with little favors.
- Valentine’s Day: Package candy, small toys, or classroom treats.
- Halloween: Make spooky treat bags for parties or trick-or-treat surprises.
- Christmas: Create festive packaging for stocking stuffers and small gifts.
- Easter: Fill pastel-colored bags with little Easter surprises.
- Baby Showers: Make personalized favors for your guests.
- Craft Fairs: Create fun packaging for small handmade items.
- Mystery Gifts: Add a surprise element with mystery bags and collectible items.
Frequently Asked Questions About DIY Chip Bags
Do I need a Cricut to make custom chip bags?
No! You don’t need a Cricut or any other cutting machine. A printer, paper, adhesive, and scissors are all you need for the basic construction.
Can I make chip bags without a paper crimper?
Absolutely! A paper crimper gives the edges that classic snack-bag appearance, but your bags will still look cute without it.
What size paper should I use?
I typically make my chip bags using standard 8.5 x 11-inch sheets of printable paper. The finished dimensions will depend on your design, fold placement, and how much you trim from the edges.
Can I use chip bags to package products for a craft fair?
Yes! These bags can be a fun option for lightweight handmade products and small gifts. Just make sure the packaging is strong enough for the item inside and suitable for how you’ll display, transport, and sell it.
Can I make chip bags ahead of time?
Yes! I like to print and prepare several bags at once. You can assemble the bags, leave the tops open, and fill and seal them when you’re ready.
Let’s Get Crafty!
And that’s how easy it is to make your own custom chip bags!
Whether you’re making party favors, holiday treats, or packaging your own handmade creations, this is a fun project you can customize again and again.
Don’t forget to check out my favorite craft supplies for the paper and tools I use in my projects.
And if you’re making my Valentine’s Day version, be sure to grab the free printable above!
Happy crafting!
1 comment
Where can I find the chip bag design to print it