Paper Bag Gingerbread House Craft

Paper Bag Gingerbread House Craft: A Fun + Simple DIY Project for Fall

When I saw these charming paper bag gingerbread houses at a local craft fair, I knew I had to share the idea. This Paper Bag Gingerbread House Craft is the perfect blend of holiday spirit and sustainable creativity. Instead of buying expensive gift bags, you can stop buying expensive gift bags! Learn how to make an adorable present holder that doubles as a festive decoration. The project works for kids, teens, and adults, making it a versatile addition to any fall or holiday gathering.

Materials Needed

Standard brown paper grocery bags (one per house)
White cardstock or construction paper for walls and roof pieces
Scissors, craft knife, and a ruler
Glue stick or white craft glue
Colored markers, crayons, or water‑based paints
Mini gingerbread man cut‑outs (optional for decoration)
Ribbon, twine, or small wooden dowels for hanging
Seasonal embellishments: tiny pinecones, faux berries, glitter, or stickers

Step‑by‑Step Instructions

Prepare the bag base. Open the paper bag and flatten it. Cut off the top seam so the bag lies flat like a rectangle. This will become the foundation of your house.
Create walls and roof. Measure and cut four rectangular pieces from white cardstock for the walls. Cut two triangular pieces for the roof. Keep the dimensions consistent (e.g., 6 inches wide by 8 inches tall for walls).
Assemble the structure. Apply glue along the edges of the bag base and attach the wall pieces. Press firmly until the glue sets. Then attach the roof triangles, overlapping them slightly to form a classic gingerbread house silhouette.
Decorate the façade. Use markers or paint to draw frosting, candy windows, and door details. Add the mini gingerbread man cut‑outs as “door knockers” or garden ornaments.
Enhance with fall accents. Glue tiny pinecones at the roof’s edge, sprinkle a little glitter for snow, or tie a ribbon around the chimney for a pop of color.
Finish the gift bag. Fold the top of the original paper bag over the house and secure it with a decorative bow or a piece of twine. The result is a sturdy, reusable gift bag that looks like a miniature holiday cottage.