Okay, real talk: the gift is great, but the presentation is what makes Dad or Grandpa actually feel celebrated. And this little trick? It’s the one you’re going to wish you knew last year.
All you need is a plain brown paper bag and a strip of ribbon – and in under 5 minutes, you’ve got a gift bag dressed up like Dad’s favorite shirt and tie. It looks like something straight off Pinterest, but it costs almost nothing and requires zero craft skills. Kids can totally help, which makes it even better.
Whether you’re wrapping a new phone, a sweet treat, or a handmade card from the kids, this “shirt & tie” bag is the perfect finishing touch for Father’s Day.
What You’ll Need
A plain brown paper bag with handles (any size works – just make sure it fits your gift!)
Sharp scissors
A length of ribbon in your color of choice (blue is classic, but pick Dad’s favorite!)
Double-sided tape or a tape runner
Your gift, ready to go inside
How to Make It: Step-by-Step
1. Cut the collar slits.
Lay the bag flat on a table with the front facing up. Using your scissors, make one horizontal cut on each side of the bag – starting from the outer left edge and stopping a few inches from center, then doing the same from the outer right edge. Both cuts should sit about 2–3 inches down from the top rim of the bag. The strip of uncut paper in the middle is the “neck” – so don’t cut all the way across!
2. Fold down the collar flaps.
Take the top-left corner (above your left slit) and fold it diagonally downward and inward toward the center. Do the same on the right side. When both sides are folded in, you’ll instantly see the shirt collar take shape. It’s genuinely satisfying – don’t be surprised if you say “oh wow” out loud.
3. Load up the gift.
Before you tape anything down, slide your gift inside the bag now. This keeps the bag in its proper shape while you finish the details, and makes everything look neat and full once it’s done.
4. Add the necktie.
Cut a long piece of ribbon – about 18–24 inches works well. Tuck one end behind the collar at the “neck” opening so it hangs down the front of the bag like a real tie. You can simply let it drape, or loop it loosely through the neck opening and pull it snug. Trim the bottom end at a diagonal angle for that sharp, polished look.
5. Tape the collar down.
Once your ribbon tie is sitting exactly how you want it, use your double-sided tape to secure the collar flaps flat against the front of the bag. This locks the whole look in place and gives it that clean, finished appearance – like a shirt that’s actually been pressed and laid flat. (No wrinkles, no fussing. Just crisp.)
🎨 Pro Tip – Make It Personal:
Use a marker to draw 2–3 small buttons down the center of the bag below the tie for extra detail. You could also cut a tiny “pocket” from scrap paper, tape it to the upper left chest area, and tuck in a little note that says “World’s Best Dad.” Those small touches take it from cute to genuinely memorable.
Why This Idea Is Such a Winner
Zero craft experience needed. If you can fold a piece of paper and use scissors, you’ve got this. It really is that simple.
Kids can be part of it. Older kids can do the folding themselves. Younger ones can pick the ribbon color or draw the buttons. Instant keepsake energy.
It’s budget-friendly. You probably already have everything you need. If not, a bag and a spool of ribbon cost just a couple of dollars.
Completely customizable. Switch up the ribbon color, add a fun pattern, write Dad’s name on the “collar” – make it his.
Works for any gift. Tall box? Small gadget? Stack of gift cards? This bag works for all of it.
The best part? Dad gets to see the effort before he even opens the gift. And trust us – the reaction when he realizes the bag is dressed up just like him? Absolutely priceless.
Happy wrapping, and happy Father’s Day! 🎁👔
More Father’s Day Ideas to Keep the Fun Rolling:
10 Reasons to Make This Colorful Father’s Day Popsicle Stick Wall Hanging With Your Kids
A “Corny” Father’s Day: How to Make a Pop-Up “Pop-Corn” Card for Dad
How to Make a DIY #1 Dad Award Ribbon for Father’s Day (Kids Will Love This!)
Make Dad Feel Like Royalty: The “Dad, You Are My King!” DIY Pull-String Father’s Day Card
Grand Slam Pop-Up: The 3D Baseball Father’s Day Card Your Kids Can Actually Make
The Cutest Father’s Day Craft Kids Can Make: A Handprint Trophy
