Valentines Paper Bags: How to Make DIY Valentine Goody Bags on a Budget

Valentine paper bags are one of those items that seem simple and are surprisingly useful. You need them for classroom Valentine exchanges, party favors, treat bags, and small gifts. The problem is that most people either buy the cheapest ones they can find (thin, printed bags that look like they came from a dollar store) or overspend on custom bags (personalized bags at $3 each for a class of 25). The right approach is in the middle. You can get quality Valentine paper bags that are affordable, cute, and easy to personalize, if you know what to buy and how to make them.

Valentines paper bags cover small paper bags used for Valentine’s Day treats, favors, and gifts, typically including kraft bags, printed bags, and DIY bags. The best Valentine bags are sturdy, cute, and easy to personalize. The worst are thin, poorly made, and so cheap they tear when you fill them.

The right Valentine paper bags are sturdy, cute, and budget-friendly. Here’s what to buy, how to make them, and what to skip.

Types of Valentines Paper Bags

Kraft Paper Bags

Kraft paper bags are the most versatile and affordable option. They’re the bags you buy plain and personalize yourself.

What to look for:

• A weight of at least 120gsm (thick enough to hold treats without tearing)
• A set of 50 to 100 bags (enough for a classroom or a party)
• A flat bottom (so the bag stands up)
• A set that includes twist ties or ribbon
• A size that’s appropriate for treats (4 x 6 inches or 5 x 7 inches)

What to skip:

• Bags that are too thin (they tear at the bottom)
• Bags without a flat bottom (they don’t stand up)
• Bags that are too small (they can’t hold anything)

Price range: $10 to $25 for a set of 50 to 100 bags.

Printed Valentine Bags

Printed Valentine bags are the pre-decorated option. They’re the bags with hearts, Cupids, or Valentine messages printed on them.

What to look for:

• A weight of at least 120gsm
• A set of 25 to 50 bags (enough for a classroom or a party)
• A simple, cute design (hearts, dots, or a Valentine message)
• A set that includes twist ties or ribbon
• A design that’s not too busy (you can add a name or a tag)

What to skip:

• Bags that are too thin (they tear)
• Bags with a busy design (there’s no room for a name)
• Bags with a design that’s too babyish (for older kids)

Price range: $10 to $25 for a set of 25 to 50 bags.

Personalized Valentine Bags

Personalized Valentine bags are the custom option. They’re the bags with each child’s name printed on them.

What to look for:

• A weight of at least 120gsm
• A set of 25 to 50 bags (enough for a classroom)
• A personalization that’s clear and readable (each child’s name)
• A simple, cute design (hearts, dots, or a Valentine message)
• A set that includes twist ties or ribbon

What to skip:

• Bags that are too thin (they tear)
• Bags with a personalization that’s too small (the name is unreadable)
• Bags with a busy design (the name gets lost)

Price range: $20 to $50 for a set of 25 to 50 bags.

DIY Valentine Bags

DIY Valentine bags are the budget option. You buy plain kraft bags and personalize them yourself.

What to look for:

• A weight of at least 120gsm
• A set of 50 to 100 plain kraft bags
• Stamps, stencils, or markers for personalizing
• A set of twist ties or ribbon
• A set of gift tags or labels

What to skip:

• Bags that are too thin (they tear)
• Stamps or markers that bleed through the paper
• Personalization that takes too long (you have 25 bags to do)

Price range: $10 to $20 for bags and supplies.

How to Make DIY Valentine Goody Bags

The Classic Treat Bag

The classic treat bag is the easiest DIY Valentine bag. You buy plain kraft bags, fill them with treats, and add a tag.

How to do it:

1. Buy a set of 50 to 100 plain kraft bags (4 x 6 inches or 5 x 7 inches)
2. Fill each bag with 2 to 3 small treats (a chocolate, a lollipop, and a small toy)
3. Fold the top of the bag and staple it closed
4. Add a Valentine tag with the recipient’s name
5. Add a sticker or a stamp on the bag (a heart, a dot, or a Valentine message)

Tip: This is the fastest option. You can do 25 bags in 30 minutes.

The Stamped Bag

The stamped bag is the personalized DIY option. You buy plain kraft bags and stamp them with a Valentine design.

How to do it:

1. Buy a set of 50 to 100 plain kraft bags
2. Buy a Valentine stamp (a heart, a Cupid, or a Valentine message)
3. Buy an ink pad (red, pink, or purple)
4. Stamp each bag with the design (1 to 3 stamps per bag)
5. Let the ink dry (5 to 10 minutes)
6. Fill each bag with treats
7. Fold the top and staple it closed
8. Add a Valentine tag

Tip: This is a fun activity for kids. They can stamp the bags themselves.

The Hand-Drawn Bag

The hand-drawn bag is the most personal DIY option. You buy plain kraft bags and draw on them with markers.

How to do it:

1. Buy a set of 50 to 100 plain kraft bags
2. Buy a set of markers (red, pink, and purple)
3. Draw a simple design on each bag (a heart, a dot, or a Valentine message)
4. Write the recipient’s name on the bag
5. Fill each bag with treats
6. Fold the top and staple it closed

Tip: This is the most time-consuming option. It’s best for a small group (10 to 15 bags).

The Printed Label Bag

The printed label bag is the polished DIY option. You buy plain kraft bags and add printed labels.

How to do it:

1. Buy a set of 50 to 100 plain kraft bags
2. Design a Valentine label in Canva (a heart, a message, and a space for a name)
3. Print the labels on sticker paper (Avery 2-inch round or 3 x 2-inch rectangle)
4. Cut the labels (if needed)
5. Stick a label on each bag
6. Write the recipient’s name on the label
7. Fill each bag with treats
8. Fold the top and staple it closed

Tip: This is the most polished DIY option. The labels look professional, and you can customize them for each child.

What to Fill Valentine Bags With

For a Classroom Exchange

For a classroom Valentine exchange, the bags should be filled with small, safe, and age-appropriate treats.

Good picks:

• A small chocolate or a lollipop
• A Valentine pencil or eraser
• A small toy (a sticker sheet, a mini puzzle, or a small figurine)
• A Valentine card
• A small notebook or a coloring page

What to skip:

• Anything with nuts (allergies)
• Anything with small parts (choking hazard for young kids)
• Anything that’s too big for the bag
• Too many items (2 to 3 is enough)

For a Party Favor

For a Valentine party, the bags should be filled with small, fun, and festive items.

Good picks:

• A small chocolate or a lollipop
• A Valentine candle or a small soap
• A small bottle of bubbles or a party favor
• A Valentine card or a small note
• A small bottle of wine or a mini champagne (for adults)

What to skip:

• Anything that’s too big for the bag
• Too many items (2 to 3 is enough)

What to Skip Entirely

Bags that are too thin. They tear at the bottom, they tear at the handles, and they don’t hold treats. Choose a weight of at least 120gsm.

Bags with a busy design. A bag with a full Valentine scene (Cupid, hearts, and a message) is too busy. There’s no room for a name or a tag. Choose simple designs.

Bags that are too small. A 3 x 4 inch bag can’t hold anything meaningful. Choose a size of at least 4 x 6 inches.

Bags without a flat bottom. A bag without a flat bottom doesn’t stand up. Choose bags with a flat bottom.

Too many items in the bag. 2 to 3 small items are enough. More than that makes the bag bulky and hard to close.

Personalization that takes too long. If you have 25 bags to personalize, don’t choose a design that takes 10 minutes per bag. Choose a fast option (stamps, labels, or pre-printed bags).

FAQ

Where can I buy Valentine paper bags? You can buy Valentine paper bags on Amazon (widest selection, bulk options), at craft stores (Michaels, Hobby Lobby), at party supply stores (Party City), at dollar stores (budget options), and at Etsy (personalized and custom bags). Choose based on your budget and needs.

How much do Valentine paper bags cost? Kraft paper bags cost $10 to $25 for a set of 50 to 100. Printed Valentine bags cost $10 to $25 for a set of 25 to 50. Personalized Valentine bags cost $20 to $50 for a set of 25 to 50. DIY supplies cost $10 to $20 for bags and supplies.

How do I make DIY Valentine goody bags? Buy plain kraft bags (4 x 6 or 5 x 7 inches). Fill each bag with 2 to 3 small treats. Fold the top and staple it closed. Add a Valentine tag with the recipient’s name. Add a sticker or a stamp. For a polished look, design and print labels in Canva and stick them on the bags.

What should I put in Valentine goody bags? For a classroom exchange: a small chocolate, a lollipop, a Valentine pencil or eraser, a sticker sheet, and a Valentine card. For a party favor: a small chocolate, a Valentine candle, a small soap, a bottle of bubbles, and a Valentine card. Choose 2 to 3 items per bag.

What should I avoid when buying Valentine paper bags? Avoid bags that are too thin (they tear), bags with a busy design (no room for a name), bags that are too small (they can’t hold anything), bags without a flat bottom (they don’t stand up), too many items in the bag, and personalization that takes too long.

How many Valentine bags do I need for a classroom? You need one bag per child. For a class of 25, buy a set of 25 to 30 bags (a few extra for mistakes). For a class of 30, buy a set of 30 to 35 bags. Buy a few extra so you have backups.

Can I personalize Valentine bags myself? Yes. Buy plain kraft bags and personalize them with stamps, markers, or printed labels. For stamps, buy a Valentine stamp and an ink pad. For markers, draw a simple design and write the name. For printed labels, design in Canva, print on sticker paper, and stick them on the bags.

References

• Amazon. “Valentine Paper Bags.” Check on Amazon
• Etsy. “Personalized Valentine Bags.” https://www.etsy.com/search?q=personalized+valentine+bags
• Party City. “Valentine Party Supplies.” https://www.partycity.com/category/valentines+day.do