DIY Custom Wrapping Paper: A Fun Craft for Kids

Wrapping paper can be a fun tradition all on its own. When I was a kid, my mom used to take us to the store to pick out our own wrapping paper for gifts, this made it extra easy for her to know which present belonged to which kid when it came time to pass them out. Some families go all out, coming up with new looks or themes each year, which is adorable. A few years ago, I started making my own custom wrapping paper with the kids, and it’s become one of my favorite little holiday (and birthday!) traditions. It’s low-stress for me, keeps the kids entertained with a fun craft, and the end result is always adorable.

What You’ll Need

How we Make Custom Wrapping Paper

Doodle on the Paper

Start by doodling simple designs all over the paper. You can customize it for the season (trees, ornaments, candy canes, and Christmas lights are my go-to’s for Christmas!) or customize it or the recipient of the gift! For birthdays I’ll doodle my child’s favorite things on the paper. Draw it in the easy coloring-book style. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s fast, simple and kid-friendly. If you have older kids they’ll love getting to help draw the designs as well!

Color Time

Once the doodles are ready, the kids take over. With markers, colored pencils, or crayons in hand. They fill in the designs however they like. It’s a fun craft for them that can take all afternoon or even spread out over a week depending on what you need!

Wrap the Gifts

After coloring, I roll up the paper to wrap the presents. Each piece is unique, a little chaotic, and completely theirs which makes the gifts feel extra special.

If it’s easier, you can also wrap the presents first and then draw the designs on the paper. This ensures you get the designs where you want. I like to do this to make cute little scenes on the box. They look adorable whether you have the kids color them in or not!

Why this Craft Works

Fun for kids: They get to create, feel proud of their work, and enjoy a hands on activity. Plus coloring in giant pictures is always the most fun.
Peace for Parents: A few quiet minutes while they color everything in.
Affordable and Personal: No need to spend money on expensive or themed wrapping paper. Lower your stress and remove that gifting cost. You get the benefit of providing a fun craft and then reusing it for another purpose!
Memorable: Gifts feel extra special when wrapped in something the kids helped make.

Whether it’s for Christmas, birthdays, or any other gift-giving occasion, this craft has become a favorite tradition in our house. It’s easy and fun for the kids and helpful for me as a parent. Couldn’t ask for more from a craft!

Want to elevate this a bit more? Try colored Kraft paper and Gold Sharpies

I cannot overstate how classy this looks! I wrapped all of our gifts in classic Christmas colors one year and drew classic designs with gold or metallic sharpies, and wrapped everything with ribbon and twine. They all looked so classy — everyone will comment on your wrapping if you do this!

This is a wonderful way to make your gifts pop and add a personal touch, especially if you love to draw and doodle. I saved all of the supplies I used here.