Ran Out of Tissue Paper? Use This Genius Wrapping Paper Hack!
This gold wrapping paper fan is a genius substitute for tissue paper when you need to fill a gift bag in a pinch!
The Best Substitute for Tissue Paper – A DIY Fan Hack
If you are looking for an elegant substitute for tissue paper for your gift bags, this genius wrapping paper fan hack is the perfect $0 DIY solution! Have you have the perfect gift, a beautiful gift bag, and then you realize you’re missing the tissue paper. If you have ran out of tissue paper in the middle of a last-minute gift-wrapping, here is my favorite gift bag hack that solves the problem using something you already have in your wrapping stash.
In this tutorial, I’ll show you what to use instead of tissue paper for gift bags to create a high-end, professional look in seconds. The secret is a stunning, DIY wrapping paper fan made from leftover wrapping paper!
Checkout more of my Tissue Paper Alternatives! These budget-friendly, eco-friendly ideas are made using everyday household items and inexpensive finds from Dollar Tree and local craft stores.
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I’d love to hear from you! Are you going to try this out tissue paper hack for your gift bags? Click below to watch the tissue paper substitute video and let me know in the comments on YouTube—I’ll be over there answering questions!
Amazing Out of Tissue Paper Hack Substitute Gift Bag Filler
When you are out of tissue paper, your first instinct might be to leave the bag empty or try to scrounge up old, wrinkled pieces of tissue paper from a previous birthday. But a wrapping paper fan actually looks more elegant and thoughtful than a traditional tissue paper gift bag filler.
Wrapping paper is thicker and sturdier than tissue, this accordion fold technique creates a decorative “fluff” that stands tall and holds its shape. While tissue paper can get crushed during transport, a paper fan stays crisp and beautiful. It’s a perfect tissue paper alternative for birthdays, weddings, Valentine’s Day and especially for Christmas when you want that extra “wow” factor under the tree.
These gift fans can be made ahead of time so they can be quickly placed in a gift bag when needed!
Materials Needed Tissue Paper Alternative
This is a $0 DIY hack because you likely have everything you need in your gift wrapping supplies.
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Leftover Wrapping Paper – Any length will do, but a piece about 12-18 inches wide works best. I love using gold foil for a high-end look.
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Clear Tape – Just a small piece to secure the base.
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Scissors – To trim your wrapping paper piece to the right size and curve the edges.
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Gift Bag – This hack works for small, medium, and even large jumbo bags! Just cut the sized needed.
Step-by-Step – How to Make a Wrapping Paper Fan
Learning how to accordion fold wrapping paper is the key to mastering this look. Follow these simple steps to use as tissue paper alternative gift bag filler.
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Cut Your Paper – Cut a rectangular piece of wrapping paper. If your bag is very deep, make the paper longer. The wider the paper is, the fuller and more “ruffled” your fan will be.
- Make a Curve – Fold the wrapping paper in half, length-wise, and cut the end into a curve. When you open the wrapping paper, it will have a nice rounded edges.
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The Accordion Fold – Lay the paper face down. Start at one end and fold the paper over about one inch. Flip the paper and fold it back the other way. Continue this “pleating” motion until the entire piece is folded into a single narrow strip.
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Secure the Base: Pinch the bottom of your pleated paper (about an inch from the end). Wrap a piece of clear tape tightly around this pinched base.
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The Reveal – Hold the base and gently pull the top edges of the folds outward. You will see a beautiful fan shape emerge!
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Styling the Bag – Drop your gift into the bag first. Then, place your fan on top, tucking the taped base behind the gift. For extra stability, you can use a small piece of tape to secure the base of the fan to the inside of the gift bag.
Pro Tips for a Professional Finish
To make your wrapping paper fan hack look like it came from a high-end boutique, try these three tips.
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The Double Fan – If you have a very large gift bag, make two fans! Place them side-by-side or back-to-back for a massive explosion of color.
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Contrasting Colors: Use a wrapping paper that is a different color than the bag. For example, a gold fan looks stunning in a red or navy blue bag like the red bag shown.
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The Curvy Edge – Before you fan out your folds, use your scissors to cut the top edges of the “accordion” into a rounded or pointed shape. When you open the fan, it will have a beautiful scalloped edge!
An Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Solution
I love finding ways to be more eco-friendly with my crafts. This is the ultimate way to use up those “too small” scraps of wrapping paper that usually end up in the trash. It’s an upcycled gift wrapping idea that saves you a trip to the store, saves you money, and reduces waste. By reusing your scraps, you are giving them a “second life” as a beautiful piece of art!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use newspaper or brown paper bags?
Absolutely! A brown paper bag accordion-folded looks fantastic for a “Rustic” or “Farmhouse” style gift. Just follow the same steps!
What if my wrapping paper is too thin?
If you are using very thin paper, just double the layers before you start folding. If you fold it in half, the decorative sides will be on both the front and back of the fan so it will be double-sided. This will give the fan enough “body” to stand upright.
I am so grateful to have officially passed 7,000 subscribers on YouTube! Thank you to this amazing community for your support! If you haven’t joined us yet, CLICK HERE to SUBSCRIBE to become one of our 7,000+ creative subscribers and never miss a genius DIY hack!
I’d love to hear from you! Are you going to try this wrapping paper fan as a substitute for tissue paper the next time you run out of tissue paper? Head over to the comments on my YouTube Short and let me know!
