Every year we scramble to get together a little something to give to teachers, neighbors, crossing guards, bus drivers – all those people you want to say Happy Holidays to at the end of the year. These red paper bag Santa hats hold a little package of cookies perfectly. And they’re so easy to make, kids can help too.

Materials needed: Red paper bags, cotton balls (I used jumbo size), white posterboard 17” or larger, double sided tape, green, pink and red paper, scissors, 1″ hole punch (optional).

Step 1: Fill bag with gift or cookies.
Step 2: Measure about 4 inches down, fold top left back diagonally.
Step 3: Fold top right back diagonally.
Step 4: Tape closed on the back side.
Step 5: With double stick tape, attach cotton ball to tip of “hat.”
Step 6: Cut out a 17 inch x 2 inch strip of white posterboard.
Step 7: Score the paper in the following order: at 2 ½ inches, 3 inches, 5 inches, 3 inches. (These measurements are for a 5” x 10” paper bag).
Step 8: Bend the paper at the score marks to create the trim of the hat.
Step 9: Close the paper strip around the bag, and attach with double stick tape to the paper bag.
Step 10: Cut out holly leaves out of green paper
Step 11: Punch or cut out red or pink “berries.”
Step 12: Write recipient’s name on the tag and tape to the white strip of the hat.

Happy Holidays!

Photography by Tim Gibson