Free printable Christmas gift tags: 24 tags to print at home

The short answer: These free printable christmas gift tags come as 24 To/From tags on three sheets: two in full color and one black-and-white sheet that kids can color. Print them on cardstock, cut them out and tie them on with ribbon or twine.

Below you'll find the designs, tips for paper and cutting, and creative ways to use tags on gifts, treats and gift cards.

Want to print now? Jump to the free download.

What's in the free gift tag printable

Each tag measures about 3.3 x 2.2 inches and has To and From lines. Every design carries a short greeting: Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Season's Greetings, Let It Snow, Joy, Merry & Bright, Warm Wishes or Ho Ho Ho. The colors are classic red, green and gold, so they suit almost any wrapping paper.

How to print and cut Christmas gift tags

1. Load white cardstock (65 to 110 lb) or kraft cardstock into your printer.
2. Print at 100% scale on US Letter. On A4, pick "fit to page".
3. Let the ink dry for a minute so it doesn't smear.
4. Cut along the outlines with scissors or a paper trimmer.
5. Punch a hole near one edge with a standard hole punch.
6. Thread ribbon, twine or string through and tie it to the gift.

Tip: print one sheet on regular paper first to check your printer's margins. Some printers shift the page slightly.

Christmas tags printable troubleshooting: fixes for common print problems

Most printable Christmas tags that come out wrong have one of five problems, and each has a quick fix.

For a stack of 24 tags, one sheet of each design (three sheets total) is enough for most families; print sheet 3 twice if kids want extra tags to color. Count your gifts first with the tag-count section below so you print once.

Creative ways to use printable gift tags

• Match your wrap: Pair the color sheets with plain kraft or white paper so the tags stand out.
• Number codes: Write a number instead of a name, and keep the key on your gift list. Snooping kids can't tell which gift is theirs.
• Gifts from Santa: Print a few tags just for Santa's presents so they look different from the family's.
• Treat bags: Tie tags to bags of cookies for teachers, neighbors and the mail carrier.
• Coloring activity: Give kids the black-and-white sheet on wrapping day so they can tag gifts for grandparents.
• Clothespin clips: Glue a tag to a mini clothespin and clip it onto the ribbon.
• Place cards: Use leftover tags as place cards on the Christmas dinner table.

For more on making packages look good on a budget, see our Christmas gift wrapping ideas. If you keep a stash of paper year-round, our guide on how to store wrapping paper helps keep it from getting crushed.

Write messages that feel personal

A name alone does the job, but a short line on the tag makes a gift feel special. A few ideas you can borrow:

• "Open me first!" for the gift you want opened at the start.
• "Don't shake me" for anything fragile or noisy.
• "For your next adventure" on travel gear or a book.
• "Because you deserve a treat" on bath products or chocolates.
• "To keep you cozy" on socks, slippers or a blanket.
• "From your Secret Santa" for office or family exchanges.
• "Love, the elves" on stocking stuffers.

For grown kids and adults, a simple inside joke or a memory from the year often means more than a long message. Keep a pen with a fine tip handy, since gel pens and markers can smudge on glossy paper.

Plan your tag count before you print

Count your gifts before you print so you don't run out on Christmas Eve. A quick way:

1. List everyone you're buying for.
2. Add the number of gifts per person, plus stocking stuffers.
3. Add 10 or so extras for hostess gifts, teacher treats and late additions.
4. Divide by eight to get the number of sheets you need.

A family of four with grandparents, teachers and neighbors can easily need 40 to 60 tags, which is five to eight sheets.

Store leftover tags for next year

Print a full set and you'll likely have tags left over. Slide them into a zip bag or an envelope and store them with your wrapping paper, ribbon and tape. Labeling the envelope "gift tags" saves a hunt next December. Leftover tags also work for birthdays and hostess gifts if you pick the plain Warm Wishes and Joy designs, which don't say Christmas. Keep a few in your purse or car for last-minute gifts, too.

Gift tags for gift cards and cash

Gift cards and money gifts can feel a bit plain on their own. Tie a tag to the card sleeve, or slip the card into a small envelope and add a tag to the front. The FTC's tips for holiday gift card shopping suggest buying from trusted sellers, checking that the packaging hasn't been tampered with and keeping the receipt. Write the store and amount on your gift list, not on the tag.

Wrap safely

Wrapping paper, ribbon and tags pile up fast on Christmas morning. The NFPA's winter holiday safety tips are a good reminder to keep paper and decorations away from candles, fireplaces and heaters. Have a trash bag ready while gifts are opened, and keep ribbon and small tag strings away from babies and pets.

Keep track of every gift you tag

Tags tell you who a gift is for. A list tells you whether you've got everyone covered. The Christmas Budget & Gift Planner has a page for each person, ideas, prices, and checkboxes for bought, wrapped and tagged. Hosting too? The Holiday Season Bundle adds a meal planner and grocery list and a cleaning schedule for getting the house guest-ready. You can also keep a running Christmas gift list for free.