How to Print, Cut & Use Printable Unicorn Gift Tags (Beginner-Friendly Guide)
New to Printable Gift Tags? Here's a simple Beginner's Guide!
If you've just downloaded my Printable Unicorn Gift Tags, you might be wondering:
🎁 What paper should I use?
🎁 How do I make them look crisp and professional?
🎁 What's the best way to cut them?
🎁 How do I attach them to my gifts?
Don't worry, I've got you covered.
This guide will walk you, step-by-step, through everything you need and there's no special tools required.
If you're new to Bramblenote and want to see what my printables are all about, check out my short Welcome Blog Post here.
Step 1: Choose the Right Paper
You don't need anything fancy! Here are a few simple, easy to find options:
The best paper for gift tags is:
🎁 White 65 - 80 lb cardstock - it's sturdy enough to feel like a real tag but is easy to cut
Optional but nice:
🎁 Glossy cardstock - can look nice but the reflections off the glossy surface can make the tags tricky to cut
🎁 Matte photo paper - makes the colours extra vibrant
Normal printer paper will work in a pinch, but cardstock definitely looks better.
Step 2: Print Your Unicorn Gift Tags
Open the PDF and select "Actual Size" or "100% Scale" so the tags print correctly.
Recommended printer settings:
🎁 Paper Type: "Cardstock" or "Thick Paper"
🎁 Quality: "High" or "Best"
This keeps the colours sharp and bright.
If you don't have a colour printer, you can always:
🎁 print at a library
🎁 use a local print shop
🎁 or use Staples/ Office Depot printing services
But home printers work great to print these!
If you'd like more project ideas for creative ways to use your unicorn tags, you might enjoy my post: Enchant Your Gifts: 7 Ways to Use Printable Unicorn Gift Tags
Step 3: Cut Out the Tags
The fastest methods are:
🎁 A good pair of scissors (easy)
🎁 A paper trimmer (if you have one)
🎁 A craft knife and ruler (for super straight cuts)
No fancy cutting machine required.
Here's a quick tip: Cut the sheets into columns first, then trim each individual tag. This makes cutting them out much faster and often gives better results.
Step 4: Add a Hole (Optional)
Use a single hole punch if you want to:
🎁 tie the tag on with ribbon on twine
🎁 attach it to a bag handle
🎁 add it to a stocking stuffer
But this step is totally optional. You can also just tape the tag to the gift.
Step 5: Write Your Message on the Back
All tags have ample space on the back for:
🎁 the recipient's name
🎁 a short holiday note
🎁 a heartfelt message
🎁 a doodle or small decoration
If you're giving multiple gifts, the 30 tag set makes it easy to mix and match styles without repeating the same one twice.
Step 6: Attach the Tag to Your Gift
A few easy options to do this are:
🎁 Tie the tag on using ribbon or baker's twine
🎁 Tape the tag directly onto the gift
🎁 Clip the tag on with a mini clothespin
🎁 Add the tag to the handle of a gift bag.
If you want a more magical look, use:
🎁 gold or pastel ribbon
🎁 glittery accents
🎁 star shaped stickers
🎁 holographic washi tape.
Unicorn themes love sparkle!
For a super fast unicorn-themed wrapping idea, check out my tutorial on How to Create a Whimsical Unicorn-Themed Gift in Just 5 Minutes here.
Bonus: Troubleshooting (Quick help)
My colours look dull.
Try:
🎁 Switching your printer settings to "High Quality" mode.
🎁 Use a better quality paper
🎁 Check that greyscale mode is OFF in your printer settings
The tags are printing too small/ large.
Try:
🎁 Making sure that "Actual Size" is selected in your printer settings
🎁 You've turned off "Fit to Page"
The paper won't feed.
Try:
🎁 Using the rear tray if your printer has one
🎁 Loading one sheet at a time.
Ready to Start Wrapping?
Printable gift tags are one of the fastest ways to add personality and magic to your gifts... especially during the holiday rush.
If you don't already have them, you can grab the full 30-piece Printable Unicorn Gift Tag Set by clicking the button below.
Happy wrapping!