A gift bag is one of the most useful things you can learn to fold, mostly because you never remember to buy one until the moment you need it. This version takes about two minutes and asks nothing of you beyond eight clean folds, so it is a genuinely practical fold rather than a decorative one. Try it in brown kraft paper for a rustic look, in patterned wrapping paper for birthdays, and keep a couple folded and flat in a drawer for last-minute presents.

If you want a quick and easy way to make a gift bag that looks a little different, this simple origami paper bag is ideal.

STEP 1. Fold the paper over in the direction of the arrow and crease it firmly.

STEP 2. Fold the paper along the dotted line, following the arrow.

STEP 3. Fold again in the direction of the arrow and crease well.

STEP 4. Fold along the dotted line as shown by the arrow.

STEP 5. Turn the paper over.

STEP 6. Fold along the dotted line in the direction of the arrow.

STEP 7. Fold along the next dotted line, again following the arrow.

STEP 8. Open the bag out in the direction of the arrow — and it is finished.