How To Make Embellished Gift Tags

If you’re looking to add a personal, handmade touch to your birthday presents, these embellished gift tags are the perfect way to elevate your gifting game. They’re not just functional for labeling the recipient’s name; they also double as a keepsake that can be repurposed long after the birthday celebrations are over. Wooden tags feel a bit more substantial and heartfelt than standard paper tags, and they’re wonderfully versatile. You can paint them, cover them in glitter, add embellishments, or even write small messages to make them extra meaningful.

In this tutorial, we’ll walk through the entire process of creating your own wooden embellished gift tags, from gathering the best materials to adding a sparkling finish that draws attention. No matter your crafting experience, these steps will guide you toward a polished, professional look. Once you’ve got the basics down, feel free to experiment with shapes, colors, and themes. Each tag will be a unique reflection of your personality—and the birthday person’s taste, too.

By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to transform plain wooden cutouts into dazzling, one-of-a-kind tags. So clear your workspace, gather your creative energy, and let’s get started!

Disclaimer: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain Amazon and other affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Read the full Affiliate Disclosure.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, it helps to have all your supplies in one place. You want the process to be as smooth and enjoyable as possible:

Wooden Tags – Look for tags around 5–8 cm long and 3–5 cm wide.
Sandpaper (120–220 grit) – Used to smooth out any rough edges.
Acrylic Paints – Choose a variety of colors for your base coats. Matte, satin, or glossy finishes all work well.
Paintbrushes – Have a few sizes on hand: a flat brush for covering larger areas, a small detail brush for finer elements.
Glitter – Fine glitter, chunky glitter, or a mix for extra depth.
Adhesive – Craft glue or decoupage medium for glitter application.
Rhinestones or Sequins (Optional) – Add sparkle and dimension.
Clear Sealant – A spray acrylic sealer or brush-on varnish to lock everything in place.
Ribbons or Twine – For attaching the tag to a gift or bag.
Pencil or Marker – For sketching designs and labeling.
Decorative Elements (Optional) – Stickers, washi tape, or stencils if you would like!

Gathering these items ahead of time ensures you won’t have to pause your project midway. It’s also fun to keep extra craft supplies on hand so you can experiment with different techniques.

Preparing Your Wooden Tags

A top-down view of a person brushing a thin white gesso coat onto wooden tags laid out on parchment paper. Include a detail brush, a small paint cup, and a clean palette. Soft pastel background, bright lighting, focus on the brush strokes and even coverage of primer.

Once you have your wooden tags, inspect them for any irregularities. Sometimes, they’ll have splinters or rough edges along the sides.

Sanding: Take a piece of sandpaper, starting at about 120 grit if needed, and gently smooth the edges. After you’re satisfied, switch to a 220-grit sandpaper for a finer finish. This will help the paint go on evenly and minimize the chance of chipping.
Dust Off: After sanding, wipe each tag with a slightly damp cloth or a soft brush to remove any sawdust. You want a clean surface for your paint and glue.
Priming (Optional, but Recommended): If you want an even smoother painting experience, you can apply a thin coat of white acrylic paint or gesso. This step ensures your colors come out vibrant and prevents the wood from soaking up too much paint. Let it dry thoroughly (often about 30 minutes, depending on the brand) before moving on to the painting process.

Taking the time to prep your tags properly will make all the difference in the final look. This stage creates a flawless foundation for the design that follows.

Painting

A neat row of primed wooden tags on a table, each being painted with vibrant acrylics in pastel pink, mint green, and lavender. Show paint bottles or tubes, a few different brush sizes, and a water jar. The lighting emphasizes the smooth paint surface.

Now that your tags are prepped, it’s time to lay down some color. Acrylic paint is a user-friendly choice because it dries relatively fast and is available in countless shades.

Base Coat: Start by painting the entire front surface of the tag in your chosen color. Use a flat brush for quick, smooth coverage. One or two coats might be enough, but you can add a third if the color isn’t as opaque as you’d like. Allow each coat to dry completely before adding another; this could take anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes per coat.
Back and Edges: If you want the back to look just as neat, flip the tag over once the front is dry. Apply paint to the backside and edges using a slightly smaller brush for accuracy.
Color Palette Choices: While vibrant hues like hot pink, aqua, or sunshine yellow can feel very celebratory, pastels or neutral tones can be just as charming—especially if you plan on layering glitter. Remember that the paint color can influence how your glitter shows up.
Special Effects (Optional): For a more artistic flair, try blending two or three colors on the front of the tag. For instance, you could have a light gradient from pink to mint green. Work quickly and softly blend your brush strokes so the transition looks natural.

This painting step sets the tone for the overall look of your gift tags. If you’re not fully satisfied, don’t hesitate to repaint. Acrylic paint is forgiving, and multiple layers can add interesting depth to your piece.

Adding Glitter and Sparkle

A wide-angle shot of a craft table with multiple jars of glitter: fine, chunky, and mixed textures. Show a clear adhesive or decoupage medium, a small palette knife or brush for glue application, and a piece of scrap paper for catching excess glitter. Background remains pastel and inviting.

If you want your wooden gift tags to steal the spotlight, glitter is your friend. A little sparkle can go a long way, so think about how much you want to apply before you start gluing.

Choosing the Right Adhesive: You can use regular craft glue, decoupage medium, or even a special glitter adhesive. Whichever you choose, ensure it dries clear so your glitter remains the star of the show.
Application Method: Use a small brush or a sponge applicator to dab the adhesive onto the specific areas you want to sparkle. Some people like to cover the bottom half of the tag in glitter, while others prefer a random, scattered approach that simulates a confetti pattern.
Glitter Toppings: If you’re using fine glitter, pour a little bit into a bowl and gently sprinkle it over the adhesive. If you prefer chunky glitter, press it into the glue for extra security. For a truly unique look, mix different textures and sizes of glitter.
Shake Off Excess: After a minute or two, pick the tag up over a scrap piece of paper and gently shake off the excess. This step can be repeated a couple of times to ensure your glitter stays in place. The best part? You can funnel any excess glitter back into your container for future use.
Drying Time: Most adhesives need anywhere between 20 minutes to an hour to fully set. It’s best not to rush this step, so the glitter stays exactly where you want it.

Your gift tags now have a dazzling, eye-catching finish. Glitter catches the light in a way that’s sure to bring a smile to anyone who receives a gift with your handmade creation.

Embellishing with Rhinestones or Sequins

A macro-style image that zooms in on a person placing iridescent rhinestones along the edge of a glittery wooden tag with tweezers. Craft glue bottle in the background, sparkles everywhere, and a hint of pastel color from the painted tag visible behind the rhinestones.

If glitter isn’t quite enough—or if you want extra bling—you can step things up by adding rhinestones, sequins, or even small gemstones.

Placement Planning: Before applying any embellishments, place them loosely on your painted and glittered tag to visualize the final design. Sometimes it helps to mark tiny dots with a pencil where you plan to glue them.
Glue Choice: A clear-drying craft glue or a hot glue gun works well for attaching heavier embellishments. If you’re using tiny gems, a fine-tip nozzle or a toothpick can be useful to apply small dots of glue exactly where you need them.
Press Gently: Once you set the rhinestone in place, press gently with a fingertip or the end of a paintbrush handle. This helps the stone bond to the surface.
Variety and Texture: You can mix shapes and sizes for a playful, celebratory look. Place a few in a cluster at one corner, or run a line of sequins along the edge of the tag to frame it.
Drying Time: It’s crucial to allow your embellishments to dry completely—especially if you’re using heavier gems. Lay your tag flat on a work surface for at least 30 minutes, or longer if recommended by the glue manufacturer.

This step transforms a pretty gift tag into a stunning mini-art piece. Remember, rhinestones also have the advantage of reflecting light differently than glitter, adding extra depth to your design.

Personalizing with Lettering or Messages

A tag is functional in that it tells you who the gift is for—or who it’s from. Make it personal by adding a name, a short message, or even a small doodle.

Lettering Mediums: You can use paint markers, permanent markers, or even alphabet stickers. Paint markers are often the easiest to control and give a professional finish, especially if they have a fine tip.
Practice First: On a scrap piece of wood or paper, practice writing the recipient’s name or your chosen phrase. Once you feel confident, move on to the tag.
Positioning: Most people prefer the writing to be front and center, but you could also write a name on the backside and keep the glittery front purely decorative.
Simple Tricks: If you’re not confident in freehand lettering, sketch lightly with a pencil first, and trace over your lines. You can also use stencils for consistent lettering.
Quick Messages: Instead of just writing someone’s name, you could include short phrases like “Happy Birthday!”, “Make a Wish,” or even an inside joke that’s special to your relationship with the recipient.

This personal touch makes your gift tags stand out. Each tag becomes a tiny love note or greeting, showing the receiver that you took extra care to craft something just for them.

Lastly, Sealant

After all the painting, glittering, and embellishing, you want to ensure your hard work remains intact.

Clear Sealant: A light coat of spray acrylic sealer is ideal for protecting your design from scratches and moisture. If you prefer to brush on a sealer, use a soft, wide brush and make sure it’s compatible with both paint and glitter.
Ribbons and Twine: Thread a piece of ribbon, lace, or twine through the tag’s hole. Cut it to about 20–25 cm in length, so there’s plenty of room to tie it around a gift. If your hole is on the smaller side, use thinner twine or narrow ribbon.
Check Your Work: Give your tag a quick once-over. Are your gems securely glued? Is the paint fully dry? Is there any loose glitter to shake off? Tidying up now helps ensure a clean, polished result.
Add a Special Touch: If you want to go the extra mile, you can tie a small charm or mini tassel onto the tag’s ribbon. This adds an extra layer of dimension and flair.

Once your sealant dries, your wooden tags are officially complete and ready to adorn any birthday gift you can imagine. They’ll look stunning on wrapped boxes, gift bags, or even as part of a party table setup.

A cheerful final scene displaying all completed wooden tags: painted in pastel tones, glittery embellishments, rhinestones, and short messages. Show ribbons or twine in matching colors threaded through their holes. Composition is bright and photo-ready, with a present or gift box nearby for context.

Look at you.. you did it! You’ve turned simple wooden cutouts into miniature works of art that truly celebrate the birthday spirit. Handmade tags not only elevate the look of your presents but also show the recipient how much you care. You took the time to craft something special, and that personal touch is a beautiful way to express gratitude and love.

Beyond birthdays, these techniques can be adapted for other celebrations, too—baby showers, weddings, or just because gifts. Experiment with different shapes (hearts, circles, or stars), and don’t be afraid to explore new color palettes. If you enjoyed using glitter and rhinestones, consider adding other fun materials like metallic foils or pressed flowers. Crafting is all about exploration, and each project helps you discover new ways to express your creativity.

If you want to keep evolving your wooden tag designs, you could incorporate calligraphy, watercolor techniques, or even wood burning for an earthy, rustic look. The beauty of these tags is that they’re flexible enough to blend with any style or theme. And remember, each time you create a tag, you’re adding a piece of your unique self into someone else’s celebration.

Enjoy your handmade treasures, and here’s to hoping the sparkle on your tags matches the sparkle in someone’s eye when they receive their gift. With a little bit of paint, glitter, and imagination, you’ve made something memorable and full of heart.