Ah, yes, the iconic brown bag. It’s faithfully held millions of American lunches for decades now, but we’re here to breathe new life into this oft overlooked art supply. That’s right. The seemingly dull brown bag can be used to create something sort of stunning. For those of you out there who still brown bag it daily, this is how you reallyupgrade your office lunch.
1. Clip On Picnic Utensils: Put this free printable on your little one’s bag and you’ll prove what all the other moms suspected all along: You’re the cool mom. (via Oh Happy Day)
2. Free Printables: This brown bag hack is pretty straight forward. Print and cut out a design or simple banner, paste it on and then add some washi tape for more patterned fun! (via Hostess With the Mostess)
3. Pom Pom Gift Bags: These crinkled and pom-pom’ed gift bags will make adorable party favor bags for your kiddies’ next birthday party! We especially love how the handwritten manila tags add a personal touch. (via This Little Street)
4. Manila-Tagged Gift Bag: This DIY bag proves that simple is chic. All you’ll need is a hole punch, a hangtag and some twine to turn a brown paper bag into an elegant yet understated gift bag. (via The Party Studio Blog)
5. DIY Baskets: Imagine carrying around some fresh produce in this adorable DIY paper bag basket! (via Health Beauty Life)
6. Printable Geometric Gift Bags: These rad geo print bags couldn’t be any easier to make. Just print out the bag template, and you’re on your way! (via Oh Happy Day)
7. Flamingo Favor Bag: These adorable flamingo bags will make an awesome addition to your next noontime meal. They’ll have your coworkers raving about your DIY skills, for sure! (via Oh Happy Day)
8. DIY Muppet Bag: These muppet-inspired bags are minimal, yet bold and totally chic. Can you guess which two characters these two bags represent??? (via The Chic Party)
9. Colorful Cutouts: Here’s another brown bag hack that makes a statement thanks to its minimal design and bold color! (via Studio DIY)
10. Blackboard Lunchbag: Uhhh, this reusable lunchbag is SUPER cool. We’re about to go buy some chalk cloth ASAP! (via Instructables)
11. Dotted Brown Bags: The bright design of these dotted brown bags caught our attention immediately. Just draw a grid and start stickin’ on those stickers! (via Parent)
12. Dressed Up Brown Bags: These Father’s Day dad bags are hilariously adorable. Imagine what you could do for a Mother’s Day brown bag! (via PBS Parents)
13. Cupid’s Arrow: Yeah, you kind of adore those little love bugs. Remind them with this adorable little Cupid’s arrow. (via Creature Comforts)
14. Print-On Brown Paper Bags: Get creative in Adobe Illustrator to make these bad boys! All you’ll need is a brown bag, a printer and some masking tape. (via Oh Happy Day)
15. Valentine Printable: Use your laser printer to print off these super sweet Valentine’s Day bags. After all, the more hearts the merrier! (via Little Monster)
16. Circus Bags: With all those kids trading their PB+Js for fruit snacks and what not, that lunchroom can quickly become a three-ring circus. Pay tribute with these free printables. (via Lindy Cottage Hill)
17. Woodland Creatures: Alright, everyone can just go home. This bag just won the prize for the cutest brown bag. If you’re not into raccoons, there are also instructions on how to make a fox and a hedgehog. (via Lines Across)
Have a brown bag hack you’d like to share? Post a link to it in the comments below!