Paper Bag Book Craft: Easy DIY Mini Book with Hidden Pockets

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Looking for a simple and creative book-making craft for kids? This paper bag book is an easy, hands-on project that turns ordinary lunch bags into a fun mini book—with built-in pockets!

It’s perfect for classrooms, homeschool projects, or creative storytelling. Kids love decorating the pages and filling the pockets with notes, drawings, and little surprises.

I originally made this with my homeschool co-op class (originally published in 2014) and it was an instant favorite. It’s one of those projects that is simple to put together but opens the door for so many creative uses.

What is a Paper Bag Book?

A paper bag book is a homemade booklet created by stacking and binding paper lunch bags together. By alternating the direction of the bags, you create built-in pockets on each page—making it interactive and extra fun for kids.

These little books are perfect for:

Writing projects
Scrapbooking
Interactive learning activities
Gifts and memory books

Supplies Needed

3 paper lunch bags
Scrapbook paper or colored paper
Glue or glue stick
Stapler
Ribbon (optional, for pull tabs)
Scissors
Markers, stickers, washi tape, or other decorations

How to Make a Paper Bag Book

Step 1: Stack the Bags

Take your paper bags and stack them, alternating the direction of each bag (one facing up, one facing down, etc.).

This is what creates the pocket pages inside your book.

Step 2: Fold in Half

Fold the stacked bags in half like a book.

Make sure everything is lined up evenly along the edges.

Step 3: Staple the Spine

Staple along the folded edge to bind your book together.

(You can add 2–3 staples spaced evenly along the spine.)

Step 4: Decorate the Pages

Cover the pages with scrapbook paper or colored paper.

This is where kids can really get creative—add:

Drawings
Stickers
Patterns
Labels

Step 5: Add Pocket Pull Tabs

One things that makes this little paper bag book so fun is that you have pockets to put notes into. Cut small strips of ribbon and staple or glue them onto cards that go inside the pockets. This makes them easier to pull out—and adds a fun interactive element.

Have fun decorating it with squares of paper and other little decorations. This is the front of mine.

Step 6: Fill Your Book

Now the fun part! Fill your paper bag book with:

Notes
Drawings
Photos
Lists
Memories

Paper Bag Book Ideas for Kids

This is where this craft really shines—you can use it in so many different ways!

Here are some fun ideas to try:

Gratitude journal (write things you’re thankful for)
Nature journal (leaves, drawings, observations)
Mini scrapbook
Book report project
State geography mini book
Science observation journal
Holiday memory book
Pen pal or friendship book
Daily journal or diary
Kindness notes gift book

My daughter once filled hers with things she was thankful for during Thanksgiving—it made such a sweet keepsake.

Ways to Use This in Learning

This craft is more than just fun—it’s also a great learning tool.

You can use paper bag books for:

Writing practice
Creative storytelling
Vocabulary or spelling collections
Interactive notebooks
History or science mini reports

It’s especially great for kids who enjoy hands-on learning.

Tips for Success

Use thicker paper bags if possible—they hold up better
Don’t overfill the pockets (they can tear if too full)
Use glue sticks for less mess in group settings
Pre-cut paper pieces for younger kids
Let kids personalize freely—no two books will look the same!

This paper bag book craft is one of those simple projects that kids never get tired of. It’s easy to make, incredibly versatile, and perfect for both fun and learning.

Whether you’re using it for a homeschool project, a classroom activity, or just a creative afternoon at home, it’s a craft that sparks imagination and gives kids something meaningful to keep.

Paper Bag Book Craft: Easy DIY Mini Book with Hidden Pockets

What is a Paper Bag Book?

Supplies Needed