Wrapping gifts can be tedious work or it can be fun. It’s all in how you look at it. Below are seven easy gift wrapping tricks that will give your packages a little pizzaz and help you think out of the box when it comes to gift wrapping.
I like to get most of my gift wrapping done at least a week before Christmas. If I wait until Christmas Eve to start wrapping gifts there is no fun for me in the process. I’m a frantic hot mess! I also like to put a little thought and creativity into my wrapping. The designer in me or maybe it’s more like the anal retentive in me (depending on who you ask) likes for my packages to color coordinate and have a cohesive theme.
Every year I pick a different theme depending on what gift wrap catches my eye. I have a huge roll of brown kraft paper which I like to use sometimes. I gravitate toward mostly solid color gift wrap. I like to add the wow factor with my ribbon or a fun package topper. I shared my non-traditional gift wrap in this post. It was the year of feathers and peacock ribbon. You can often find ribbon half off at stores like Hobby Lobby and Michaels. Get out of your box and venture out of the Christmas aisle and see what other ribbon catches your eye.
Stock up on tea towels to wrap gifts. It’s more environmentally friendly and who couldn’t use another dish towel. I shared more details in this post.
You can find cute silver and gold jingle bells at craft stores and I even spied them in the dollar section at Target this year. I also use Christmas stickers to dress up plain wrapping paper.
If money is tight, look for things in nature to decorate your packages. I picked up this pinecone on a walk the other day. I’ve also used fountain grass to decorate my packages and Christmas tree. You can read about it here.
Last year I went with a black and gold theme and reused part of my table decorations from my Thanksgiving Tablescape. I used magnolia leaves that I spray painted gold and some leftover gold mesh ribbon I purchased at Hobby Lobby. Tulle makes a great substitute for ribbon as well.
Instead of throwing your Christmas cards away recycle them and use them on plain gift bags and on packages. You can buy brown or white gift bags in bulk at craft stores for much cheaper than holiday gift bags.
I hope some of these ideas inspire you to get out of your box and think creatively when it comes to gift wrapping! Please share any of your own gift wrapping tricks in the comments.
I like the idea of reusing cards to decorate a plain gift bag. And we have a huge magnolia tree which I have used to create a centerpiece before. Now I will use it when I wrap presents!
I love magnolia leaves. I’ve seen people make wreaths and garlands with them too.
Such pretty packages! I am a little sad that all my gifts have had to sent off around the country and the world, so the packages I have are just for decoration. Nothing is as pretty as lovingly wrapped and trimmed Christmas gifts.
Thanks Chloe! I hope you receive some pretty packages this year 🙂
Such pretty wrappings Dawn. I used your t-towel idea last year, the gifts turned out cute. I love the idea of using old Christmas cards on a package. Some of the cards are so pretty what a great way to reuse them.
Great ideas, Dawn. I find that a nice bow can make a gift look pretty. I got this tool called a “Bowdabra” a couple of years ago. Now I make my own bows with a spool or two of ribbon I buy on sale and voila! Pretty packages. I love the idea of a theme.. I’m never that creative:)
Great idea Seana, I will have to check out the Bowdabra! Merry Christmas!