50 Ways to Wrap Holiday Gifts in Style
Here are all the tools and trimmings you need for your best-wrapped gifts ever
Market Editor, Houzz.com
Market Editor, Houzz.com More »
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Judging by the number of gift-wrapping stations on Houzz, it's not hard to believe that the exterior of the gift is just as important to some people as what's inside. This holiday, go the extra mile (or at least make it look like you have) and make your wrapping shine.
We've put together the perfect gift trimming for every style, whether you're a crafty and handmade type or prefer elegant and easy. Perhaps you want something rustic and sweet or love the look of vintage holiday trappings? We've got those too. For a completely contemporary style, we recommend our spots and stripes picks, or a freshened-up palette with a bit of blue.
You'll also find the tools to have on hand this holiday season to make your gifts look like you've got a whole room devoted to paper and trimmings.
Happy wrapping!
More: 50 Great Gifts Under $50 | 30 Inventive Holiday Decorations
We've put together the perfect gift trimming for every style, whether you're a crafty and handmade type or prefer elegant and easy. Perhaps you want something rustic and sweet or love the look of vintage holiday trappings? We've got those too. For a completely contemporary style, we recommend our spots and stripes picks, or a freshened-up palette with a bit of blue.
You'll also find the tools to have on hand this holiday season to make your gifts look like you've got a whole room devoted to paper and trimmings.
Happy wrapping!
More: 50 Great Gifts Under $50 | 30 Inventive Holiday Decorations
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HANDMADE WITH LOVE
Blogger Justina Blakeney tries to stick to recycled and found items from around the house to wrap her gifts. Here are a few of her thoughtful creations, including one bow made of twist ties (top right).
Blogger Justina Blakeney tries to stick to recycled and found items from around the house to wrap her gifts. Here are a few of her thoughtful creations, including one bow made of twist ties (top right).
by Olive Manna
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Save up ties throughout the year or pick up a pack to make your own bow. They're also helpful for cinching up a gift bag or tying tissue paper around a wine bottle.
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Follow the lead of blogger Belinda from The Happy Home and try your hand at printing your own wrapping paper.
Note: This project works best for smaller gifts, unless you have a pro-size printer.
Note: This project works best for smaller gifts, unless you have a pro-size printer.
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In Japan, people often wrap gifts in cloth squares called furoshiki. There are infinite ways to use them for a pretty wrapping presentation, and they're reusable, so there's far less waste.
You can use any swath of fabric you have around the house to make your own.
You can use any swath of fabric you have around the house to make your own.
by up up creative
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Reusing paper or fabric might be the most environmentally friendly method of gift wrapping, but this 100 percent post-consumer recycled paper made using wind power is a close second. And it is seriously beautiful to boot.
by Olive Manna
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Kraft paper is the perfect blank slate for all holiday wrapping. This roll from Olive Manna is a little bit thinner than your typical kraft roll, making for crisper folds and an overall easier wrap job.
You can also use saved paper bags for the same look. Just cut along a seam and fold inside out for a blank brown slate.
You can also use saved paper bags for the same look. Just cut along a seam and fold inside out for a blank brown slate.
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Got an old stack of magazines lying around the house? Jessica Jones from the blog How About Orange has instructions on how to turn a few pages into a plump bow like this. While you're at it, try using last week's newspaper for the wrapping paper!
by Olive Manna
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Clip one of these colorful clothespins to the ribbon of a present for a place to slip a gift tag. It ups the thoughtfulness factor and will likely be reused by the recipient.
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Enlist the kids to help make a pile of paper snowflakes to gussy up your gifts. Jessica from How About Orange also has helpful tips and directions for several versions of the snowflake seen here.
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No time to cut out a paper snowflake for every present on your list? Use a doily instead! Place one directly under your knotted string or bow, or wrap it around the side of the gift to give it an artful look.
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SEEING SPOTS AND STRIPES
These two age-old patterns are a big trend in fashion right now, and they can easily segue into holiday decorations.
Go the DIY route with this easy-to-follow felt garland project from The Purl Bee. Wrap it around gifts or tack it to the mantel.
These two age-old patterns are a big trend in fashion right now, and they can easily segue into holiday decorations.
Go the DIY route with this easy-to-follow felt garland project from The Purl Bee. Wrap it around gifts or tack it to the mantel.
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This bundle of felt in holiday-themed colors would be perfect for your handmade garland. Or use the different shades to create bows and other toppers for every gift on your list.
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This confetti garland is all set to embellish extra-special gifts. Pick the rainbow roll shown here or opt for an individual color to suit your wrapping palette.
by Daniel Smith
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When it comes to Christmas decor, there's typically a camp for playful and exuberant (think big lights in every color of the rainbow and handmade ornaments) and a camp for classic and elegant (white lights, gold and green ornaments, etc). Happily, this spotted wrapping paper will work for both styles.
by Shop Sweet Lulu
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No need to relegate this dot-covered washi tape to the folds and corners. Use it in place of ribbon across the length and width of the wrapped gift.
by Kate's Paperie
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If the wrapping paper is this eye-catching, it goes without saying the gift inside is likely just as gorgeous. I'm keeping my fingers crossed I see this covering one of my presents under the tree this Christmas.
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| Place strips of decorative tape on a large piece of white paper and voila! Striped wrapping ready to go. |
by Paper Source
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If there's anything better than a present, it would have to be a present inside another present. These cardboard suitcases come in enough sizes to hold a range of items, and the spotted interior makes for a sweet surprise as well.
by Paper Source
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WARM AND WOODSY
Look to the Christmas tree for inspiration and opt for a natural, woodsy theme for your gifts. Wrapped in this faux bois pattern, they'll look like a miniature forest with the tree at center.
Look to the Christmas tree for inspiration and opt for a natural, woodsy theme for your gifts. Wrapped in this faux bois pattern, they'll look like a miniature forest with the tree at center.
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I like that this little pine cone stamp set isn't holiday specific. Use it any time in the colder months for embellishing kraft wrap or creating cards.
by Anthropologie
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A hint of metallic keeps the rustic style from veering toward brown blah. Mix and match these glittery threads to tie up your present and add a little sparkle.
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This set of paper Maple leaves are meant to be used as gift tags, but I'd consider using them to deck my Christmas tree as well.
Deciduous leaves on an evergreen tree? It's so crazy it just might be genius.
Deciduous leaves on an evergreen tree? It's so crazy it just might be genius.
by Anthropologie
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Or go literal with reclaimed wood gift tags. I'd use a gold pen to make each recipient's name really stand out.
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A felted acorn or two would make a charming addition to your bow.
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Ditto these adorable toadstool mushrooms.
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This festive yule log is so sweet it almost doesn't matter what's inside (almost). Stuff it with a handful of simple treats and step back to see the big smile on the recipient's face.
The price is a little steep for wrapping, but if you're gifting it within the family you could potentially reuse it year after year.
The price is a little steep for wrapping, but if you're gifting it within the family you could potentially reuse it year after year.
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EASY ELEGANCE
I am woefully unskilled at tying a decent bow, so this charming gift "buckle" could save me from giving an unkempt present this holiday season. It comes with a yard of velvet ribbon that can easily be pulled through and cut to size. No extra finger or fancy looping skills required!
I am woefully unskilled at tying a decent bow, so this charming gift "buckle" could save me from giving an unkempt present this holiday season. It comes with a yard of velvet ribbon that can easily be pulled through and cut to size. No extra finger or fancy looping skills required!
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A soft velvet ribbon as pretty as this is almost a gift in and of itself. Use two different colors to tie in with whatever holiday theme you've got going.
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Place one of these crackers by each table setting at your holiday party for an easy takeaway gift for kids and adults alike. Each one contains a small present, a gold foil coin and a joke. How fun!
by Antiquaria
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If your handwriting leaves something to be desired, this gift tag stamp could be a sound investment. Fancy lettering is hard, but ink this bad boy up, press it on the tag of your choice, and you'll look like a pro in no time. Now, to find someone to write in the names ...
by Anthropologie
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A box of treats is always a welcome gift at the holidays. Spruce yours up in a snap by including this "from the kitchen of" tag around your sweet creation.
by Crate&Barrel
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A sparkly snowflake looped into the bow of a wrapped gift not only looks quite lovely, the recipient can add it to a collection of ornaments afterward.
by Rifle Paper Co.
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Missed the deadline for getting your holiday cards out? Opt for New Year's greetings instead. Not only does it give you an extra week or two to write them all, it's nondenominational, so the tiding works for everyone on your list.
by decordemon
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The trick to keeping gift bags from looking like an afterthought is to pick a palette and stick to it. Choose up to three colors and opt for solid-hued bags with complementary ribbon and tissue.
by Luxe Paperie
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VERY VINTAGE
Maybe it's thanks to all those old Bing Crosby tunes playing, but there always seems to be an air of nostalgia around the holidays. Reference that feeling of Christmases past in your wrappings.
We won't all be having a white Christmas, but this retro-inspired paper will be a favorite regardless of the temperature outside.
Maybe it's thanks to all those old Bing Crosby tunes playing, but there always seems to be an air of nostalgia around the holidays. Reference that feeling of Christmases past in your wrappings.
We won't all be having a white Christmas, but this retro-inspired paper will be a favorite regardless of the temperature outside.
by Rifle Paper Co.
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The sweet designs from Rifle Paper Co. have a timeless quality to them, and these tags with their mistletoe illustration are no exception.
by Anthropologie
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The crackled finish gives this set of ornaments the appearance of heirlooms used on trees for years and years.
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by Paper Source
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| These stickers have a classic, vintage Christmas feel to them. Use a few to decorate your presents for a wink of playful nostalgia. |
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If the holidays were a scent, it would likely be the sweet smell of cinnamon-spiked gingerbread. Treat your gift recipients to the aroma with these edible gift tags. They come with a food-safe pen so you can write the to and from without ruining the cookie.
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by Luxe Paperie
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| This set of 36 tags comes in six retro styles. They could even be a charming addition to the Christmas tree instead, should you so choose. |
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A BIT OF BLUE
Break out of the green and red box this holiday with a palette as fresh as a falling snowflake. Cool tones work well with the icy colors outside, so why not go with it?
Break out of the green and red box this holiday with a palette as fresh as a falling snowflake. Cool tones work well with the icy colors outside, so why not go with it?
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Skip the regular ribbon and adorn gifts with this ethereal tinsel. It will look like a delicate frost has set upon them.
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The simple design of this evergreen-punctuated paper would work well for all your winter festivities.
by Paper Source
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Never before has wrapping paper made me salivate. You get a recipe for potato latkes and the perfect wrapping paper for Hannukah gifts all in one. Fun!
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These twinkling star–speckled tags are as sweet as can be.
You can make something similar with a tag-shaped paper punch and any pretty paper pattern you like.
You can make something similar with a tag-shaped paper punch and any pretty paper pattern you like.
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Blue-and-white baker's twine is handy to have on hand for the holidays, but it's just as helpful for wrapping up all manner of goodies for the rest of the year too.
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TOOLS OF THE TRADE
A good pair of scissors can be the difference between a perfectly wrapped gift and something that looks like the dog chewed it over. Make sure yours is the former with these brassy shears.
A good pair of scissors can be the difference between a perfectly wrapped gift and something that looks like the dog chewed it over. Make sure yours is the former with these brassy shears.
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While we love the look of brightly colored strips of washi tape holding a package together, there's also something to be said for going professional — a la Martha — and opting for carefully concealed double-sided stickies instead.
Even with sharp scissors, I can never seem to get a straight cut off a wrapping paper roll. This is a tad indulgent, but what a helpful piece of equipment to have on hand during the holidays.
by Olive Manna
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What's better than packages tied up with string? This giant roll of baker's twine will have you all set for wrapping even the most massive gift list.
More: Fun and Easy Ways to Store Ribbon
More: Fun and Easy Ways to Store Ribbon
Ideabook updated on Nov. 13, 2012.
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I love the Japanese style of wrapping gifts in fabric and the ribbon buckle looks perfect for solving ribbon issues (I think I've got some of these in my craft stash, so will have to dig them out and put them into use!).
Myself, in lieu of ribbon I think I have used everything what has been at my disposal from Christmas Tree Garland, to Jute string to Raffia etc. and on occasion have even resorted to using plastic table cloths for wrapping large awkward gifts. The latter which comes in a range of colours, patterns and prices. Just cut to desired size and seal the edges (on the wrong side if patterned) with a heat vacuum bag sealer to create your own bag (turn right side out). Unlike paper they do not tear and they can be recycable plus the sizing is unlimited. ºÜº
Footnote: Bag sealers can be used on cellophane, mylar and double-sided foil paper. They can be found in the small appliance section of most retails stores and are generally reasonably priced. See the samples attached. The first pic shows where I used a plastic table cloth whereas in the second photo I opted to use double-side foil paper for smaller unboxed gifts.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/12-PRIMITIVE-TAGS-Christmas-Tide-HANG-TAGS-folk-Grungy-/110960277108?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19d5bf7674
One wrapping technique that I really love, but it's not fetured here, is a gift wrapped in brown kraft paper and tied up with beautiful lace ribbon. Oh so pretty.
looks like they have for
pretty much everything
For my wrapping last year I reused some paper from Ikea that I used to wrap my shopping in to get it home safely. It was a little wrinkled so I just scrunched it up to make the wrinkles look on purpose. I think it look really nice + I saved some money and didn't add ekstra to the landfill.
I think your gifts of homemade goodies are the best gifts to get with all the work you put in, also the brown paper with lace is so beautiful. HopeI get to see your homemade goodies. From Canada Happy Thanksgiving to all.
joanbertha