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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).
Gift Wrapping Ideas from Compai Blog
Twist Ties - $3.50 [ Link ]
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.
by Olive Manna
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.
by The Happy Home Blog
Holiday Cheer Fabric - $8.50 [ Link ]
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.
by Le Papier Studio
Ultra-Eco Wrapping Paper, Set of Six Designs - $36.00 [ Link ]
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 up up creative
Brown Wrapping Paper - $6.75 [ Link ]
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.
by Olive Manna
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!
How About Orange Gift Bow Tutorial
Small Stained Clothespins - $9.00 [ Link ]
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.
by Olive Manna
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.
How About Orange Snowflake Tutorial
Red Round Paper Doilies - $5.95 [ Link ]
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.
by Kids Crafts Plus
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.
The Purl Bee New Year's Garland Tutorial
Felt Bundles from Wollfilz - $23.00 [ Link ]
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.
by purl soho
Rainbow Confetti Garland by Kristina Marie - $24.00 [ Link ]
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 Etsy
Lama Li Handmade Paper, Gold Polka Dots - $7.25 [ Link ]
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 Daniel Smith
Washi Tape Duo, Confetti Dots Green/Purple - $9.00 [ Link ]
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 Shop Sweet Lulu
Lama Li Handmade Paper, Gold Stripes - $8.00 [ Link ]
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.
by Kate's Paperie
Japanese Paper Washi Tape Mix, Red by Pretty Tape - $8.50 [ Link ]
Place strips of decorative tape on a large piece of white paper and voila! Striped wrapping ready to go.
by Etsy
Multi Dots Suitcases - $8.00 [ Link ]
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
Faux Bois Wrapping Paper - $7.95 [ Link ]
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.
by Paper Source
Conifer Stamp Set - $13.00 [ Link ]
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 Yellow Owl Workshop
Vintage Thread Set - $30.00 [ Link ]
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.
by Anthropologie
Maple Leaf Gift Tags by Birdcage Cards - $6.00 [ Link ]
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.
by Etsy
Tree Bark Gift Tag Set - $14.00 [ Link ]
Or go literal with reclaimed wood gift tags. I'd use a gold pen to make each recipient's name really stand out.
by Anthropologie
Wool Felted Acorn Ornaments by Angel Dog Designs - $14.00 [ Link ]
A felted acorn or two would make a charming addition to your bow.
by Etsy
Large Red Toadstool Christmas Ornaments by Fairyfolk - $70.00 [ Link ]
Ditto these adorable toadstool mushrooms.
by Etsy
Letterpress Yule Log - $10.00 [ Link ]
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.
by d.Sharp
Red Letterpress Buckle with Velvet Ribbon - $7.00 [ Link ]
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!
by d.Sharp
Plush Velvet Ribbon Trim in Classic Red - $0.98 [ Link ]
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.
by 32 Degrees North
Entertaining with Caspari Celebration Crackers - $19.95 [ Link ]
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 Amazon
'Happy Holidays' Custom Calligraphy Gift Tag Rubber Stamp - $45.00 [ Link ]
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 Antiquaria
Sage & Scullery Tags - $18.00 [ Link ]
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 Anthropologie
Sparkly Glitter Small Snowflake Ornament - $2.95 [ Link ]
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 Crate&Barrel
Happy New Year Card - $4.50 [ Link ]
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 Rifle Paper Co.
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 decordemon
Hello!Lucky Winter Wonderland Gift Wrap Roll - $9.00 [ Link ]
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.
by Luxe Paperie
Garland Gift Tags - $7.50 [ Link ]
The sweet designs from Rifle Paper Co. have a timeless quality to them, and these tags with their mistletoe illustration are no exception.
by Rifle Paper Co.
Vintage Glass Ball Set - $28.00 [ Link ]
The crackled finish gives this set of ornaments the appearance of heirlooms used on trees for years and years.
by Anthropologie
Cavallini Vintage-Style Christmas Stickers - $14.95 [ Link ]
These stickers have a classic, vintage Christmas feel to them. Use a few to decorate your presents for a wink of playful nostalgia.
by Paper Source
Organic Gingerbread Gift Tags by Andie's Specialty Sweets - $48.00 [ Link ]
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.
by Etsy
Cavallini Vintage Christmas Glitter Holiday Gift Tags - $15.00 [ Link ]
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.
by Luxe Paperie
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?
by Liz Williams Interiors
Marine Blue Petite French Tinsel Trim by The Gilded Bee - $3.99 [ Link ]
Skip the regular ribbon and adorn gifts with this ethereal tinsel. It will look like a delicate frost has set upon them.
by Etsy
â„– WP18 Evergreens Wrapping Paper - $7.00 [ Link ]
The simple design of this evergreen-punctuated paper would work well for all your winter festivities.
by Kate & Birdie Paper Co.
Latkes Wrapping Paper - $5.95 [ Link ]
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!
by Paper Source
Blue Christmas Star Gift Tags by Art by Barri - $2.50 [ Link ]
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.
by Etsy
Cotton Twine - Navy & White - AUD 12.95 [ Link ]
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.
by donna hay
Tailor's Shears - $18.00 [ Link ]
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.
by Sundance Catalog
Scotch Removable Double Sided Tape - $5.61 [ Link ]
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.
by Amazon
Horizontal Roll Paper Cutter - $41.00 [ Link ]
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 Carolina Packaging and Supply Co.
Baker's Twine Cone - $8.00 [ Link ]
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
by Olive Manna

Comments

Janet Paik Love, love, love it all! Thanks for sharing, Lily.
18 months ago · ·
Ally Wow, Lily, this roundup is epic!!! There are so many great, creative ideas here.
18 months ago · ·
Ellen T. Wonderful assortment, so many ideas to use! Thanks for posting this right in time!
18 months ago · ·
Janet So many great ideas, I especially like the fabric wrapping.....Thanks! now I can share simple little gifts wrapped in a great package....:-) (*!*)
18 months ago · ·
Rachel Newcombe A great selection of ideas!

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!).
18 months ago · ·
Ann Smitt Kitchen gifts to wrap? Dish towels and a vintage table cloth are just the thing for gift wrap. Wrap baby's first gifts in soft blankets. Wrap dad's gift in an old flannel shirt with a note that you'll turn it into a pillow for him after the holiday. That's a wrap everyone.
18 months ago · ·
wandm Fun stuff and great inspiration! I love doing something unexpected to wrap the gift. One year I gave each of my staff a bottle of wine wrapped in a holiday dish towel tied around the neck with raffia and a Christmas ornament.
18 months ago ·
Betsy Hall Love the ideas...here's a video for some great ideas for your "foodie friends" too...let me know if I can help you with ordering any of these items at http://bhall.willowhouse.com

18 months ago ·
Pullga Newspaper one. I like it a lot.
18 months ago ·
Cre8tive Interior Designs I wish every year that I would wrap creatively like these pictures...these are all such wonderful ideas!
18 months ago · ·
ds design studio Lily, love this amazing roundup! Thanks so much.
18 months ago ·
smiley0404 Some good ideas here! But if you want to use newspaper, think twice or wrap it in cellophane as well as the ink may come off on all sorts of lovely white things ;)
18 months ago · ·
patscats2 For me, I like the gift wrap to be as special as the gift inside.
18 months ago ·
Lily Gahagan Thanks, everyone! It was a fun ideabook to put together.
18 months ago ·
Amy Lambert Lee Fabulous! What a great ideabook!
17 months ago ·
babsjc Merry Christmas!
6 months ago · ·
mrsben Wonderful ideas, Lily!

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.
6 months ago ·
Bowden Carroll Design There's some great, free clip art available on line that I've used to print my own gift tags - find some nice black and white line drawings and then grab your colored pencils! Or you can use old Christmas postage stamps on blank gift tags or cut up old Christmas cards and use them as gift tags.
6 months ago · ·
Darzy My aunt suggested this idea to me. DO NOT put name tags on the gifts. Each person/child has their own special gift wrap paper (coordinating of course. ; ). They won't know which gifts are theirs until they open an envelope in the stocking that shows them which paper design is theirs. It could avoid "shaking" their gifts in advance...or may cause shaking ALL the gifts. : )
6 months ago · ·
diannagail I have a sister in law that has commented on I put to much into wrapping a gift. I quietly disagree and do my thing. I just love the feeling when someone is as thrilled with the outside of a gift and doesn't want to open it! Just a silly thrill for me. Thanks for some fresh ideas Lily. Happy Holidays!
6 months ago · ·
patscats2 This puts me in the mood for Christmas. Unfortunately I don't give gifts so I have nothing to wrap. Can't afford to buy gifts, but instead make homemade goodies for everyone.

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.
6 months ago · ·
Janet Andreasen for wraping gifts with cloth or fabrics here is a guide http://furoshiki.com/techniques.
looks like they have for
pretty much everything
6 months ago ·
sam90 Love it! Love it!
6 months ago ·
ploefff My best tip is to have scissors dedicated to different materials. I have one for fabric, one for paper and a couple for miscellaneous purposes. If you only cut fabric or only paper with the scissors then they will stay sharper for longer and give you cleaner cuts.

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.
6 months ago · ·
Lucia Feltner I love gift wrapping. I have used newspaper and tin foil in a pinch. I really like the idea of paper bows made from magazines. I will try that one. Thanks
6 months ago · ·
trasgorshek For the past two years I've used nothing but kraft paper (less expensive and always matches). So fun and easy. I personalize each gift with choice of ribbon (yarn, burlap, etc) and an inexpensive (around $1) glittery ornament glued on top. This year I'm using clothespins for name tags, just writing the recipients name on the end of the pin with scrapbook paper towards the front. Family loves them. There's extra time put in, but I have so much fun putting them together. And, since there's fewer gifts this year, might as well make each one look special.
6 months ago · ·
joanbertha patscats2
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
6 months ago ·
tindygirl Great ideas, all! Thank you! To the person who suggested one color wrapping paper for each person, I have done that and it works like a charm. I've now started a new "recycling" tradition. Three years ago I made dozens of different sized letters out of old cards (T for Taryn, M for Maisie and E for Ellie...my daughters). Now I simply tie the appropriate letter to each of their gifts...and, of course, I recycle year after year so you only have to make them once! Here's another idea: I bought a gross of flat kraft paper bags from a distributor last fall....cut the top edge with pinking shears, toss in the bulky sweater or pajamas or other piece of clothing that would require a box to wrap properly, and then squeeze closed, wrap a ribbon around the opening, flare the pinked paper edges, and add a recycled letter! Voila!
6 months ago · ·
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