That’s a Wrap: Glam Gift Wrapping Essentials

on December 3, 2015
Boxwood Clippings

Holiday Wrapsody

When the holidays roll around, the trappings on those special surprises should be just as exciting as the gifts themselves. Put an extra twinkle in the recipient's eye with these tips for extra pretty presents, and make even the simplest gift (Yet another tie, anyone?) sparkle under the tree.

Craftberry Bush

Start Simple

Take a cue from Craftberry Bush: You needn't invest in multiple rolls of pricey wrapping paper to gussy up those gifts. Start with a roll of Kraft or butcher paper and jazz it up from there, or even choose a plain box with a lid to serve as a blank canvas beneath added accents, sans any paper at all.

The Party Studio

Making the Cut

For a truly unique touch reminiscent of favorite children's pop-up books, add interest to your gift with this cutout paper technique.

rnTo take cutouts a step further, use decorative edger scissors or paper punches to create beautiful edges along the tops of plain gift bags, or put these tools to use in creating your own DIY name tags.

Style Me Pretty

Basket Case

Forget the gift bags. For the ultimate theme, nestle related items in a pretty basket, painted wooden box or crate-as an added gift, they can use the container around the house later. Finish it off with tulle or a large cello bag to keep everything beautifully contained.

The Sweetest Occasion

Write On

From chic calligraphy to inked art, there are endless ways to accent brown paper packages tied up with string. If artistry isn't one of your favorite things, make use of stencils, stamps or rhinestone stickers to give those presents flair.

Beth Kirby of Local Milk

Au Naturel

This time of year, sprigs of holly, mistletoe and berry branches are in no short supply. Grab a bunch and cut small sections to adhere to the package, and tie on a pinecone for good measure. While it's not necessarily an element traditionally found in nature, a little sprinkling of some glitter on glue-covered leaves or pine needles never fails to add some much-needed holiday pizzazz.

Lia Griffith

Just Tickled

Want something even more luxurious? Use a large craft feather to top off a gift that really reflects your favorite fashionista's personality, or use this tutorial to create paper feathers in a variety of prints. Then use string or a glamorous bow to fix one (or two, or threeu2026) to the wrapping.

Yellow Bliss Road

Bounty of Baubles

If a simple nametag is a little two-dimensional for your liking, you can attach a number of additional elements to create interest. Here, festive handmade touches from leftover craft wood dress up simple packaging along with some sprigs of greenery. For a little added sparkle, consider adding small ornaments, a brooch or another bejeweled statement piece to the finished product.

Design Mom

To Dye For

Who said paper was the only option for concealing your gifts? Fabric makes a perfect wrapping (no more tearing) and is highly customizable, so there's no need to spend money on different prints. You can use premade muslin bags to achieve the dip-dyed effect above, or use various painting and dyeing techniques on unfinished cuts of fabric to wrap or sheath those unwieldy, irregularly-shaped parcels.

The House That Lars Built

Delicious Delivery

Food gifts more your thing? Keep those beautiful baked goods and other treats buttoned up with a simple goodie bag presentation, or package larger items in fun boxes or a useful tin they can reuse for years to come.

I Fall In Chocolate

What's in a Name?

Nametags are for much more than avoiding awkward gift mix-ups. Putting a little more thought into personalizing that package lets the recipient know you really put some thought into your gift! Consider creating your own tags from strips of paper accented with festive punches, as shown here. You can also find a number of adorable printable tags to instantly tie your look together!

The Enchanted Home

Tying It All Together

So long, bagged bows. For an elegant touch, create a dramatic bow from ribbons of varying sizes (choose ribbon with wired edges to really make it stand out) and attach it to the gift. Instead of ribbon, you can also use decorative twine or even cotton string for a simple, rustic effect. Consider stacking smaller gifts and tying them into one pretty package for a tidy presentation.