Holiday Gift Wrap Ideas
Happy Friday! We’re one week away from Christmas and I wanted to leave you with some easy holiday gift wrap ideas, using what you probably already have at home. This year, all of my gift wrap is reused… paper from years past, collected ribbon from previous holiday seasons, and even dried fruit from my kitchen counter is making the gifts under our tree look extra festive. Gift giving is one of my favorite parts of the holiday season. I really enjoy picking out, baking, or wrapping thoughtful gifts for loved ones- the entire process feels creative and special to me. I’m also a big believer that presentation accounts for at least 50% of how a gift is received. Taking the extra time to add special touches just adds to the magic and appreciation. Click through to take a peek at my gift wrap this year, and to brainstorm some easy ideas for your own presents as we head into the holiday next week…
I didn’t end up buying any new ribbon this year, but I have plenty stashed away in a box for gifting purposes. Silk and velvet ribbon happens to be my favorite. If you’re saving ribbon to reuse for later, be sure to roll it or wrap it around a spool so it lies flat and doesn’t crease. Whenever you’re ready to use it, it will be in pristine condition with no wrinkles or creases.
Another thing I like to find is ribbon with two different sides. The blue ribbon pictured above came from our tree last year. One side is velvet and the other has a thick cotton backing. Both are slightly different colors and textures, which make it extra versatile. Last year I used the velvet side, so this year I decided to switch it up with cotton. Ready to brainstorm some gift wrap possibilities?
Consider this a quick brainstorming list of things you can use to enhance & adorn your gifts this season:
- Add dehydrated citrus
- Use a variety of ribbons & bows (bonus points for reversible options)
- Don’t be afraid to mix and match gift wrap & paper
- Use recycled materials like newsprint, sheet music, or kraft paper
- Snip a bit of greenery from your yard for a natural touch
- Grab items from your pantry or kitchen… like freezer paper, baking twine, or a tea towel
- Add to & from gift tags
- Try your hand at calligraphy directly onto the package
- Paint or stamp plain kraft paper
- Tie multiple gifts together for a tiered look
- Use scrap fabric or leftover wallpaper in place of traditional wrapping paper
- Add a sculptural element- like a cutout snowflake, oversized bow, gift charm, ornament, or 3D star
- Tie on a food element or treat, such as a candy cane or cocoa mix sachet
- Use a wax seal or monogram
- Incorporate a mini wreath (think fresh rosemary or cedar)
- Add a tassel or pom pom
I also like to make an evening or afternoon of gift wrapping! Much like my holiday cards, I really enjoy a good gift wrap session. I’ll pour myself a hot beverage (maybe an Irish coffee or cocoa), put on some Christmas music or a holiday movie, and knock it all out at once. It ends up being a fun and festive event that I very much look forward to.
I’m a fan of decorating with pretty packages as well. My Nan used to wrap tiny styrofoam blocks that looked like little gifts and sprinkle them throughout her tree. I’ll tuck small ones into our tree, style them on the coffee table, prop them on the windowsill, or use them as sculptural holiday decor. It’s also fun to play scavenger hunt and make loved ones find their packages scattered throughout. They don’t always have to live in a stocking or beneath a tree.
I’m the queen of hoarding pretty boxes to reuse- especially the ones with magnetic closures. Having the Tuesday Made shop has really fueled this habit, but nice boxes come in so handy during the holidays. Often times they only require a ribbon for a festive look. The green box pictured above is what our wholesale Culti fragrances arrive in, so not only is it beautiful- it smells incredible!
I hope this post helped to get your wheels turning, if you’ve yet to wrap your gifts this season. I’m happy to say- mine are all finished, wrapped, and nestled under our tree and around our living room. I’m off to do some skiing this weekend before my surgery on Monday. I’ll be taking time off work next week to recover, heal, and enjoy the holiday! I wanted to wish you all an early Merry Christmas and happy holiday season. I’m so thankful you’re here! As always, I’ve appreciated your support, encouragement, and friendship this year. I feel so lucky! I’ll see you back here on Monday, December 26th with an update on our kitchen shelving. Cheers friends! Sending you lots of love this season.
