I hate buying wrapping paper. Hate, hate, hate it. Everything is either expensive or so cheap it tears when you fold it. And it often feels so generic and boring.
So instead, I bought a roll of off-white kraft paper at Michael’s, and am giving my gift wrappings a homemade spin. Bonus: most of the paper, ribbon and washi tape I’m using I either already had on hand or found for super-cheap at Michael’s and other crafting stores. This makes my wrappings the same cost or cheaper than wrapping paper!
A few examples for you:
1. Maple sugar cookies packed in plastic containers (this is a Thai takeout container that we washed thoroughly).
1a. I wrapped the container in kraft paper and use washi tape to hold it closed. A simple tag made out of scrapbook paper scraps slipped under the tape finished up the look.
I splurged on this tape (though I did have a discount code). I swear the designers must have had me in mind when they made it! Bikes + “It’s the little things” !
1b. Cookie package #2 was bedecked in three coordinating papers. Instead of a card, I wrote a note directly on one of the papers.
2. Dan’s super-secret Christmas gift (he reads this, so I can’t tell you what it is!). I used a subtle snowflake paper on the right half of the gift, and criss-crossed the package with bunting washi tape (with a tag slipped underneath).
3. Irish Cream Oat Cookies wrapped in a cellophane treat bag. A bright ribbon and colorful tag is all it took to up the cuteness factor.
Want more ideas? I’ve been collecting tons of inspiring photos, links and free printables over the past month, and it seems only fair to share the love:
- Lots of printable gift tags and boxes at How About Orange
- Bright and cheery printable gift tags at Hey Look
- Lots of creative and beautiful ideas from Sweet Paul Magazine
- How cute is this twine + button wrapping from Etsy?
- Sweet blue and white gift wrappings from decor8
- Brown paper packages tied up with string…(or tape measurers. or ribbons.) from a creative mint
- Simple monogrammed gifts from Callaloo Soup
- Word search wrapping from Designer Daily
- Wrapped in a map from Jazzy Jenn
How are you wrapping your gifts this year?
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
I’ll bring them all over to my parent’s house the day before Christmas Eve and raid their wrapping paper supply.
They have SO MUCH. It’s silly to go out and buy my own 
Kelley @ Get Between the Bookends recently posted..Wrap it Up Blogfest
That works, too. Not so much for me though, seeing as I can’t drive 18 hours just to wrap a gift
So cute! I do buy wrapping paper, but I get it from Hobby Lobby, who has nice, long rolls of paper that is quite thick & that they put on 1/2 off starting sometime in November. I accent the paper with cloth ribbon from there, which they also put on 50% off sales
I don’t think we have a Hobby Lobby near us, unfortunately…
So after I’d finished a huge roll of paper and wrapped 1/2 (approx 30) presents hubs pointed out that it was red happy birthday paper – I decided to write Jesus underneath for my sister and brother in law (the pastors) and the rest will just hopefully not notice!
Haha, that works!
Hey those cookies looked so good I decided to add them to my Friday Five Foodie Finds this past week! http://semihealthnut.blogspot.com/2011/12/friday-five-foodie-finds-11.html
Thanks for sharing and Merry Christmas!!
Thank you!