How many times have I given MUCH thought (and sometimes money and time) as to what gift to give, only to stick it in a $5 (yikes!) gift bag for the actual giving? More times than I would like to admit…
My good friend and domestic guru Jill (She needs her own website!) always makes her gift wrapping look as special and thoughtful as the gift she gives. So, when I gave her a birthday gift, I felt the pressure to be creative in the wrapping. Here is the gift–and how I gave it to her.
Domesticity Book
Domestic Wrapping
I used a piece of fabric that I had left-over from a project and some stray ribbon. I pinked the edges of the fabric and wrapped the book without a single piece of tape. The best part is that I didn’t spend any money on a sad, little gift bag. An added bonus: It was quick! (I admit, the bow is a little…little. But that was the end of my ribbon scrap, and I actually like the “understated look”. ha.)
I think she loved the wrapping–and I know she loved the book! I’ll bet that little piece of fabric gets used in a project, too.
A few other wrapping ideas:
- Brown paper packages, tied up with string (yes, one of my favorite things)
- Cellophane. It comes on a roll. Look for it at dollar stores. Cut a big square, place gift on top, and gather the edges up. Tie on a ribbon. It makes anything look more special!
- Use colorful comic strips for birthday gifts.
- Use a part of the gift. For example, wrap a friend’s birthday gift in a colorful scarf. Two gifts in one package!
- Stock up on $1 bandannas. They come in every color and make great, reusable giftwrap. With ribbon, of course.
- Stock up on wire-edged ribbon. Sam’s Club and Costco both carry huge spools of ribbon (mostly Christmas) for around $10. This ribbon is so easy to work with. If you think you can’t make the “perfect” bow, this ribbon will make you think again. Use it with cellophane, brown paper, or just with a naked gift!
- Wrap a box and lid separately. Do not tape the lid to the bottom! This box will be used again and again. Scrap wallpaper, because of it’s weight and durability, is the perfect covering for this box.
- Baskets, plastic bins, almost anything can be used. Simply adding a beautiful ribbon or raffia pom make the package special.
Next time you give a gift, don’t let your thoughtfulness end at the store. Make an extra effort to wrap creatively!
What are your creative (and maybe cheap frugal) ideas for gift wrapping?
What a lovely idea! My daddy always made BEAUTIFUL packages, but I must admit, I am not so diligent. I even use used gift bags! You have inspired me to do a little better! Have a great weekend!
It’s so lovely to recieve a beautifully wrapped gift, especially when it’s early for Christmas and will spend some time under the tree for everyone to admire. I have given gifts quickly wrapped with cheap paper before and it’s just not the same. Thanks for the inspiration today!
I know my sister would love her present wrapped in fabric then she could use all those bits to create something else – she is very creative, rather than just throwing out the wrapping. Ikea here has lots of cheap fabric which have great patterns, tehre’s some great Christmas stuff here at the moment.
I also love the brown paper tied with Costco ribbon. In our family we sometime go for plain packaging then a ribbon with a tree decoration on it, this year I’m knitting little snowmen and christmas trees for this.
Jade
Great post! I love these kinds of tips. I used paper bag for wrapping paper one year at Christmas with green and red paper bows. I’ve used fabric to make bags before. I used to scour garage sales for fabric. Great ideas! Thanks, you’ve refreshed my creative gift giving, which I really needed this season!
This is great! I was thinking about getting the kids to make their own wrapping papper with brown paper and rubber stamps but I like the fabric idea too!
Hi– I’m here from Home Sanctuary– and I LOVE the bandanna idea! My boys would use them for handkerchiefs– great idea for wrapping. Very sustainable, too.
Just came over from Company Girl, and I have to tell you how much I love your blog! I am too often guilty of the ugly gift wrap, so thanks for the tips
Happy Friday!
I love pretty packages, too. What is the name of the book and the author? I’d like to check it out!
Dani, the title isThe Gentle Art of Domesticity by Jane Brocket. I just thumbed through it at Barnes and Noble and thought is was beautiful–especially to those of us with a soft spot for all things home!
I love that idea. That wrapping is so elegant!
This is fabulous!! And right before the holidays too! I’m not the best gift giver, so maybe fancy wrapping will help spruce them up a bit.
I love the great packaging ideas – thanks! Creating pretty packages is not my forte’ but maybe I will try some of these!
AND I love the cabinet in your post below – great job!
I love the fabric for wrapping. I often use an end roll of paper from the local printers. It is incredibly inexpensive and versatile. One year I rolled it out the length of my combined kitchen and dining rooms and had my kids put red and green hand prints on it. I then used gold and silver markers to write holiday greetings around the hands.
I’m here from home sanctuary and am looking forward to poking around here a little more…looks like good stuff!
Oh I am definitely a ‘stick it in a bag’ type of wrapper but have always wished to be one of those creative kinds…thanks for the ideas.
Beautiful, creative ideas! Love that. I truly hate spending $5 on a gift bag (let’s not discuss the price of cards…I’ll wait for your post on creative cards….) but don’t often take the time to think of alternatives. Your ideas are very doable. The book (and wrapping) look delightful.
I did (do) LOVE the book & the way you wrapped it – I still have the fabric – it’s in my stash waiting to be used (wonder when that will happen!!??) – I NEVER buy gift bags & try to re-use any that are given to me — I love wrapping paper – some are so beautiful but also so very epensive – shop Container Store and Crate & Barrel the day after Christmas (if there is anything left!!) for bargains!!!
Thanks, Jill. Great tips! Love the bargain shopping (believe it or not…)