01.04.08
Cheap Gift Wrapping
I love wrapping gifts, but sometimes the wrapping paper and accessories that I want are out of my price range. So this year I found some cheaper solutions. How much would you guess this designer wrapping paper set me back? Actually, it was free! I downloaded it from Blueprint Magazine and printed it out myself. For the top box I wrapped the lid and bottom separately so it can be re-used again (a gift in itself!). The lid is wrapped in Swirly Wrapping Paper, while for the bottom I used the Graphic Wrapping Paper. The bottom box is the Striped Paper. Then I used the Fancy Cummerbund Wrapping Paper as a belly band, and the ornamental plaque as a gift tag to bring it all together. I would recommend using 11×17 inch paper, if you have access to one, to print out the designs, as this will give you the most to work with. I love this paper because it is festive without being obviously holiday-oriented. It can be used any day of the year to wrap a christmas or birthday gift. You could even try making some new designs yourself.
Another great (and economical) gift wrapping idea is to use plain brown packaging paper, and then add little touches to personalize. The best part about this idea is that you’re not stuck with that snowman wrapping paper year round. After wrapping your gift, dress it up for the occasion, use ornaments or tiny jingle bells for the holidays. For a birthday, be creative and use objects that relate to the giftee, they will notice and appreciate your efforts. Try creating a geometric pattern with stencils or sponge-paint. I love the idea of using gimp, that plastic string that everyone used to make keychains out of when they were kids, but as ribbon. It creates a modern look. For my holiday gift wrapping this year, I used lime green string, something different from the usual hunter green classic christmas color. I found an assortment of 3d snowflake stickers at a craft store for only $1, and used monogrammed post-its in the same green color as gift tags. What do you think?
Russell Heimlich said,
January 4, 2008 at 1:06 pm
Wrapping paper is so overrated. Just give me the gidt in the bag with which it was carried home from the store in.