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Cheap but creative holiday gift-wrapping ideas


Gift giving has become an integral part of the holidays, but preparing these gifts can become tedious. Figuring out what presents to gift and, yes, even the presentation and gift-wrapping are not only stressful but can also cost some money.

Nobody wants to scrimp on the actual presents, so gift wrapping sometimes takes the sidelines. But not to worry! “Good News” presents 10 ideas on how to use different kinds of gift-wrapping materials that will not only save you some money but will also make the wrapping as special as the gift itself!

1. Use old newspapers and magazines as wrapping paper



If you’re thinking of putting away the pile of newspapers and magazines in your stockroom, think again. Wrapping with newspapers and magazines is the easiest – and maybe the cheapest – way to style your presents.  All you’ll need are a pair of scissors and some tape.

Use the newspaper as you would an ordinary wrapping paper, but choose a part of the newspaper or magazine with interesting graphics. (Tip: Use the comics section for a colorful punch, or the entertainment section for star power!) Top it off by tying around the gift using inexpensive colorful twine or ribbons.

2. Utilize old paper bags and cardboard boxes



Materials like paper bags and cardboard boxes can be easily turned into elegant packaging for small gifts. Green and brown color palettes work effectively to achieve a minimalistic, classy look.

To turn these materials into creative wrapping materials for your Christmas presents, pair it with a ribbon bow and decorative paper, and print off personal stamps. Now you have some really neat gift wrap.

3. Make it pop using a potato chip bag



Think potato chip bags are good for nothing? Give these bags a new life by wrapping up your Christmas presents in them!

Cut open a potato chip bag along its seam to reveal its shiny silver inside. Wash it with soap and water, then air dry. Once the bag has been flattened, wrap your present and adorn it with cute ribbons and cards for a silvery, elegant look.

4. Make it kawaii using kiddie drawings



What better way to achieve a more personal and delightful Christmas present than to use your own kids’ artwork as homemade gift wrap?

Children’s drawings and scribbles add a personal touch to your gifts, making them a good choice for a gift wrap. You can have them draw on good quality papers like Kraft paper, magazine pages, calendar pages, and even on scented and decorative papers, then pair with a colored ribbon. Wow factor at hardly any cost.

5. Nature as nifty wrapping



For nature lovers, incorporate tree barks and fresh leaves into the presentation of their gift! These pliable materials are one of the best inexpensive gift wraps.

All you need to do to pull this packaging off is to roll them and secure with twine. So if you have a banana or bamboo tree near your place, wrapping up your Christmas presents in an environment-friendly way should not be a problem!


Aside from these ideas, you may also utilize other materials that can be easily found at home to show off your unique yet trendy holiday gift wrapping styles:

•    Wrap it using a handkerchief or scrap fabric

In Japan, the art of “furoshiki” uses cloth for wrapping and transporting items. Taking a page from the Japanese, you can use the following fabric for gift wrapping: a scarf or a handkerchief, wash cloth or a burlap rice bag, or even scrap cloth from old clothes.

Just secure open ends of the cloth with a button, flower or a heart-designed pin, safety pin, or knot, and it’s good to go.

•    Place items in glass jars

Glass jars are classic reusable materials in presenting dry mixes, homemade cookies, and other delectable goodies. Go ahead, decorate them with twine or crepe paper in different designs and colors – a perfect way to present your Christmas gifts with a touch of home.

•    Put it in boxes and baskets

Empty shoe boxes, hat boxes, and other baskets are one of the classic materials used in doing your own gift box. With just some paint, glitter, stencils, and ribbons, plus a bit of creativity, these boxes would surely make a fun Christmas gift wrap!

•    Use clear cellophane

This may not be the best gift wrap for those who want to keep their present a secret, but it definitely works for a gift basket or box where you want the insides visible. Plus, the various color selection makes it a memorable holiday gift exchange, perfect for Christmas parties!

•    Wrap it in tissue paper

If you’re planning for a close and intimate reunion with friends with wine as your contribution, this would be a perfect alternative to the predictable wine bags sold at stores. Here’s how you can make an easy, yet crafty tissue paper bottle wrap:

Produce two layers of 9” x 12” tissue paper folded lengthwise. Tape folded edge to one edge of a 12” square of scrapbook paper. Wrap bottle, and tape. For finishing touches, cinch tissue at neck with a ribbon, and add a tag. —CM, GMA News

Inspirations courtesy of the Martha Stewart website and The Mom Writes blog. Photos by RD Altarez