Alternative Gift Wrapping Ideas

Would you like to be more creative with your gift wrap this Christmas? Want something that will stand out from the other, more typical holiday wrap? There are a great number of alternatives to store-bought wrap, ranging from paper to fabric. Here are just a few suggestions to look into:

Bags: If you don't want to use any kind of wrap, why not clothe your gift in an attractive gift bag? You can buy pre-made bags at the store, or make your own for a personal touch. Crafting a fabric bag is simple and fast, and best of all, they're reusable. To make a fabric gift bag, gather together the materials you plan to use (your local fabric store may have some discounted material if you don't have any in the house.)

Cut out two pieces for the lining, and two pieces for the bag itself. Line up the pieces for your bag on top of the pieces for your lining, fold it over like you would for a hem, and sew the top edges together. Place the "outside" pieces so they face each other with the sewn edges on top, and then sew the other three sides. Turn the completed bag inside out. If you want to add a ribbon, lay it down a few inches from the top and sew the middle of the ribbon to the bag.

Hemp: Decorative and environmentally friendly, this paper can be found with all natural dyes and inks. Most hemp paper combines recycled material with fiber-strengthening flax and is chlorine-free, which your earth-friendly loved ones will appreciate. You can combine hemp wrap with cards or ribbon made from the same material to create a more uniform look to your present.

Calendars: Is there a calendar you enjoyed this year with pictures you just adore? They might be perfect for gift wrap, especially if they're larger pictures. You can cut them out and use them individually for the gifts, or paste a few smaller pictures together and use them that way. The attractive, glossy finish of the pictures will help make your gift stand out.

Along the same lines, you might want to consider asking your crafts or home improvement store if they have any wallpaper they're no longer using. Many stores have samples of discontinued material in the back, and they'll be more than happy to get it off their hands (and out of their stock room.) Larger sheets will be perfect for many gifts, as the varying colors and textures are appealing to the eyes.

Newspaper: Not just for reading anymore. Save the colored portions of the newspaper, especially the comic section, for a few weeks. They're perfect for a more light-hearted gift, though you may want to ensure the gift itself isn't prone to newsprint smudging. If you want the present to have a more polished appeal, consider putting a sheet of cellophane over the newspaper.

Hand-drawn children's pictures: Is there a pint-sized budding artist in your house? See if they might enjoy having you use some of their creations for gifts you're giving to relatives. Some children will be thrilled that you're letting them "help" in the process of wrapping gifts, and even volunteer to make some special pictures for the occasion. This is a great way to bond with your child as you celebrate the season.

Blank newspaper: Sometimes your local newspaper office will have "roll-ends" that you can purchase cheaply (or just take them, if they're really looking to get rid of them) and use as a blank canvas for your own creative work. Decorate the paper with whatever strikes your fancy-markers, crayons, paint, felt, etc. Be as subtle or as wild as you want, because the end result still looks fantastic. A ribbon or bow will finish off this type of package nicely.

Nature: A short walk through a park can do wonders to spark creative gift wrapping ideas. If there are no nearby parks, your own backyard might make a good substitute. The natural resources found in nature can bring a welcome touch to any package, including leaves, pinecones, or even small twigs or branches. It's generally a good idea to avoid berries, which can both stain the packaging and the gift, and be poisonous to pets or children.

You can glue some glitter, ribbons or other festive decorations to a pinecone for a more celebratory mood. If you choose to use branches with fresh greenery, such as fir or evergreen, it's best to collect the materials a few days before you actually give the gift so the wrapping stays fresh; it isn't a good idea to give someone a gift when it's wrapped in a dead branch.

Any of these ideas will guarantee to spice up your Christmas presents this year and make them stand out from the crowd. A bit of creativity will add flavor to your holidays and help you get into the spirit of the season.