How to Save Money on Christmas Wrapping Paper

Wrapping paper- the way we present gifts to our loved ones and friends. Isn't it ironic, that we tend to spend more on Christmas wrapping paper, than we do on some of the gifts we end up wrapping. And wrapping paper certainly isn't cheap. The closer it gets to Christmas, the more expensive wrapping paper is. Even plain, simple Christmas-patterned wrapping paper runs from $3.00 to $5.00 per roll, and this is considered inexpensive!

We wrap items in beautiful, over-priced wrapping paper and then add ridiculously expensive bows and ribbon. Only for the wrapping paper and ribbon to make it's way to the garbage can usually within minutes of the gift being opened. All we've managed to do is make a pretty "display" of gifts. This makes wrapping paper the single most ridiculous waste of money during the Christmas holiday season that there is.

This year, rather than spending more money on Christmas wrapping paper than is logical or even financially possible, think outside the proverbial "box," and do something different! Don't purchase that Santa Clause-print wrapping paper with the $5.00 matching bows and ribbons. Do something a bit unique and even more special. There are numerous other options out there!

Giving a book, music cd or DVD? How about giving these types of items in either a nice simple "tote bag," or give CD's and DVD's in a padded envelope (recycled of course, from something you've recieved in the mail) that's had music notes or other patterns "stamped" onto it using a shaped-sponge.

How about a simple fabric bag, you can make these yourself with minimal cost, especially if you have a lot of fabric scraps laying around. This type of "wrapping" is great for a multitude of gifts- children's toys, stuffed animals, books, movies, music, even jewelry. Make a simple bag, then tie a piece of ribbon around the top into a bow. It's a unique wrap, and the little bag can even be re-used by the recipient for something else later.

Are you giving something that absolutely MUST be wrapped? If it's for a sports-lover or someone with a great sense of humor, look no further than your local Sunday newspaper. The sports section can be used to wrap a gift for a sports-lover, the comics can be used for someone with a "funny-bone." For someone who is extremely opinionated or has lots of great advice to give, the advice and opinion columns are a great section to wrap their gifts in.

For a really inexpensive and extremely versatile gift-wrap, try brown paper bags. You can leave them plain brown, or you can take poster paint, water colors, crayons, or even t-shirt paints and stencil designs or colors onto the paper. This is a great way to recycle old paper grocery sacks, re-use shipping papers, packing paper used for moving, etc. You can personalize it by painting a certain theme with the recipient's name on it, or just do a "tie-dye" or "splash" design.

For fancy bows and ribbons, look no further than your craft box or basket. A string of beads meant for trimming a dress can look really great when woven through a home-made ribbon. Old pieces of ribbon can become a unique bow for a gift. You can even use buttons strung together to make a unique "crafty" bow or ribbon, and they can be reused for something else later.

If it's a fairly small item, and you don't really want to "wrap" it- use an old coffee can, formula can, hot cocoa box, etc. Make sure the can or box is clean and dry. Put the item inside, then paint the outside using poster paints, fabric paints, or even spray paints. You can put your own design on the container, and the container can be reused later by the recipient for a pencil can, jewelry container, or something else. It's like giving two gifts in one!

Don't despair at the prices of wrapping paper and all the trimmings, simply use what's already available to you as gift "wrapping," and enjoy yourself. Use your imagination, the sky's the limit!