Where to Find the Best Christmas Gift Boxes

When it comes to choosing between a Christmas gift box or wrapping paper, I go for the gift box option every time. Simply slip a gift in the package, add some tissue (if desired) and your Christmas present is ready. What could be simpler, short of not wrapping the present at all - and I think the downside of that option is clear. Also, some holiday gift boxes can be reused as part of a Christmas display or holiday decor, making them easy to recycle. Many boxes are sturdy enough to save, if folded carefully and stored with Christmas supplies. Here are my favorite sources of Christmas gifts boxes this year, with a special emphasis on finding inexpensive options (the economy being what it is):

Old Time Pottery has Christmas gift boxes in a wide range of styles

I'm glad I checked out the selection of Christmas gift boxes at Old Time Pottery. They have some of the lowest prices around, sure to delight gift recipients at a price that pleases gift givers' holiday budgets. At Old Time Pottery you can easily browse the online choices but stopping in one of their locations in Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and elsewhere will give you a better sense of the choices available.

Be sure to check out their special Old Time Pottery Christmas store online and click on the varied holiday gift boxes and wrapping paper section. Designs include Christmas themes and seasonal subjects, including Santa Claus, snowmen, holiday ornaments and solid holiday colors (red, green, gold, silver). Prices start as low as 99 cents per box.

Best for: those who like to find their holiday accents, from Christmas gift boxes to holiday doormats, all in one place...and at the lowest prices around.

Garden Ridge is a Christmas gift box lover's delight

At Garden Ridge you can save holiday shopping time by looking at the weekly ads. Again, this might not be the first place that comes to mind when selecting Christmas gift boxes. But check out the specials at the Garden Ridge site and find a store near you. This week's ad listed holiday gift boxes at 50 percent off, starting as low as 49 cents and going up to $9.99. Sizes and shapes varied widely and designs included both traditional and contemporary portraits of Santa Claus, poinsettias, red cardinals perching on snowy branches, and reindeer. There was even a jaunty teddy bear wearing a holiday cap on on gift box.

Best for: rock bottom prices on Christmas gift boxes and designs that mimic more expensive boxes.

Stein Mart is one of my favorite stores for Christmas gift boxes

I probably enter a Stein Mart store weekly during the holiday season and I'm never disappointed by the constantly changing selection of Christmas gift boxes . It is possible to buy them either individually or in sets. One bonus? Even before Christmas day, gift boxes at Stein Mart are often marked down as much as 50 percent off their regular prices. If you need to find a holiday gift box for someone with a special hobby, from fishing to knitting, the odds are high that Stein Mart will have it. While traditional designs abound, this is definitely the store to visit if you are shopping for a modern or contemporary gift box. Prices range from $1.99 and up (sometimes lower during special sales). Some of the boxes even have 3-D or embossed designs, a very upscale touch! Want box featuring a Scotty dog with a Christmas hat? Try Stein Mart.

Best for: those who may be looking for clothing, jewelry and other items while in the store. You can buy a Christmas present and find a box, all in one visit!

CVS has holiday gift boxes galore

Many people stop into CVS to find tissue paper, over the counter meds ( for holiday heartburn, perhaps) and gift wrap, according to my local CVS manager's take on things. However, Christmas shoppers don't always realize that CVS stocks gift boxes as well. While the boxes at CVS tend to be basic designs and the variety may not be as wide as at some other stores, the Christmas gift boxes at CVS can be a lifesaver when you are in a hurry. Many locations are open 24 hours a day. Looking for holiday gift boxes for shirts? CVS often carries them in packs of 3 or more, with very traditional or basic designs (reindeer or solid colors or holly leaves) but still very attractive. Prices start at $1.99.

Best for: last minute Christmas gift box shoppers, since many CVS locations and stores are open through the night.

Pick up a unique present and Christmas gift box at Pier 1

I was delighted to do some holiday shopping at Pier 1 recently and even more delighted to find boxes there to fit my Christmas gifts. Designs are limited but the price is right, usually no more than $2.50 for the largest size. Although you can buy these gift boxes separately, you'll want to use this store for smaller holiday gift boxes. Have a coffee mug for someone? You're sure to find the right box for it at Pier 1. If you have very large gifts, you'll want to look elsewhere for gift boxes.

Best for: those shopping for holiday gifts at Pier 1 but can also work for other items, if they aren't too large.