Wrap Gifts like a Pro Without Breaking the Bank!

So you've just bought a gift for your best friend, and now it's time to make it presentable; wrapping! So you head over to the local store, and walk out in a rage with a look of disgust on your face and an empty wallet. Why? The wrapping and card cost more than the gift!

Keep an open mind when prepping a gift to give. Here's a few pointers to lessen the blow:

Keep the items on hand. It is cheaper and easier to buy when things are on sale and stock up for when you need them.

Don't overbuy just because it is on sale; be selective and you will save money by buying neutrally themed and colored paper, ribbons and bags at stored like Michael's, who offer large quantities in bulk and often offer coupons for further discounts on these products. Keeping only blue and red paper works just as well at the holidays as it does on a birthday gift. Ribbon colors like gold, silver, and white complement all papers.

Get creative! Use the funny pages or decorate your own wrapping paper!

Don't overdo it on fancy, expensive bows and curls. A few spools of ribbon and you can make the curl decorations yourself! OR, buy the large bags of bows after the holidays when they are on clearance, and they should last well over a year on average.

Don't pay $4.29+ for cards that will be thrown away; stores like Dollar Tree offer 2/$1 cards, and many privately owned stationary stores offer 50% off cards on a daily basis. Want to be extra creative? Check online photo sites like Shutterfly and Snapfish; especially during the holidays, they offer deals for free cards. You can make your own cards and pay as little as $.99 for three personalized cards!

Keep a small selection of excess cut wrapping paper instead of throwing it own; roll it into a paper towel tube and save the remnants for wrapping small gifts and Christmas stocking surprises!

It's easy to get caught up in wrapping and spend loads of money to wrap, especially during the holidays, but it is very simple to avoid! Keep this in mind: don't go overboard, it gets thrown in the garbage immediately, and it pollutes the environment. Happy shopping!