I was asked to speak to my mom’s group this week on how to celebrate Christmas on a budget. Since I do those Tuesday morning show segments, I figured it would be in my best interest to make some pretty props to go along with my morning discussions (and that could double for my mom’s group discussion).
How about serving triple duty and sharing them on my blog here too? Why not!
I have several ideas for thinking outside of the box when it comes to wrapping your gifts. Sure, I could go to the store and get a giant roll of wrapping paper, but what is the fun in that? Some of the most fun is in the inventing of new ways to wrap those gifts under the tree.
The gifts might not all match, they may not be overly red and green, they also aren’t going to be uniform, but at least each gift will have their own original style.
Today’s gift wrapping idea is to check your local thrift store for wallpaper to wrap your gifts. I frequently find gigantic rolls for only $1. Try to pick a design that can be used for the holidays, but also can double for those other special occasions where a gift is needed.
This gift is not only covered in wallpaper, but the gift tag is made from a deck of cards. Is your dad a prankster? Give him the Joker! Is your brother the jack-of-all-trades? A Jack! Does your mom think she is the queen of the castle? Give that woman the Queen!Tie it off with a little holiday cheer and embellish your gifts with a little ornament or something holiday-ish. I love those ornaments for those teeny trees to put on my gifts or I love to add big old jingle bells to make my present a little more festive.
I hope you enjoyed my quick tutorial on being a wrap superstar. I will discuss another idea next week!!
***For more great ideas today, visit Rocks In My Dryer for Works-For-Me Wednesday!***
Sound Off: Are you a wrap superstar? What are some things you use to wrap your gifts?
Just last night, while I was debating what to do with three partial rolls of wallpaper, my 7-year-old brilliantly said, “Wrap presents, Mom!”
Great minds think alike.
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I think this idea is great. Now to remember to look for wallpaper when I’m at Goodwill. I get sidetracked in the book section…
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Great idea! I couldn’t believe that it took an entire roll of expensive paper to wrap 3 mediocre sized gifts for my daughter’s birthday. And often you can see through the wrapping paper, which wouldn’t happen with wallpaper. Thanks!
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Great tips! And wallpaper won’t rip like flimsy wrapping paper on the car ride to Grandma’s house! I really love the deck of cards for gift tags idea! Our family is big on Canasta–I have at least 4 decks with a Christmas theme!
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You have GREAT ideas!!!! I’m adding you to my google reader – can’t wait to browse your blog!
Organising Queen and
Marcia’s take charge blog
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I’m big on tying ornaments to packages, but it never occurred to me to use wallpaper. I love the playing card tags!
I have just one little tip. When Spouse and son buy dress shirts I save the cardboard or plastic collar ring. When mailing holiday gifts, I put them around the bows to save them from crushing.
Loved your pics!
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Thanks for more fabulous ideas – I wouldn’t have thought to use wallpaper as gift wrap…very clever!
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Thanks for visiting my blog! Yours is amazing, I have been off on bunny trails now for two days!
My favourite wrap is plain old brown wrap that you use to mail parcels…I wrap raffi around it, thread on a pinecone or some other cheap decoration bought at the after christmas sales the year before.
I will definitely be using your deck of cards idea…I love that! Thanks for such a great site, I’ll be back often!
Wendy
http://thehousewecallhome.blogspot.com/
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Amy, it never fails to amaze me how we work on the same wavelength!
I spent the afternoon sorting my gift closet and wrapping the Christmas gifts I’ve already acquired.
It was so fun using my yard sale wraps, ribbons, and cards that I took a photo for tomorrow’s post.
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I’m still giggling about being a “Wrap Superstar”, that is just too cute. I like to have my toddler decorate printer paper for Chiristmas presents. Its the perfect size to wrap a cd or small book.
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Shhh…Ok, no more ideas from you guys! My ideas don’t seem so inventive anymore
Just kidding! I love them all!
Nicole- Did you see that Martha Stewart episode where she says she is going to “rap” with Puff Daddy and then they “wrap” and “rap.” Too hilarious! I can’t resist a play on words, particularly when it comes to hip hop music
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Meredith-
I can’t believe how alike we think! It kills me sometimes. If you lived closer, I bet we would spend loads of time together!
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what a great idea. i’ve used the comics and magazines and old maps…my big birthday wrapping coup was when i printed labels that say “happy birthday (blank) from your friend, (kid name)” and then we just stick them on and my kid fills in the names. so much easier than gift tags or cards or anything and it can’t fall off…
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Fabulous ideas! I am all about being resourceful and frugal.
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Love this idea! And the deck of cards is FAB, too.
It was suggested to me recently that I could use my children’s art work as wrapping paper. It is a great idea, although am not sure it would work with the mud paintings…
I’m off to browse your blog. Looks fun!
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