Outside The Box

SPRUCE UP YOUR GIFT-WRAPPING GAME WITH THESE UNCONVENTIONAL IDEAS

BY SYDNI ELLIS

Ribbons and bows, pretty paper, colorful boxes, and to-andfrom tags are spread out over my kitchen table. I have a steady supply of tape, sharp scissors, and pens at the ready. It’s gift-wrapping time! With holiday movies or festive music on in the background, wrapping presents is one of the best parts of the season. But while all presents are appreciated (it’s what’s inside that counts), it can still be fun to add a little extra glam and pizzaz to your gifts. Check out these unconventional ideas to switch up your normal wrapping routine.

Unique Gift Tags

Stickers are so last season. This year, upgrade your presents with a unique gift tag, like Chalkboard Tags ($11 at Amazon. com), where you can draw names and/or pictures with a chalk pen. Or label your gift with the fi rst initial of the person you’re giving it to by tying a letter ornament to the package, like a pretty Floral Wood Holiday Ornament ($7 at Amazon.com). Then, they can keep the ornament for their tree, getting two presents in one!

Add a Little Sparkle

Too much glitter? Impossible! Add sparkle and shine to your gifts this year to really make them stand out. Gold Glitter Wrapping Paper ($10 at PaperSource.com) is a great choice, as it will glisten under your tree. Or follow Sarah Hearts’ idea by attaching beautiful necklaces or earrings to printable Christmas tree or wwreath designs (SarahHearts.com). Tape these cute cut-outs to the front of a present for extra bling.

Personalize with Photos

Adding pictures of your loved ones to your presents is another way to personalize gifts. Print out small square photos or Polaroids and tape them to the present. This doubles as a name tag — just tell everyone to look for their face. You can also order a custom photo wrapping paper. This 42-Photo Collage Gift Wrap ($22 from Zazzle.com) allows you to upload up to 42 different photos, which will then be printed in a black-and-white collage on wrapping paper.

DIY Wrapping Paper

Tired of the classic red and green paper or the character overload? Wrap your presents with your own DIY paper this year instead. One easy idea is to stamp brown craft paper with fun shapes. Or go for all white and draw fun messages on it with colorful Sharpies. You can also use recycled newspapers, magazines, or book pages to wrap a gift. Let your creative side shine!

Spruce it Up

Add a little jingle, candy, or other form of holiday cheer to your presents to make them stand out. Wrap a present as you normally would then fasten candy canes, pinecones, fresh sprigs of pine needles, or jingle bells to the front. Target has several festive options that make your presents stand out, like Winterberry Gift Toppers or their 12 Pack Bell and Twine Gift Topper Set.