Wrapping 101
Four easy ways to make your holiday gifts just as special on the outside as they are on the inside
By Katrina Tauchen | Wrapping By Beth Snyder | Photos by Angelique Hunter
At a time when few, if any, of our holiday gifts arrive without the help of a computer or department store, there’s something to be said for the beauty of handmade details. When it comes to holiday wrapping, it’s easy to go for the readymade rolls, particularly as the presents pile up and the days before Christmas disappear, but adding a personalized touch in lieu of store-bought coverings doesn’t have to mean hours of work or tons of dollars spent. With a few simple supplies and a bit of time, these quick and easy ideas are sure to make your gifts stand out beneath that sparkling tree. Yes, it’s what’s on the inside that counts — but there’s still something to be said for a beautiful package.
Fun for the Kids
This idea is so simple but looks elegant and personalized when all is complete. It’s a great option, too, for those tiny wrappers who are eager to get in on the fun. Put them to work punching out paper while you assemble the finished products.
MATERIALS: white craft paper or brown butcher paper, holiday-themed craft punch (snowflakes, trees and stars are great options), colored cardstock, glue or tape, twine or ribbon
DIRECTIONS: Punch out a holiday shape from the plain wrapping paper in the pattern of your choosing. Before wrapping the gift, attach a colored piece of cardstock behind the cutout shapes in the wrapping paper using glue or tape. Wrap gift as usual, keeping in mind where the stamped detail will appear on the completed package. To finish, tie a bow from twine or wire ribbon.
Buttons and Twine
Simple buttons and a ball of twine are all you need for this quick wrapping embellishment. Keep it classic with a row of matching buttons in varying sizes, or add quirky shapes and a blend of colors to suit a more adventurous giftee.
MATERIALS: buttons, twine
DIRECTIONS: String buttons on a thin piece of twine, tie the twine around a wrapped present, and slide button embellishment to desired position on the package.
Easy Monogramming
We monogram towels, robes, even our kids’ lunchboxes, so why not our holiday gifts, too? Place stencil on top corner of the package and use paint to fill in the letter. You could also use a letter stamp and pad of ink or a pre-made sticker instead of paint if you’re really pressed for time.
MATERIALS: alphabet stencils, craft paint, paintbrush, white craft paper or brown butcher paper, ribbon or twine
DIRECTIONS: Wrap gift in plain white or brown paper. Place stencil on top corner of the package and use paint to fill in the letter. Once paint dries, finish the look with twine or thin ribbon.
Magazine Bows
With four strips of newsprint and piece of tape to hold it all together, these elegant gift-toppers are the perfect use for those stacks of magazines and newspapers that haven’t quite made it to the recycling bin. Try swapping the buttons atop the bows for antique brooches if you’d prefer a bit more glitz.
MATERIALS: leftover magazines or newspapers, glue or tape, buttons
DIRECTIONS: Cut four even strips of magazine paper or newsprint, each roughly ¾-inch thick. Holding one strip at a time, fold outer edges in, and secure in center with glue or tape. Repeat with remaining three strips of paper, then stack the four looped paper pieces in a staggered order and tape in place to form the bow. Using another piece of tape, secure button on top of the bow. Tie it onto the wrapped package with ribbon or twine.
