On the third day of Christmas your rockin’ blog friend gave to you, a list of ways to wrap that special gift that will leave them saying “WOW!” just looking at the package. I’ll admit, wrapping gifts is one of my FAVORITE and most awaited activities during the holidays. I absolutely LOVE the creative freedom! I get it, some boxes just scream, “PUT ME IN A BOX!” and for those I have begun to use kraft paper. Simplicity meets blank slate for any type of embellishment including ribbon, newspaper clippings, stickers, and (most appropriately for young kiddos) crayon art. But don’t let those select gifts get you in the “box- tissue- tape- wrap” black hole way of wrapping. There are so many options to consider, take a looksee for yourself.
So you got your best friend and her husband who bought a new house this year some personalized coasters and a bottle of wine. Step away from the wine bag and tissue!! 
Why not use a flour cloth (or kitchen towel of the like) to wrap it up?
Same goes for that picture frame you bought for your niece. Why not wrap it in a scarf that she can wear?!
These are great REUSEABLE options that also serve as an extension to the gift!
Mason jars. DO NOT underestimate the power of that glass jar with metal top. They are pretty INGENIOUS!! Not to mention, they make outstanding gifts for a teacher or neighbor. Create a “cookie in a jar” or “spa in a jar”, really the possibilities are endless. You can find all sorts of ideas on Pinterest (of course).
For young kids, I enjoy using kraft paper or plain white art paper. I include a small set of crayons (yeah, the ones you get from restaurants when you dine with the kiddos) and some stickers. They can decorate their own gift- I like to think it distracts them from actually opening it. It’s in their DNA to attack presents, this will help buy time for those Kodak moments you are working so hard to capture.
So you want to give money or a paper certificate? May I suggest putting it in a balloon filled with confetti!? Can you imagine a kids face when you hand them such a colorful balloon? This will be the talk of the party HANDS DOWN! And don’t sit there thinking this is for birthdays only! Use red and green confetti and create a curtain of treats for the kids at the top of the stairs this Christmas (think prelude to stockings).
Get creative with your gifting AND wrapping. I’d love to see what you come up with; be sure to follow me and post your pictures on Facebook and Twitter. Happy wrapping!
XO,
Melissa
