Packaging Ideas Beyond the Bow

When you take time to consider the perfect gifts for family members and friends you might spend equal thought on their presentations. The outer wrappings are your gifts’ first impressions. By taking time to prepare special wrappings, you demonstrate how much you truly put into the spirit of giving. The following ideas will help you package your presents more creatively than ever making for gifts almost too pretty to open!

First of all, when stocking your gift pantry, you may want to look for the following packaging supplies either from craft or fabric stores: tape, scissors (decorative border scissors too), ribbon (satin, tulle, paper, etc…), bows (made from paper, velvet, etc…), tissue paper, wrapping paper, any pretty paper, boxes, crafters plain cardboard boxes, decorated and trinket boxes, baskets, silk flowers, fabric, vintage ornaments (glass balls, realistic birds, faux fruit), rhinestones, beads and baubles, etc…Scour second-hand stores, flea markets and yard sales throughout the year to stock your crafting and gift-wrapping supplies. Old Christmas cards and postcards can also help to decorate your packages.

Even if you do not fancy yourself as a crafter, you might enhance your presents by wrapping them all in green and red tissue paper, but instead of topping them with a bow from a store-bought bag, consider tying them up with lovely gold cording found at the fabric store or wide velvet ribbon. Fancy ribbon will make any gift appear more appealing. You might additionally top off these traditionally-wrapped gifts with a specially-found object like a vintage bird in a bird’s nest, a silver charm, small candles, a strand of red glass beads or a decorative locket.

If you like to stamp, consider purchasing several plain rolls of paper—anything from brown mailing paper to metallic rolls of red, gold and silver. Then, cut out large panels and stamp anything related to the holidays like Christmas trees, holly, reindeer, stars, etc…This is a great activity to involve children. Even plain paper ribbon can be stamped. Or, consider marbling your own paper with a sponge dabbed in red and green acrylic paint.

Of course, paper is only one way to wrap a present. Few gifts are as lovely as those wrapped in vintage lace table cloths tied up with a large red tulle ribbons. Not only does your recipient get the enclosed gift, but they receive a pretty tablecloth as well. This can also be tried with large shawls, baby blankets, and other decorative patterns of fabric. Red and green velvet packages will enhance the beauty of any Christmas tree. Even felt, which is considerably less expensive, is a terrific way to cover your packages.

Additionally, if you care to attempt any sewing, you might embellish your fabric by sewing on decorative buttons and pins. You can also stitch your ribbon or pieces of appliquéd fabric onto the larger fabric panel for a creative effect. Keep in mind that secondhand stores are a great place to come by fabric for crafting purposes. You may even find a vintage holiday tablecloth to use. Even if not in pristine condition, you can cut out any problem areas and simply use the unharmed portions. Even fabric as simple as cheesecloth can provide a romantic Victorian-inspired wrapping.

Some of the prettiest packages may also be the plain molded cardboard boxes you purchased at your local craft store. These might be painted, decoupaged or stamped. You might even cover them with fabric. These decorative boxes are gifts in themselves. They can be reused as pretty storage containers for handkerchiefs, jewelry, even love letters. If you prefer not to do any crafting, you can also purchase hat boxes in various sizes and simply place your gifts in these.

By keeping lots of little decorative items on hand, you can embellish your presents in so many uniquely creative ways. Be sure to make your own gift tags with stamps or simply cut out images from your old Christmas cards and attach to your gift with a ribbon. (Article By J. A. Young)