80 DIY Christmas Gift Wrap Ideas

A beautifully wrapped gift really shows someone you care. These clever do-it-yourself ideas are sure to impress everyone on your Christmas gift list without breaking the bank.

By: H. Camille Smith and Morgan Levine

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Wrap It Up

For most gift-givers, taking the time to beautifully wrap presents is as much a part of the gift as the package's contents. Whether you're shopping for family, friends, pets or coworkers, follow our tips for gorgeous gift wrap looks that are easy to replicate — even for a gift-wrapping novice.

See More Photos: 100 Beautiful Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas

From: H. Camille Smith

Stamp It On

Give inexpensive craft or butcher paper an artistic update with a woodblock stamp and white ink. Add the recipient's name with a white paint pen and tuck a bit of fresh greenery under the bow for a woodsy scent.

From: Marian Parsons

Put Vintage Finds to Work

Gift exchange surprises have never looked so good. Give a plainly wrapped gift a touch of holiday magic by sliding on a vintage pin. Easy to source at estate sales, church bazaars and thrift stores, these Christmas cuties can typically be found for a few dollars or less (We paid just 50 cents for this adorable enamel and rhinestone brooch!).

See More Photos: Cozy Up Your Christmas Decor With Vintage and Antique Finds

From: H. Camille Smith

Creatively Gift Cash

Full disclosure: What many of the folks on your gift list really want this year is cash — but just sliding it into an envelope may feel a little impersonal. To give this always-welcome gift a bit more oomph, try one of our three clever packaging ideas, below.

Give Potatoes New Purpose

Instead of purchasing a roll of wrapping paper at the store, bring your kids around the table to make custom hand-stamped paper with potatoes and paint. This old-school craft project is a great way to get kids involved in the season of giving.

Get the How-To: How to Make Potato-Stamped Gift Wrap

From: Marian Parsons

Repurpose Closet Castoffs

Raid your closet (or local thrift store) for holiday-themed fabric, like old men's shirts or even vintage fabrics that may have some areas of damage, like hand-me-down tablecloths, that can be used to cover sturdy cardboard boxes or clean, dry-good containers for festive fabric-clad packages that can be used again and again. Get all our tips for turning trash into gift wrap treasure, below.

get the how-to: Upcycled Flannel Holiday Gift Wrap

From: H. Camille Smith

Pick a Palette

Layering gift wrap and toppers in various patterns featuring the same color family, like the cool blues and greens here, is a foolproof trick for creating great-looking gifts.

Get the How-To: Festive DIY Holiday Gift Wrapping Ideas

From: HGTV Magazine

Say It With a Stencil

Sturdy white butcher paper creates the perfect blank canvas for stenciled-on holiday designs; the paper's thickness ensures that it won't pucker and wrinkle from the moisture in the paint. To get this look: Cut paper to the size you'll need and plan the stenciled design's location. Position stencil, then apply acrylic craft paint using a stencil brush or pouncer. Allow paper to thoroughly dry flat before wrapping gift.

From: Marian Parsons

Upcycle Empty Shipping Boxes

If like most of us, you have a recycling bin filled with cardboard shipping boxes, pull out a few to display as pretty porch gifts. Wrap them in leftover gift wrap, then stack by a well-sheltered front door as nearly free holiday decor. If you're concerned about porch pirates, only set the empty boxes out right before holiday guests arrive — or try one of the hilarious pirate-revenge videos online to teach sticky-fingered thieves a lesson.

See More Photos: 12 Ways to Cozy Up Your Front Porch for Christmas

From: H. Camille Smith

Opt for an Outdoorsy Look

Trendy menswear-inspired red flannel ribbon and a few fresh spigs of greenery give this gift a wintry, woodsy feel. To make the rustic topper, cut a small and medium circle out of upholstery webbing and pull on the outer fibers to create a frayed edge. Use an upholstery needle to stitch the two layers together then sew on a single glass bead. Glue an alligator clip to the back so the topper can be easily clipped onto the gift then later reused by the recipient as a hair or scarf clip.

From: H. Camille Smith

Add a Paper Posy

Patterned red card stock, folded in half, then cut into basic flower petal shapes is an easy way to create a beautiful stand-in for a poinsettia. Use your completed posey as a gift topper or make several and string them together as a colorful holiday banner.

Get the How-To: Festive DIY Holiday Gift Wrapping Ideas

From: HGTV Magazine

Wow With Wired Ribbon

Head to your local craft or fabric store for spools of fabric ribbon with a handy, hidden secret: thin wire tucked into each of the ribbon's sides. The wire adds stiffness that allows you to create three-dimensional bows for a pro-wrapped-gift look. Complete the look by tying on a sleighbell or sliding in fresh-clipped greenery.

From: H. Camille Smith

Or, Splurge on Velvet

Nothing takes a wrapped gift from ordinary to extraordinary quite like velvet ribbon. Available in a wide range of colors, widths and oh-so-touchable, the tactile topper only costs a few more cents per gift but is sure to make a big impression on the recipient.

See More Photos: 15 Christmas Decorating Ideas for Bedrooms

From: H. Camille Smith

Soup Noodles, FTW

That's right, those tiny letters are actually dried soup noodles — which can be found in the pasta aisle of many grocery stores. This is one project where you can get an assist from the kids who'll have fun sorting through the tiny pasta letters while working on their spelling skills. Just glue your chosen phrase to a large paper gift tag for a fun way to add pizzazz to any gift.

See More Photos: 14 Clever Ways to Wrap Gifts

Pop In a Pic

A handmade tag makes a beautifully wrapped gift even more special. Print our free template onto white card stock then top with a 2" x 2" family photo for a uniquely personal tag. Tip: Add a bit of glitz by glittering the edges of the photo before attaching.

From: H. Camille Smith

Raid Your Sewing Stash

Use leftover fabric trim, like rickrack, gimp or bullion, instead of ribbon, to give your gifts a fashion-forward finish. Tuck in a few sprigs of fresh greenery or glittered pinecones before presenting to the recipient.

From: H. Camille Smith

Think Beyond Red + Green

Our friends at HGTV Magazine swapped regal purple hues for standard holiday shades to create this sophisticated twist on the traditional red + green pairing.

See More Photos: 5 New Holiday Color Combos

From: HGTV Magazine

And, Mix In Some Metallics

'Silver and gold' aren't just lines from a classic Christmas cartoon, they're also the perfect neutral to add a little sparkle under your tree. Create visual interest by mixing the different metallics like gold, silver, copper and bronze.

See More Photos: Wrap Holiday Gifts Like a Pro

From: Michelle Edgemont

Add One of Our Free Printables

Kids will love these cute printable tags that feature the Head Elf himself. Just print them onto white card stock and cut out.

Get Our Free Printables: 75+ Printable (and Free!) Christmas Templates

From: Kim Stoegbauer

Or, Knot On a Pom-Pom

Kids will love helping you make these colorful yarn pom-poms that are easy to craft and are a playful substitute for a traditional bow.

Get the How-To: Kids' Craft: Make a Pom-Pom Christmas Garland

From: Marian Parsons

Go for the Glam

Don't limit playful colors, like hot pink, to spring and summer use; this happy hue will add just as much kick to your holiday packages. Paired with fashion-forward black, white and gold, the look-at-me color is gorgeous, not girly.

See More Photos: 5 New Holiday Color Combos

From: HGTV Magazine

Or, Opt for Au Naturel

Sometimes the holiday inspiration you're looking for can be found in your own backyard. Why not turn this nature-inspired gift topper into an afternoon activity for you and the family. Pinecones, acorns, berries and pine clippings are all fair game, and when clustered atop a wrapped present, they add a fragrant, woodsy touch.

Get the How-To: How to Make Natural Gift Toppers

Add a Playful Pennant

This year, give your wrapped presents a preppy, collegiate feel with pennant gift flags made from inexpensive felt and a small wooden dowel or chopstick. In lieu of the standard tied-on paper tag, these flags can be inserted into gift bags of any size and let your holiday message or the gift recipient’s name stand out loud and clear. Best of all, rather than getting tossed, they can live on as a decorative detail for many years to come.

See More Photos: 14 Clever Ways to Wrap Gifts

Or, Make a Monogrammed Gift Topper

Forget traditional ribbon bows and top your gifts with a yarn-wrapped initial instead. Older kids and crafty teens will want to try this easy project to create personalized packages that stand out from the pack.

Get the How-To: How to Make a Monogrammed Gift Topper

From: Michelle Edgemont

Top Gifts With an Ornament

Instead of a standard bow, swap in an ornament for a fun gift topper that they can then hang on their tree. From flamingos to llamas to Scandi-inspired Santas, ornaments are readily available to suit every Christmas collectors' fancy so it's easy to find just the right ornament to suit their style.

Or, Sleighbells

Add a musical jingle to your gifts by knotting on a pair of sleighbells. While the vintage versions are hard to find and quite valuable, modern sleighbells are readily available most anywhere — even your local dollar store.

See More Photos: 10 Creative Tips for Holiday Gift Wrapping

Turn a Paper Bag Into Pinecones

To create pinecones, cut a tall triangle out of brown paper bag or grocery sack. Trim one long edge with scalloped scissors, then darken it by running a brown marker along the edge. Fringe the opposite, non-scalloped long edge. Glue the short base of the triangle to a piece of paper-wrapped floral wire, then wrap the triangle around the stem, scrunching the fringe as you continue to wrap, creating the pinecone shape. Next, secure the tip of the pinecone with glue and use a thin strip of craft paper to wrap branches and pinecones together, securing them with glue.

Or, a Ruffly Gift Bag

Take plain brown paper lunch sacks from ho-hum to holiday with just a pair of fringe scissors (available at your local craft store) and coordinated tissue paper and ribbon.

Try a Playful Palette

Cheery colors, like pink, coral and turquoise, are sure to add some pep to your presents. Top with holiday items like candy canes or unbreakable ornaments in coordinated colors for a seasonal finishing touch.

See More Photos: 5 New Holiday Color Combos

From: HGTV Magazine

Or, Make It Monochromatic

Go ahead — wrap all your gifts in your favorite color. But to add visual appeal to your gifts, pick patterned wrapping paper. Group similar gifts together by tying more than one gift with the same piece of flat, solid-colored ribbon — in your go-to hue, of course.

See More Photos: Wrap Holiday Gifts Like a Pro

From: Michelle Edgemont

And, Go for a Color-Block Look

Mod and minimal, this gift wrapping technique relies on a variety of papers and ribbons in different intensities of the same color. Learn more about this look, plus get tips for nine other gift wrap options, below.

See More Photos: Wrap Holiday Gifts Like a Pro

From: Michelle Edgemont

Wow With Washi Tape

You can actually skip the wrapping paper, ribbon and bows with this clever take. Just place gifts in plain white boxes, then decorate with patterned washi tape. Select tape in classic Christmas colors and patterns — or mix it up and opt for non-traditional, instead.

See More Photos: Wrap Holiday Gifts Like a Pro

From: Michelle Edgemont

Or, Have Fun With Candy

Often, the most clever DIY projects are the simplest to create. With that notion in mind, we created a garland that’s perfect for tying onto presents, and that’s just as precious to look at as it is delicious. To craft it, just thread baker's twine through a large needle, then poke the twine through the gumdrops' base and knot the twine around the gift's underside.

See More Photos: 14 Clever Ways to Wrap Gifts

Create a Layered Effect

Designer Marian Parsons layers organic elements and textured ribbon to create wrapped gifts that are a step above the rest. Her tips: "Create pretty packages using items you can find around your house and in nature. Petite pinecones and sprigs of greenery embellish layers of ribbon while vintage sheet music is the perfect custom wrapping for a small gift."

Or, Stack a Snowman

These creatively stacked gifts actually double as decor. Our video tutorial, below, shows you how to decorate the boxes for this friendly snowman effect, and offers up two other ideas for wrapping gifts you won't want to just put under the tree.

Get the How-To: That’s a Wrap: DIY Christmas Present Decor

And, Try This Trick With Gift Cards

Give everyone's second favorite gift — gift cards — a pretty presentation with colorful paper and a paper doily. Our tutorial, below, shows you how to assemble these easy envelopes.

Get the How-To: How to Create Custom Envelopes for Christmas Gift Cards

Spell Out Their Name

Repurposed game tiles and a bit of twine are all you need to craft playful gift tags they can later hang on the tree as an ornament. To create it, simply loop a long piece of twine then attach the tiles to the twine loop with glue, leaving enough room above the tiles to act as a hanger and a bit of twine below the letters for attaching a tassel. Make the tassel by cutting six small pieces of twine, gathering them together in the center and then knotting onto the bottom of the twine below the tiles.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Or, Personalize With Pics

A holiday gathering of close friends and family wouldn't be complete without a few trips down memory lane. This year, kick off the nostalgia by incorporating childhood photos into gifts to indicate who the recipient is — and the goofier the images, the better. Tie off with decorative ribbon for a spin on the traditional gift tag that's festive, sentimental and sure to evoke a laugh or two.

Get the How-To: How to Make Photo Gift Tags

Cleverly Wrap Cookies To Go

Homemade holiday treats are even more thoughtful when they're packaged creatively. Entertaining expert Kim Stoegbauer cleverly wraps cookies in inexpensive paper CD sleeves; bundled up with baker's twine and a cute tag, they're the perfect way to surprise coworkers and neighbors with a sweet treat.

From: Kim Stoegbauer

And, Use This Trick to Wrap Flat Items

Easily wrap large, flat items, like coffee table books or a cutting board, with dollar store poster board. Just place the item in the center of the paper and trace around, leaving about an extra inch on all sides. Then, draw radiating lines out, away from your traced shape and to the poster board's corners. Cut along the radiating lines; place your item back in the center and fold in the cut flaps to test placement. Using a pencil, note where the cut sections of poster board overlap. Round the four flaps so they resemble a standard envelope and bring the four corners together, securing the edges with a glue stick. For a festive finishing touch, add a bit of colorful ribbon.

See More Photos: 14 Clever Ways to Wrap Gifts

Get Crafty for Special Kids' Gifts

A special gift deserves special gift wrap. This gingerbread house treatment is one they won't soon forget. Learn how to upcycle leftover cardboard shipping boxes into this crafty cutie, below.

And, Make Kids' Presents More Playful

Tying small wrapped gifts onto the backs of toys is just one way to give your little ones a present that packs in a bit of extra fun. Check out 10 more creative gift wrapping ideas, below.

See More Photos: 10 Creative Gift Wrapping Ideas

Repurpose an Old Sweater

Let's face it: We've all accidentally shrunk at least one wool or cashmere sweater. It's a painful learning experience: wool + hot water + agitation = a felted sweater that, on the downside, is now too small to wear. On the plus-side, felted fibers don't fray when cut. So, turn those felted gems into a clever way to package jar candles by sliding a candle into one of the sweater's felted sleeves then marking how much you need and cutting it off. Embellish with a coordinating ribbon, bell or ornament and your gift is complete.

From: H. Camille Smith

Or, Upcycle Used Jars

Everyone loves to receive homemade goodies during the holidays but creatively packaging pounds and pounds of treats can be a bit tricky — and expensive. To cut down on costs and give friends a container they can use again: give large glass jars you've saved throughout the year a good cleaning and paint the lids with chalkboard paint. Instead of a basic ribbon, wrap with twine or yarn then slide on a handmade pin or hair clip — so your gift is actually two gifts in one.

Get the How-To: How to Make a Leather Flower Pin or Clip

From: H. Camille Smith

Get Creative With Paper Only

That's right, you can actually skip the ribbons and bows and rely on decorative paper cuts and origami-inspired folds to make your gifts stand out from the pack. Our ideas and tips, below, will have you wrapping gifts like a pro in no time.

Get the How-To: 8 Designer Tricks for Gifts That Are Dressed to Impress

From: Sam Henderson

And, Use Every Scrap of Pretty Paper

As any experienced gift wrapper can attest, wrapping gifts creates a lot of waste — but don't toss the scraps. Instead, use strips of patterned paper in place of ribbon and bows on solid colored gifts.

Creatively Disguise Wine

A cone-shaped piece of felt, pink pom-pom and a bit of faux fur are a fun way to wrap a wine bottle for gifting. Check out eight more gift ideas for the holiday host, below.

See More Photos: 8 Easy Handmade Holiday Gifts for Hosts

Or, A Hard-to-Wrap Shape

Large and oddly shaped gifts present a problem — how to wrap them without giving away what's inside. Enter the Santa sack: an embellished pillowcase that can be used year after year to disguise your hardest-to-wrap gifts. Learn three ways to craft one with our video and tutorial, below.

Get the How-To: 3 DIY Santa Sacks to Do All of This Year's Heavy Lifting

Add a 3-D Tree

This three-dimensional topper is so charming that no bow is needed. To create the tree, cut a pie shape that is 1/3 of a large circle out of green card stock. Score the center of the pie shape then accordion-fold the paper outward at evenly spaced intervals. Glue the edges of the folded paper tree down onto a wrapped gift and embellish with a paper star, rickrack garland and a brown paper trunk.

Or, Craft Your Own Upcycled Bows

Give magazines new life — and save some holiday cash — by crafting these one-of-a-kind gift toppers. Our tutorial, below, will show you how to fold and staple those glossy pages into colorful bows.

Get the How-To: How to Make Upcycled Gift Bows

Sew a Paper Gift Bag

Out of gift wrap or confronted with an oddly-shaped gift? No worries, a sewing machine, leftover grocery sack and a bit of ribbon are all you need for this pretty present. Get our tutorial, below.

Get the How-To: How to Sew Paper Gift Bags + Gift Card Holders

Or, Stitch Up a Paper Ribbon

Using a round paper punch, cut two sizes of circles out of three similar colors (we used orange, red and pink) of card stock. Stack punched circles together and pierce with an awl or nail. Using a needle and thread, string paper circles together, alternating colors and sizes, to create a colorful strand. Finally, wrap around gift, securing ends to the bottom with tape. Design by Morgan Levine.

Go With a Gift Basket, Instead

If you want to skip the gift wrap entirely and still package up a pretty present, a beautifully arranged gift basket is your answer. Check out one of our creative ideas, below.

See More Photos: 40+ Beautifully Unique Gift Baskets for Any Occasion

Or, Gift a Treat-Filled Jar

Hot cocoa warms even the chilliest of days. Share the warmth this holiday season by packaging ingredients for delectable hazelnut hot cocoa into a canning jar and handing them out as sweet gifts. The recipients can even repurpose the jar as an oversized mug to enjoy their seasonal sip. Get the recipe and packaging instructions, below.

Get the Recipe: Holiday Food Gift: Hazelnut Hot Cocoa Recipe

From: Sam Henderson

Try a Tin

Surprise! Vintage Christmas cookie tins aren't just for cookies. Think of them as reusable decorative boxes that are available in a range of shapes and sizes and can often be found at estate sales and thrift stores for pennies on the dollar. Sure, you can fill them with tissue paper and homemade goodies — or you can place a wide variety of non-food gifts inside, then just top with some ribbon and a tag for the easiest gift wrap ever.

Or, Use Vintage Containers

This vintage copper bundt pan is proof that practical can be pretty. Too pretty, in fact, to hide away in a box. Filled with spices, tea towels, wooden spoons and other kitchen essentials, this collection will put a smile on any foodie's face. Bonus: The beautiful bundt pan is actually part of the gift, so no boxes, bags or wrap to dispose of later. Browse 14 more vintage-inspired gift ideas, below.

See More Photos: 15 Vintage Holiday Gift Ideas

From: Marian Parsons

Turn Trash Into Gift Wrap Treasure

Yes, really. You won't believe what we used to make these pretty packages. We took commonly discarded items and transformed them into beautiful (and sanitary!) gift wrap. So, what are you waiting for? Check out our ideas, below, then raid your recycling bin.

See More Photos: 9 Ways to Turn Garbage Into Gorgeous Gift Wrap

Or, Give New Life to an Old Shirt

Scour your closet (or local thrift store) for old clothing items that can be upcycled into Christmasy covers for lidded boxes. To create them, just use a glue stick to secure the fabric to the box's lid, tightly folding in the corners and gluing the ends under the lid's rim. Finish by attaching satin ribbon and a bit of faux greenery for a beautiful box you can use year after year.

From: H. Camille Smith

Add a Paper Pom-Pom

Packages wrapped in inexpensive brown craft paper get a high-end update when topped with small bits of leftover fabric, twine, fabric trim and a wax paper pom-pom. Our tutorial, below, shows you how to turn the kitchen staple into a textural topper.

Get the How-To: Gorgeous Gift Wrapping Ideas

Or, Make It Fuzzy With Yarn

This sweet gift wrap comes together in a snap. Just place gift in a pretty box then top it with a paper doily held in place with double-sided tape or glue dots. To make the pom-pom, wrap several loops of yarn around your fingers, knot the loops in the middle, then trim the knotted yarn into a rounded pom-pom shape.

From: H. Camille Smith

Make It Mod

Give your gifts a hip, retro vibe with inexpensive jewelry findings and vintage ornament cut-outs. Our free printable ornament templates and step-by-step instructions, below, show you how.

Get the How-To: Mod Holiday Gift Wrapping Ideas

From: Sam Henderson

Or, Add Some Seasonal Sparkle

After all, what are the holidays without a little sparkle? Top craft-paper-wrapped gifts with a glittered paper doily, self-adhesive rhinestones, metallic rick-rack and a glittering mini pinecone.

From: H. Camille Smith

Paint On the Gift Tag

Though no longer the crafting new kid on the block, chalkboard paint remains popular, especially when used in a clever way, like this chalkboard gift tag which is painted directly onto the craft paper wrap. Thanks to craft paper's thickness, you can paint it and the wrinkles will flatten out as the paint dries.

From: H. Camille Smith

Or, Paint On the Paper's Pattern

A great kids' craft, this fun gift wrap can be created with materials you probably already have on hand. First, wrap gifts in blue construction paper. Dip the eraser end of a pencil in slightly thinned-down white craft paint or tap it onto a white ink pad and stamp dots onto paper. Create snowflakes by starting with a center dot then working your way out in symmetrical lines and rings. To create the snowman, overlap white dots to build up his body, then finish with an orange paper nose and a black marker mouth, eyes and arms.

Top It With a Paint Chip Gift Tag

Put leftover paint chips to good use as cute and colorful gift tags. Use a Christmas-shaped die or punch to cut the paint chip into a shape you like, then add the recipient's name with a stamp or permanent marker.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Or, Our Free Printable

Both kids and nostalgic adults will love this cute graphic tag featuring Santa's favorite reindeer. Wrap gifts with red ribbon and top with a brown yarn pom-pom for a consistent color scheme. Check out our other free printables, below.

Get Our Free Printables: 75+ Printable (and Free!) Christmas Templates

From: Kim Stoegbauer

Wrap It In Fabric

Cover an inexpensive cardboard mailing tube in trendy, graphic fabric for an eye-catching holiday gift wrap idea. Best of all, the fabric-covered container can be used for year-round storage.

From: H. Camille Smith

And, Use Leftover Fabric as Gift Tags

When wrapping a gift for someone extra special, don't stop at just tying on a bow — add a topper. Good choices are candy canes, fresh greenery or an ornament — like this easy-to-make fabric ornament that covers one of our free ornament printables in a small bit of leftover fabric.

Get the How-To: No-Sew Fabric Christmas Ornaments

From: H. Camille Smith

Craft Paper Pine Branches

Just a few basic materials are all you need to create these colorful embellishments. Start by cutting long pointed oval shapes out of two sheets of light and dark green card stock. Stack the two pieces, score the center then glue the sheets together along the scored line. Once the glue has dried, use scissors to fringe the edges to mimic the texture of pine needles. Create the branch by gluing a craft-paper-wrapped piece of floral wire along the center fold.

Or, a Faux Floral Garland

'Tis the season for beautiful holiday florals and greenery, and contrary to popular belief, favorite blooms need not be confined to wreaths and mantels. This year, get crafty to create colorful garlands to wrap your gifts, instead of standard ribbon. Using silk flowers and floral wire from the craft store, it's easy to weave sprigs of holiday greenery together in a flash. Whether you're a seasoned floral designer or simply an enthusiastic gift-giver, these garlands are sure to add a dose of holiday cheer to your presents.

Get the How-To: How to Wrap a Gift in Floral Garland

Customize Envelopes With Our Free Printable

Wrapping flat and folded objects can be a bit of a gift-wrapping conundrum. Rather than sliding around in boxes or getting lost in gift bags amid heaps of tissue paper, items like books or scarves nestle cozily into these gift envelopes. With a custom design on the front and spaces to write the gift-giver and recipient's names, these offer a chic and easy alternative solution to gifting small, flat items. Learn more, plus download our free printable, below.

Get the How-To: How to Make Gift Envelopes for Christmas

Or, Add Our Free Gift Tag

Adding a graphic finishing touch to your gifts is easy. Just print our free gift tag onto white card stock, then cut out with scissors or a tag-shaped cutter. Leave the tags as is, or add glue to each of the ornaments and dust with glitter for a bit of glitz.

Get Our Free Printables: 75+ Printable (and Free!) Christmas Templates

From: Kim Stoegbauer

Roll It Up

Rather than attempt to disguise oddly shaped gifts with wrapping paper only barely secured with layer upon layer of tape, artist Denise Sharp simply places the gift inside a cardboard tube then covers the tube in colorful fabric and secures the ends with ribbon.

Or, Can It

Place small gifts inside lidded metal tins, like film reel canisters or old snack tins, then stack together for this creative presentation. To keep the tins from shifting, place magnets between each layer. Image courtesy of Design Dump.

Make the Container Part of the Gift

When giving homemade treats as a gift, think outside the basket. A colorful bowl, platter or tray does the trick and is more likely to be reused by the recipient. Shop estate sales, flea markets and antique markets to find vintage transferware, hand-painted porcelain and cut crystal.

And, Try These Tips for Shipping Goodies

Everybody loves receiving a box of homemade treats. Packing them up in a way that's pretty yet still ensures that your cookies arrive in one piece is the key to a successful gift. Our tips, below, will show you how to pack homemade goodies like a pro.

See More Photos: How to Wrap and Ship Christmas Cookies So They Look Good and Arrive Unbroken

Skip the Ribbon

And sub items your probably already have on hand, instead — like straws and fuzzy pom-poms. To create, just use a needle and thread to string together a garland that's long enough to wrap around your box. Then, secure the ends to the box's bottom with tape or a bit of hot glue.

Or, Even the Bow

Another great craft for kids, these felt snowflakes can be created in any size you like. First, fold paper into a small triangle and cut out sections to create a snowflake to use as a stencil. Lightly coat the stencil's back with spray adhesive to prevent it shifting, then place on felt. Use a sponge or sponge brush to lightly pounce white craft paint over the snowflake stencil. Once paint has fully dried, remove paper stencil and use scalloped scissors to cut around the edges of the snowflake design. Top wrapped gift with the felt snowflake, instead of a standard bow, and secure with twine.

Delight Your Favorite Globetrotter

Maps continue to be a trendy decorating theme and, better still, many are large enough to wrap several small gifts or one large one. To make the wrap more personal, select a map that shows the recipient's birthplace or a favorite travel destination.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Or, Kids' Art Fan (AKA Grandparents)

Kids will love creating this gift wrap that's as easy to craft as it is cute. First, wrap gift in newsprint or butcher paper. Then, create a lightbulb-shaped stamp from a wine cork by cutting away the sides with a craft knife to leave just a pointed oval shape. Brush a light coat of paint onto the lightbulb portion of the stamp, then firmly press it onto the wrapped gift. Continue adding stamped bulbs in a line, alternating colors, until you're happy with the design. Allow paint to dry then add the string with a permanent marker.

Craft a Tissue Paper Topper

Instead of a traditional ribbon bow, top gifts with a flouncy pom-pom. Create them in a variety of sizes by varying the dimensions of tissue paper you use. Cutting the paper to 5" x 5" is a good starting point for your first try, then enlarge or shrink the dimensions once you get a hang of the technique. To start, stack 15-20 sheets (the more you use, the fuller it will be) of tissue paper and cut a square in your desired dimensions. Fold the stacked paper back and forth accordion style, folding and creasing the paper every 1/8" to 1/4". Secure the center with wire, then fringe the paper's edges with scissors. Finally, carefully unfold and separate sheets till you have a flat-bottomed pom-pom. Attach to ribbon with wire.

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