Ways to Add a Festive Touch to Basic Gift Boxes

We're all about a personalized touch. And with these handmade options, the packaging is half the gift.

By: Brian Patrick Flynn

Related To:

Natural Elements

Incorporate some natural elements into your gift wrap with a few simple materials. First, wrap twine around the handle of a kraft takeout box, then add a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme. Finish with a copper tag to emphasize the rustic, handmade look. To customize your tag, use a letter stamp kit to add your recipient's name.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Winter Wonderland

Using a plain kraft box, add decorative snow texture to create a winter wonderland on the lid. Once the texture is dry, use a hot glue gun to apply the miniature deer and trees. Place decorative ribbon around the sides to finish the look.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Gingerbread Box

To bring a whimsical look to your gifts, create a gingerbread house out of a kraft takeout box. Use decorative snow texture to create piping on your gingerbread house, then apply red hots or candy canes to add a holiday touch.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Le Femme

Give a basic kraft box a feminine spin by adding sequins to the outer edge. Stuff your gift inside with tulle for an extra layer of chicness.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Holly, Jolly Touch

A traditional gift-wrapped item can be more personalized by sticking with a theme. Here, we wrapped a basic kraft box in retro paper, tied in red ribbon and finished with a festive note of holly. The holly berry sprig adds a special touch that is sure to impress.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Lit Tulle

Take simple gift wrap up a notch by adding a battery-operated lighting element. Dress your gift with decorative tulle and velvet ribbon for a touch of sophistication and elegance.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Christmas Ribbon

Decorate a simple kraft box with festive holiday ribbon. Use two-inch-wide ribbon to cover the exterior of the box on all four sides and adhere it to the interior of the box. Apply the ribbon to the top of the lid and create a decorative bow to place on top.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Run-On Ribbon

You can dress up plain bags, too! If you have a lot of extra ribbon lying around, consider using it on a gift bag. Simply take a kraft paper gift bag and punch holes at random. Thread the ribbon throughout for a one-of-a-kind look.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Shirt-Inspired Bag

For a more masculine gift bag, consider a button-down shirt for inspiration. Use patterned cardstock to create the shirt pocket. To finish, add a tie made with hemp string. Make the gift feel even more personalized by adding a name tag to the pocket.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Photo By: Flynnside Out Productions

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Ways to Add a Festive Touch to Basic Gift Boxes

Related To:

Natural Elements

Winter Wonderland

Gingerbread Box

Le Femme

Holly, Jolly Touch

Lit Tulle

Christmas Ribbon

Run-On Ribbon

Shirt-Inspired Bag

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