5 creative ways to wrap gifts (when you’re bad at bows)

produced by  ANNA KOCHARIAN
photography by  MICHAEL WILTBANK

We’re all for giving the traditional holiday gift wrap a bit of an update. Sure, the classically meticulous store-wrap has its perks, but a few personal touches never hurt. So we set out to give the standard holiday package a slight revamp. Take a look!

tiny tree toys … FOR THAT SPECIAL SOMEONE

For the extra special gift under the tree (we’re talking the small and jeweled variety, ahem) an equally memorable gift wrap is just the thing. String the gift atop a delicate ornament – bonus points for ones that stand on their own – for the best surprise!

What You’ll Need

• tree ornaments or tiny figurines (toy cars and sleds work too!)
• sturdy string or thin, gold wire

brown paper packages … TO BE SEALED AND DELIVERED

There’s nothing quite like receiving packages in the mail – and the ones around the holidays are always a bit more special. We’re all for elevating the classic brown-papered package with a few dainty touches. Take a look!

What You’ll Need

• kraft paper (or solid wrapping paper)
• vintage postage stamps
• ribbons

a tropical punch … JUST FOR THE KIDS

Let the little ones join in on the fun, with a playful collection of gift wrap accessories. Wrap the packages and let them stamp away!

What You’ll Need

• solid wrapping paper ( we used the backside of a printed one
• )jungle stamp set
• gift tags
• washi tape

paper baggies … FOR SWEETS & TREATS

A crafty pouch to hold those infamous holiday cookies

What You’ll Need

• brown paper bags or wax paper bag
• twine
• thin gold wire
• decorative elements (we used mini ornaments and fresh herbs such as twine and sage)
• hole puncher

Instruction Fold down the top flap of the baggies (about 1 inch) and hole punch two holes and string the twine through. If you’re using herbs, gather a small handful and wrap the thin gold wire around the base of the bunch. Attach the herb cluster to the baggies with the twine.

If using the ornaments, string a couple along the thin gold wire, and twist to attach to the twine.

holiday toppers … FOR THE OFFICE EXCHANGE

Treat a basic package to a few festive touches, with a slew of fit toppers. Candy canes and cinnamon sticks always make the best (scented!) pair.

What You’ll Need

• kraft paper
• twine
• washi tape
• toppers (we used various herbs, leftover pine from a tree trimming, and a few seasonal sweets)