By Nicole Gnazdowsky
We spend a lot of time trying to find that perfect gift for our perfect someone during the holiday season, only to scratch off the price tag and put it in whatever gift bag we have left over from the previous year’s festivities. This year, try taking an extra step. If you’re looking to get crafty, check out the following ideas for gift-giving inspiration.
Wrap it up
Leave the traditional wrapping paper for Santa Claus. The typically colourful and cartoonish paper will always have a special place at his workshop, but try making your gifts extra special with more modern and stylish options.
Using a blank slate like brown paper will allow your decorative items to really pop. Or try using burlap to give your gift some texture and add a homemade feel. Newspapers or sheet music are simple and inexpensive ways to add a personal touch to the outside of your gift. (Imagine how meaningful a present could be wrapped in the musical notes of your loved one’s favourite song.) Do you have an avid traveller on your gift list? Try incorporating a map from their favourite city, a country you recently visited together or somewhere they’ve always dreamed of going.
Tie one on
Traditional ribbon can be paired with alternative wrapping paper — just try to get more creative with your selections. Instead of the classic plastic, single-coloured ribbon you curl with a pair of scissors, opt for a fabric ribbon or a unique pattern. Tie it in the classic four square, fashion a bow or use a variety of co-ordinating ribbons on the same present. Twine provides a natural look, but if you’re looking for something more colourful, try making paper twine by twisting up tissue paper.
Not your average bow
A piece of evergreen tree, pinecones, cinnamon sticks or real or faux flowers can give your gift more visual appeal — and they smell great! Not only are these options easy to find, but they also look pretty and add a unique twist to your gift.
Give it a name
Now that you’ve crafted the perfect gift box, you can’t just slap on a traditional name tag sticker. Try spicing things up by creating handmade tags. Cut paper into unique shapes and tie them to your chosen ribbon. You can often find free, printable templates online or try stencilling a name directly onto brown paper.
This content originally appeared in YULETIDE PREPARATIONS, a SaltWire custom publishing title.
