Shower Hooks to Hang Wrapping PaperYou can hang wrapping paper on shower hooks on a towel bar,or in a closet.That way it will not get ruined like most of mine does.
Cardboard Tube for Storing Gift Wrap RollsStoring partly used rolls of gift wrap can be a bit of a nuisance. The paper unravels and becomes crumpled. You can end up wasting a lot, or sometimes all, of the remaining paper.
Use Luggage for Gift Wrap StorageAfter years of juggling with my many wrapping and tissue papers, gift bags, and ribbons I designated one of my rarely used pieces of luggage to hold these items. It is easy to take out into a room to wrap gifts too! Everything in one place.
Personalized Photo Gift WrappingMuch of gift giving is in the PRESENTation so here's a way to wow your recipients. Instead of wrapping your gifts in generic wrapping paper, make your own out of meaningful photos.
Colored Tape Instead of RibbonsUse colored masking tape instead of ribbon to wrap gifts.
Newspaper Comics for GiftwrapI love giving gifts all year long. Years ago, it hit me one day that sometimes my wrappings cost nearly as much as the gift itself! Now I use comics from the newspaper to wrap my gifts. I already get the paper, so it's free.
Use Wallpaper for Wrapping PresentsI like to pick-up remnants/rolls at yardsales/thrift stores. I use them as wrapping paper for presents.
Packing Paper for Gift WrapWhen my UPS packages arrive, they have brown paper in large sheets for stuffing. I iron them and use colored ink and stamps to decorate the paper for wrapping paper.
Make Inexpensive Gift Bags and WrappingI like to make inexpensive gift bags for year around use. Pillow cases from the thrift stores make great light weight bags, just fold down the top and run a drawstring through.
Storing Rolls of Wrapping PaperHere is a new use for my empty 3 liter soda bottle, a frugal rolled paper storage solution. Just remove the top and bottom.
Emergency Wrap for Small GiftsI recently had to wrap a DVD for a kid's birthday party, and had no wrapping paper, ribbon, or a bow; so I used a piece of colorful printer paper and some scrap hemp string. It worked out beautifully!
Reuse Foil Box For Leftover Wrapping PaperReuse tin foil boxes to store small amounts of leftover wrapping paper. Wax paper boxes can also be used for this purpose.
Use Reusable Grocery Bag as a Gift BagThis past Christmas, I decided to use re-usuable shopping bags to give my gifts in. I purchased several at a department store for 50 cents each, put some Christmas decorations on, and had crepe paper hanging over the sides.
Save Wrapping Paper By Using Fishing LineTo save gift wrap paper to use again: When you make your fold and get ready to tape, put fishing line in at the taped area. Leave a small end on each side.
Storing Gift Wrap Under The BedI use one of those under the bed storage boxes for organizing my gift wrapping. Along with all the wrapping paper, I keep scissors and cellophane tape, ribbons, sticky labels and card tags along with birthday cards and a few left over Christmas cards.
Make Wrapping Paper With StickersWhen you just can't find that perfect wrapping paper, use tissue paper and add some stickers. You children will love this!
Wrapping Paper for LessMy tip is for wrapping paper. When wrapping a child's gift, use the Sunday comics. When wrapping a gift for the grandparents take a brown grocery sack and cut it open. Then let your child be creative on the side that has no store markings. Then use to wrap the gift.
Using Butcher Paper for Cards and Gift WrapI use butcher paper for the kids to draw on, and it also doubles for wrapping presents. The kids love to decorate the paper and make their own cards out of it, too.
Storing Gift WrapIf you have any old suit bags, use them for storing long rolls of gift wrap. Also enclose, to save on time, put a roll of scotch tape, scissors, gift tags and a pen or marker.
Recycling Wrapping Paper and Greeting CardsIf you're like me, you hate to throw out pretty wrapping paper. I use it as many times as I can to wrap gifts. I also save the fronts from old greeting cards. Here's a few ideas to re-use them.
Shredding Old Gift Wrap For Packing MaterialSave gift wrap; put it through your shredder. Place the shredded gift wrap in two separate bags: one for general gifts and one for Christmas time. These bags can hang on hooks most anywhere until needed for packing, separating items or whatever.
Pants Hangers For Wrapping PaperI have bought pants hangers from the thrift store and I use them to hang all my wrapping paper that I have received with gifts.
Gift Wrap IdeasBecause of our consumer society, wrapping paper can be a huge expense. We may want to consider "downgrading" the packaging and wrapping of the things we purchase in the coming year.
I recently heard of a great idea: instead of wasting what amounts to tons (collectively) of wrap and ribbon, why not use seasonal dish clothes or towels to wrap some items? You could use place mats that have been rolled up and tied as a beautiful gift alone or with some kind of neat kitchen gizmo tucked inside. Use YOUR imagination!
Editor's Note: What gift wrapping ideas have you used? Do you have any ideas to share with our readers?
Gift Box IdeaInstead of purchasing shirt boxes for the holidays, use cereal boxes instead. They are just the right size to slide a shirt, pants, robe or anything else like that into. You can decorate the box with wrapping paper so that the cereal logos aren't seen.
By Sandi
Wrapping a Very Large GiftTo wrap a very large present, buy a party paper table cloths. I just buy plain white ones when on sale, but they are very cheap to begin with. I cut a potato into a star or moon shape to use as a stamp then use whatever paint I have handy to decorate the table cloth.
