The holidays are magical, but let’s be honest—gift wrapping can be stressful, expensive, and time-consuming. It doesn’t have to be, though! With a little creativity and a few simple materials, you can make your presents look beautiful, thoughtful, and unique without breaking the bank. And the best part? Some of these ideas are so easy, even the kids can join in the fun.
One of my favorite budget-friendly tricks is to use a drawstring bag for gift wrapping. It’s reusable, easy to decorate, and perfect for oddly shaped gifts that are a nightmare to wrap with paper. Plus, once the gift is opened, the bag itself can be part of the present—talk about a win-win! Whether you pick up a plain fabric drawstring bag to decorate yourself or use a colorful pre-made one, it’s a smart, eco-friendly option that works for everyone on your list.
But let’s not stop there—there are so many creative and affordable ways to wrap your gifts this year. From upcycled materials to DIY decorations, this guide will walk you through ideas that are as fun to create as they are to give. Let’s dive in!
1. Repurpose Old Materials for a Unique Look
Sometimes, the best gift wrap is hiding in plain sight. Look around your house for materials you already have that could double as wrapping supplies.
- Newspaper or Magazines: The black-and-white text of newspaper looks surprisingly chic when paired with a colorful ribbon or twine. Comic strips from Sunday papers are perfect for kids’ gifts!
- Brown Paper Bags: Plain brown paper is a classic. Add a little holiday cheer with stamps, stickers, or doodles, and it transforms into rustic-chic wrap.
- Fabric Scraps: Got old scarves or leftover fabric? Wrap your gifts in fabric for a beautiful, reusable option. Use a drawstring bag for smaller items, and tie the fabric up with a knot for larger ones.
This approach not only saves money but also reduces waste, making it a win for your wallet and the planet.
2. Get Crafty with Personal Touches
Adding homemade decorations to your wrapping is a simple way to make each gift feel special. Here are some ideas:
- Handmade Gift Tags: Use cardstock, old holiday cards, or even painted rocks to create unique tags. Write names with metallic markers for a festive touch.
- DIY Stamps: Cut holiday shapes—like stars or trees—out of potatoes, sponge, or foam, then dip them in paint to decorate plain wrapping paper or bags.
- Natural Elements: Pinecones, sprigs of evergreen, cinnamon sticks, and dried orange slices are affordable and look gorgeous tied to packages with twine.
These small details turn ordinary wrap into something that feels thoughtful and one-of-a-kind.
3. Think Outside the (Gift) Box
Not all gifts fit neatly into a box, and that’s where you can get creative. For those odd-shaped treasures, consider:
- Drawstring Bags: Perfect for anything from clothing to toys, they’re easy to use and reusable. For a personal touch, add a small charm or hand-painted design.
- Mason Jars: Fill jars with small gifts like homemade treats, beauty products, or craft supplies. Wrap a ribbon or a piece of fabric around the lid for decoration.
- Tins or Baskets: Upcycle containers you already have or find at thrift stores. Line them with tissue paper, and they’re ready to hold your gift.
These alternatives are practical and make opening the gift a little more exciting.
4. Eco-Friendly Wrapping with a Purpose
For a more sustainable holiday, consider wraps that double as part of the gift. Some ideas include:
- Reusable Tote Bags: These can hold larger gifts and be reused for shopping or storage.
- Furoshiki Wrapping: A traditional Japanese method that uses fabric to wrap gifts. The fabric can later be used as a scarf, dishcloth, or decoration.
- Kitchen Towels or Cloth Napkins: Wrap kitchen-related gifts like utensils or baking supplies in a pretty towel or napkin.
This kind of wrapping not only reduces waste but also feels thoughtful and practical.
5. Get the Kids Involved
If you have little ones, wrapping gifts can become a fun holiday activity instead of a chore. Kids can:
- Decorate Plain Paper: Give them markers, stickers, and stamps to turn plain paper or drawstring bags into a masterpiece.
- Make Handprint Tags: Help them dip their hands in paint and press onto gift tags for a personal touch that grandparents will adore.
- Create Yarn Pom-Poms: Teach them how to make simple pom-poms to use as gift toppers.
Not only will your wrapping be more memorable, but you’ll also make some fun holiday memories along the way.
6. Save Money with Dollar Store Finds
The dollar store is a goldmine for affordable wrapping supplies. Stock up on:
- Ribbons, bows, and decorative tape
- Mini ornaments to use as gift toppers
- Plain drawstring bags or small gift boxes
- Holiday-themed stickers and stamps
With a little creativity, these inexpensive items can look just as impressive as high-end wrapping supplies.
7. Add a Touch of Personalization
Taking a moment to customize your wrapping makes it extra special. Try these ideas:
- Monogram It: Use stencils or adhesive letters to add the recipient’s initials to their gift.
- Photo Tags: Print small photos of the gift recipient and attach them as tags—no need for names!
- Handwritten Messages: Write a short, heartfelt note directly onto plain wrapping paper or the inside of a drawstring bag.
Personalization shows that you put thought and effort into your gift, even before it’s unwrapped.
8. Make Wrapping Part of the Holiday Decor
Beautifully wrapped gifts can double as decorations under the tree. To achieve this, stick to a cohesive color scheme or theme.
- Use a mix of kraft paper, metallic accents, and natural elements like twine and pinecones for a rustic vibe.
- Choose bold, bright colors like red and green with shiny ribbons for a traditional holiday look.
- Experiment with pastel tones and glitter for a modern, whimsical feel.
This approach makes your gifts part of the holiday ambiance, adding to the festive spirit.
9. Wrap It Up—Literally
When the gift is something that can hold other items—like a backpack, tote bag, or drawstring bag—let it do double duty as the wrapping. Fill it with smaller gifts, tie the drawstring, and you’re done. This works especially well for gifts like books, toys, or clothing.
10. Plan Ahead for Next Year
As you’re unwrapping gifts this year, save what you can for next time.
- Keep ribbons, bows, and decorative bags in good condition.
- Save large pieces of wrapping paper that aren’t ripped.
- Use sturdy drawstring bags or gift boxes that can be reused year after year.
By planning ahead, you’ll save time and money when the holidays roll around again.
Wrapping gifts doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With a little creativity and a few budget-friendly materials, you can make every present look festive and unique. Whether you’re using a simple drawstring bag, upcycled materials, or DIY decorations, the thought and care you put into your wrapping will shine through—and isn’t that what the holidays are all about?