How to Wrap a Present in a Unique Way

You don't always need the traditional paper and bow. Try something a little different. Below you will find some unconventional ways of wrapping gifts for most occasions. Give it a go the next time you have a present to wrap for somebody.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Gift Ribbons
• Ribbons
• Tissue Paper
• City Maps
• Brown Paper Bags
• Gift Bags
• Gift Bows
• Waxed Paper
• Wrapping Paper
• Makeup Bags
• Adhesive Tape
• Scrap Papers
• String
• Tissue paper

1. Think category wrapping first. Put gardening gloves in a terra cotta flowerpot with a long ivy strand tied around the pot in a bow. Or wrap baby items in a baby blanket with French ribbon.

2. Use unexpected papers: maps, art papers, cellophane, foil, shopping bags, wax papers, or comics. Don't forget about paper you stamp, paint, write on or collage yourself.

3. Consider wire, rolls of stamps, string, sashes, old ties, belts, laces, lariats, leather strips, dog leashes, telephone wire, garden tapes, old cassette tapes and stickers to tie packages.

4. Use unusual containers. Wrap a silk shirt in a matching sweater, a diamond bracelet in a sock, a camera in a velvet wine-bottle bag, a book in a cereal box, or a watch in a makeup bag. A carefully cleaned egg could hold a ring.

5. Customize the wrapping to fit the sentiment. For example, you could wrap a rose in a newspaper from the day you met and tie it with a bright-red licorice whip.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep gifts that can leak, melt, drip, or transfer scents or dyes separate from other gifts.

• Make sure the person will find the gift, particularly if you will not be there to point it out.