10 Unique Gift-Wrapping Ideas

Presentation matters, and especially so when it comes to gifts. A well-wrapped present is a thing of beauty, working to build anticipation in the recipient and serving as the perfect decorative frame for what’s inside.

But if you never quite learned the details (or even the basics) of how to wrap a gift, it can be completely overwhelming. You mean I have to spend all this time and money on a holiday gift AND on holiday gift wrap!? Where does it end?!

Good news! It ends here! Below are 10 unique gift wrapping ideas that can be pulled off cheaply and easily to make your present stand out in the very best of ways. Of course, if even these seem to be a little too much to handle, you can always go with the classic “gift bag and tissue paper” option. Some nonprofits even offer to wrap presents for you as a fundraiser. Know your strengths! 

For those in the market for holiday gift wrapping ideas you haven’t seen a million times already, keep scrolling down. And let us know in the comments if you have any gift wrapping ideas we missed!

Cheap, Easy and Quick Gift-Wrapping Ideas

1. Fabric Wraps – Given that most wrapping paper can’t be recycled, fabric has become the green-friendly holiday gift wrap of choice. While it may seem trendy today, the practice of wrapping gifts in fabric (or “furoshiki”) originated around 710 BC in Japan. It has been in use ever since thanks to its versatility and low cost. Source fabric squares online or repurpose thrifted fabrics like handkerchiefs, bandanas, linens, or tea towels for this year’s crop of gifts. Then, follow this tutorial on how to wrap gifts in fabric from Better Homes & Gardens to learn how to fold and tie the fabrics for the best look.
2. Funnies Pages –This vintage gift-wrapping idea is straight out of the 1970s or 1980s. The hardest thing about it might be finding the “funny pages” in your local newspaper if you don’t have a subscription (hint: they’re published on Sundays). Simply remove the pages with the colored cartoons, wrap your gifts, and use a similarly childish ribbon to complete the look. The newsprint can rub off easily on your fingers, so wear latex gloves while you’re wrapping to prevent smudges.
3. Vintage Tin, Cigar Box or Jar – A fast and easy gift-wrapping idea is to put the present into a decorative vintage tin, cigar box, jar or any other interesting container. Think of it as two gifts in one! We like to wrap the present in tissue paper within the outer container to prevent it from moving around and then top it off with a neatly wrapped bow. These containers work particularly well for gifting items that will need to be stored after you gift them. Think anything that comes in multiples: candy, cookies, pens, etc.
4. Kraft Paper – This classic, typically brown paper is an ideal choice for holiday gift wrapping because it is cheaper than most store-bought papers and infinitely customizable! Some of our favorite ideas to zhuzh it up include stamps, evergreen sprigs, candy canes and thick strings or twine. You can also channel your inner artiste (or involve the kids) by using a paint pen or metallic marker to draw simple snowflakes, Christmas trees, patterns, messages or anything else that comes to mind. In addition to brown, kraft paper can also be found in black, red, green and white which allows you an almost unlimited number of options.
5. Kids’ Drawings – Speaking of kids, they can be endless sources of artistic output. Simply put plain paper of any sort in front of them with holiday-colored markers, stamps, stickers, and basic instructions, and let the magic happen. Your recipients will be charmed by the rustic, handmade look and you’ll be charmed by the low-effort, high-reward activity you just entertained them with all afternoon! Another cute way to involve them and their creative talents is to wrap the gift in a plain paper and then ask them to draw or paint a bow on the gift. Voila!
6. Doubled Texture – One of the key ways to bring your holiday gift wrap from ordinary to extraordinary is to add in another texture or layer. An idea we love is lace over rich, jewel-toned or metallic papers. Paper doilies can also do the trick. If you want the look, but don’t have enough lace to cover the whole gift, try a strip underneath the ribbon. The smile on your recipient’s face will let you know that the extra effort was well worth it. 
7. Personalized Paper – A quick way to personalize any paper you choose is to add a picture of you and your loved one on it. Printed photographs are something of a rarity these days, so your thoughtfulness and foresight will be extra-appreciated. You can use the photo as a card, affix it to the package with decorative washi tape, or clip it to a ribbon with a gold paperclip or binder clip. If you’re feeling extra creative, you can even design and print your own holiday gift wrap with a series of pictures. 
8. Prettied Paper Bag – If there’s one gift wrap item that’s relatively easy and cheap to find, it’s a brown paper bag. Whether sized for lunch or groceries, these sturdy items can be customized in much the same way as kraft paper. You can punch holes in them for ribbons, add special decorative elements like pinecones or small ornaments, or even paint them to look like gingerbread houses. The options are only as limited as your imagination!
9. Reusable Bag – Instead of a paper bag, buy a reusable bag for your gift and make it a part of the gift. Everyone needs reusable bags, and hates spending the money on them, so knock out two birds with one very sustainable stone by including it. Around this time of year, many retailers put out special holiday themed reusable bags, so grab a set and divide them among your recipients. Easy and impactful.
10. Book Pages – In no way are we suggesting you take apart an existing book for holiday gift wrap, but if you happen to have one (or stumble on one) that is already in disrepair . . . this method is a cheap and practical way to wrap gifts for the intellectuals in your life. Book jackets work as well, but keep in mind that the thicker the paper, the harder it is to wrap. Finish off the look with a big red bow.

How to wrap a gift is one of the great mysteries of life. Fortunately, we live in a time in which Christmas gift wrap ideas abound. For inspo, check out:

• 10 Creative Gift Wrapping Ideas – The DIY Mommy
• Creative Ways to Wrap Gifts – Artifact Uprising
• 15 Cute Gift Wrapping Ideas to Try for Any Occasion – Cosmopolitan
• 58 Easy Christmas Gift Wrapping Ideas – Woman’s Day

While it may be tempting to go overboard with your holiday gift wrap and spend lots of money to make sure the gifts you bought look as great as can be, you can achieve the same impact with a bit of creativity and elbow grease.