ALT-1 Inexpensive Gift Wrapping Ideas
From 3arf
The high cost of holiday wrapping paper can break any budget, making it a hidden culprit in the quest to minimize holiday spending. By being proactive and thinking creatively, families can dramatically cut the cost on wrapping paper and at the same time conserve resources.
- Host a holiday swap party. Many people use the same wrapping paper year after year. Early in the shopping season, invite your friends, family, and neighbors to bring their wrapping paper to your house to do a free “exchange”. You would be surprised at how much extra wrapping paper you may find in your own garage or craft closet that you wouldn’t mind exchanging for brand new designs. Guests could also bring ribbon and bows to swap.
- Purchase wrapping paper in bulk. If you really like a particular design and are sure you won’t get tired of it, buy a large roll of wrapping paper that you can use year to year. You can change the look of this paper with different ribbons and bows.
- Shop for paper early in the season. Drug and department stores often offer discounted wrapping paper early in the holiday season, even as early as October. If you only have a few gifts to wrap, consider shopping at dollar stores. The paper rolls are smaller but they only cost one dollar each.
- Raid your craft closet for holiday boxes and used gift bags. Many decorative gift boxes and bags you received last year can be “re-gifted” for someone else. Make sure you remove any “To/From” tags or other indication that you didn’t purchase the bag brand new.
- Wrap presents in scraps of fabric. If you like to sew or know someone who does, chances are you have a wealth of fabric scraps at your disposal. If the fabric is a non-holiday color, dress it up with a sprig of holly or colorful holiday ribbons and bows. This is both a low cost wrapping method and a way to conserve resources.
- Transform plain paper bags into gorgeous gift bags. Cut out scenes from last year’s holiday cards and attach them to brown, white, silver, or gold paper bags. You can find inexpensive paper bags at discount stores, craft stores, or your local gourmet grocery store. Finish the gift bag off with stickers, curling ribbon, and a large bow at the top.
- Hit the post-holiday sales. The best time to purchase holiday wrapping paper is the week after Christmas beginning Dec. 26, when most wrapping is offered at 50-75 percent off the normal selling price.
Holiday gift wrapping doesn’t have to break the bank. More important than how the gift is wrapped or even the gift itself is the sentiment behind the gift giving experience.
