9 Creative, but simple gift wrap ideas!

Today, for Sunday favorites with Mary Ann and Cindy, I thought I would share my gift wrap series I’ve been posting on Instagram over the last several weeks.

I love creative gift wrap, but only if it’s economical and, even better, if it’s sustainable. My favorite gift wrap always starts with kraft wrap that I find in the paint department at the hardware store. I look for smaller rolls that are great for small boxes. The larger rolls of heavier paper in traditional brown kraft wrap, or red (which is really more pink), last for a couple of years.

I’m adding links to the items I use, but use what you have on hand in new and creative ways!

Kraft wrap and rubber stamps

I used a simple rubber stamp I found on Etsy. I stamped all over the paper, not worrying about a pattern or about overlapping. Since it’s the holidays, I used a red stamp pad. I mixed twine and gingham ribbon with some silver baubles. I had mine from a few years ago; they are similar to these.

Clay tags with initials

Clay tags made with air-dry clay are a breeze to make. Stamp one initial and reuse it year after year. I like to add a mix of ribbons and twine to make it interesting.

I use small cookie cutters to make round tags, and then I make a hole with a skewer. If you end up not making the hole large enough to thread some ribbon through, don’t worry, air-dry clay is very forgiving, even when it dries. You can make the hole a little larger using the same skewer. Stamp an initial, and let it air dry overnight or in a 200º oven for about 30 minutes.

Attach to use as gift tags, or on napkin rings, or even stockings.

Stickers and lunch bags

I talked about this in a previous post. I have been adding my stickers to boxes and packages I am sending in the mail. Even the post office employee commented on them! The custom stickers are great for sealing a lunch bag, putting on a wrapped gift, or a box you are sending in the post. It will definitely get their attention!

A lunch sack and twine are all you need with a custom photo sticker. I used a photo from our Christmas cards, probably from 2001. I think a visit to Santa photo could be cute too!

Kraft wrap, velvet, tinsel, and twig stars

I am always a fan of mixing high and low…even in gift wrap. For this gift wrap, I used regular kraft paper, frayed velvet ribbon mixed with tinsel ribbon. For a little added sparkle, I used little rhinestone stickers all over the paper, and then added a homemade twig star for a rustic touch.

Kraft paper and paint

One of my favorite gift wraps this year is one of the easiest. I used regular kraft paper, which is quite heavy, and then a small foam paintbrush to paint a very imperfect checkerboard pattern. I used paint I had on hand, so I looked for a similar color twine from this crate of 24 colors ,and then added a small ornament. I also used frayed canvas ribbon, which is such an easy, economical way to make your own ribbon. You can read more on how to make frayed ribbon in this post.

Butcher paper and old school labels

There is something so charming about an old school label maker. Using red tape on white butcher paper with a little gingham ribbon, and that’s all you need for the sweetest packages with a hint of nostalgia.

Make a pocket

Wrap a gift so it creates a little pocket. Perfect for wrapping books. You could use the pocket for adding a note, photo, gift card, or stickers!

My friend Ria Sim wrote and illustrated the book, Dear New York, I Love You. She had a small sheet of stickers with illustrations from her book.

Candy canes & hand-drawn jars

I love drawing little Bonne Maman jars on gift wrap to hold a flower, a sprig of holly, or candy canes! I glue them to the package, then add some red-and-white-striped grosgrain ribbon or red twine, and a little tag with a miniature drawing.

Bonne Maman jars for gifting mini cookies

If you know me, you know I love collecting and repurposing jars, especially Bonne Maman jars. For this adorable gift wrap, I made tiny chocolate chip cookies and filled the jam jars with them. I added a little ribbon and a bit of tinsel garland. This would work any time of year! You can see how I used them with tiny ginger cookies in this post.

My favorite BFCM sales

Warby Parker has a 15% off two prescription glasses sale. My husband and I both recently needed new glasses. We made an appointment for an eye exam and then ordered our glasses. The whole experience of finding the right frames and then perfect progressive lenses was seamless! I then ordered new sunglasses, and again, it was such a great experience. In the past, I have had trouble adjusting to a new prescription with progressive lenses.

EBY – My favorite bras (and the only ones I wear) are on sale, Buy One Get One! I like the Relief Bra and these panties!

The KULE sale is a good one. Sitewide sale – 30% off through 12/1. My favorite tees that I wear every week on rotation: The Modern Long in cream, heather gray, and black. The Boyfriend Tee in cream/navy and black/cream stripe. The Turtleneck in copper/black. Use code: BF30.

Roxanne Assoulin has only one sale a year, and this is it! Sitewide 20% off, no code required. I love the Puffy Heart Necklace in gold, and I’ve had my eye on the Long Happy Cord Charm Necklace in brown with a cream heart.

Terrain has 30% off holiday decor and select gifts! We have these knit stockings and just added the red gingham stockings for our growing family. I used this gorgeous Enamel Bauble + Tinsel Garland mixed with Faux Cedar Garland and my own DIY Ralph Lauren-inspired garland above the kitchen sink. See it in this post.

QUINCE has gifts under $50 and cashmere starting at $24.90. I have so many favorites from Quince. I’m currently traveling for two weeks, and have a stack of cashmere sweaters, corduroys, and denim that I’m wearing on repeat.

J.Crew Cyber Monday (11/30-12/2): Cyber Monday starts now! Shop 50% off your purchase! I have been eyeing this Fair Isle Cardigan, and at this price, add to cart! Love these Cotton Poplin Pajamas in peppermint stripe. This Wool Blend Flannel Blazer in warm camel is gorgeous and goes with everything!

Serena & Lily up to 40% off on items like these side tables: Scallop Rattan Side Table, or the Kennington Martini Table, and the South Seas Rattan Side Table, similar to the bar cart.

Let’s check in with Cindy & Mary Ann!

Cindy Hattersley Design

Read Cindy’s Sunday post here.

Classic Casual Home

Read Mary Ann’s Sunday post here.