Get All Wrapped Up

With a beautiful presentation, you can transform a humble present into something special or make a dream gift even more magical. Here are some easy and time-efficient ways to do just that:

• Keep a roll of white wrapping paper on hand all year long and you’ll always have
  an elegant way to prepare a gift. Simply choose a colored ribbon to match the season or occasion.
  
  
• No double-sided tape? No worries—you can seal a lighter wrapping paper such as tissue with a glue stick.
  
  
• Use a part of the present as the wrapping. Tote bags, baskets, towels, scarves, wooden or leather jewelry boxes, buckets, vases, bowls, pretty file boxes, socks, and even stockpots are creative ways to house smaller gifts. Simply top them with a bow.
  
  
• Even if you were great at geometry, some presents have angles that are just never going to work with wrapping paper. Focus on the bow for this kind of offering. Choose a grosgrain or try a chiffon one that’s easy to fluff out.
  
  
• Remember tissue paper is a forgiving choice if you’re not an expert wrapper.
  
  
• Two words: Gift bags.
  
  
• If you run out of store-bought gift bags, you can elevate the lowly brown paper bag to holiday service with accents such as ribbons, evergreen branches, shells, flowers, or rubber stamps. Attach ribbons or decorations to it with a hole punch.
  
  
• Create gift tags from the front of last year’s holiday cards. Just double check it for any stray pen marks or old writing, Use a hole punch in the corner and attach with a ribbon.
  
  
• Make a gift a true surprise by adding extra weight to it. Add a bag of candy to a box with earrings or put suntan lotion in a box with plane tickets.
  
  
• Take advantage of the current gift box renaissance. Nowadays, you can find attractive boxes designed to hold food or CDs, others designed for travel, and some for bottles.
  
  
• Don’t forget, maps, magazine pages, comics, and foreign newspapers can all make beautiful wrapping paper.

The Supplies

You’ll always be ready to wrap when you have these on hand: Rolls of solid-color wrapping paper, regular and double-sided tape, glue stick, scissors, ribbons, gift bags, gift tags, gift boxes, and your imagination.

The Holiday Shop

Since it is the thought that counts when it comes to gift giving, here are some tips to help you think clearly in the whirl of holiday shopping:

• Create a master gift list that includes recipients’ interests and specific gift ideas. Also include a column for what you spend on each gift so you can watch how much money is going toward gifts.
  
  
• Create a holiday budget. Set a dollar limit on each gift. And don’t forget to take into account how much you’re spending on extras such as party clothes, taxis, special events, or specialty foods.
  
  
• Keep your gift list on your PDA so it’s easy to put down an idea if you’re in a store or if your mom drops a hint about she wants over lunch.
  
  
• Think “the more the merrier” when you’re shopping. Buying great dark chocolates, olive oil, CDs, frames, or leather journals in bulk saves you time and is an easy way to check friends off your gift list.
  
  
• Double-check to see if you get discounts through your job. Many companies have partnerships with retailers that can save you some green.
  
  
• Don’t shop on an empty stomach or in uncomfortable shoes. That’s when you buy everyone on your list a sequined reindeer cardigan sweater just to get out of the store.
  
  
• Paying with cash or a debit card helps you keep immediate track of your holiday spending. You can even separate the cash for each gift into individual envelopes or a small accordion folder.
  
  
• Consolidate your gift list and take a day to do as much shopping as possible. Try to buy all your gifts at one store or one shopping area. Think about their favorite things, not yours. Sure a ceramic cow salt and pepper shaker set may not be your style but if you know they’ll love it—that’s what matters.
  
  
• Try to avoid crowds by shopping first thing in the morning.
  
  
• Remember you can give your time as a gift. Promise to dog sit when your friend is on vacation or drive her kids home from karate class.
  
  
• Give a gift that continues to delight throughout the year. Have a dinner delivered once a month or get a local florist to bring over a small bouquet each time the seasons change.