Stylish DIY Gift Wrap Shortcuts
You’ve maintained a note in your phone throughout the year to cull the most thoughtful list of gifts for your loved ones. You’ve braved exhausting lines, supported Small Business Saturdays and added items to cart with exactly enough time for shipping. Now you’re ready to impress them with your gift wrapping skills. And since Christmas tree scouting missions and gingerbread houses construction is also happening today, let’s make this snappy! From the tools to the execution and storage, these 10 time-saving gift wrapping tips will guide you along the quickest path to a Christmas morning of beautifully wrapped gifts under the tree.
1. Set Up A Tool Box.
via Pretty Organized
Half the battle of gift wrapping is getting your gear in order. Skip this hurdle by storing all your tools together in a small container. Fill it with the essentials like scissors, clear tape, washi tape and a few spools of ribbon. Clip the ends of ribbon to the side of the tub with binder clips to maintain a tangle-free zone.
2. Use These Smart Tools.
Speed up the process and achieve a professional gift wrap look by cutting paper with a rotary cutter and T-Square ruler (you’ll want to protect surfaces with a cutting mat while using the rotary blade.) Use a pop-up tape dispenser to keep your double-sided tape within reach.
3. Ditch The Gift Tag.
via Walk In Love
Instead of individual cards or gift tags, write directly on the package! Wrap all your presents in butcher paper first. (Tip: label packages with sticky notes so you don’t get confused after they’re wrapped.) Write your holiday message directly on the wrap with markers and top with odds and ends from your Christmas storage bin, like ornaments, jingle bells and bits of tinsel.
4. Use What You’ve Got…And Print Right On it!
via Print Your Party
For smaller gifts, use paper lunch bags. Save time on the notes and decorating by running them through your home printer in bulk. Clothespins, washi tape, ribbon and bakers twine will secure the bags shut with speedy style.
5. Skip The Wrap And Sticker The Box.
via You Are My Fave
Leave your gift box alone. Simply spell out your holiday message in decorative letter stickers on the outside and inside of the box top for quirky personalized gift wrap in little to no time.
6. Throw It In A No-Sew Gift Bag
Make a batch of your own reusable gift bags without pulling out the sewing machine. Trim pretty cotton fabric to size with pinking shears. Place fusible webbing along three of the edges and iron to seal. Then throw your gift in and wrap shut with leather cord.
7. Short On Supplies? Use Fabric.
via Keito Chan Says
Use a furoshiki, or large folding cloth (read: pretty fabric!), to fold, tuck and tie up a package. It looks great over a gift box, but it can also be your new go-to for oddly shaped gifts, bottles of wine or homemade mason jar treats.
8. Resurrect The Shrunken Sweater.
Your favorite wool sweater may have gone through a dryer cycle, but it can still be put to use! Cut off the sleeve to use as a cozy (and quick!) alternative to traditional wrapping.
9. No Box? No Worries!
via SC Johnson
Upcycle an empty toilet paper tube by hiding gifts inside and wrapping the outside in fabric, tissue paper or wrapping paper. Tie the fabric on either side to secure.
10. Store It To Save It
Sometimes you just need regular old store-bought wrapping paper at your fingertips. Save yourself a trip to the store by keeping your partially used rolls wrinkle-free! Slice an empty toilet paper tube down the side and slide it over the wrapping paper roll to protect it throughout the year.
What Next?
> 24 Ways To Bring Holiday Cheer To Your Cubicle
> Use Tape To Trick Out Holiday Gift Cards
Check out how to make these cool holiday garlands from Yahoo DIY’s Daily Made series:
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