Creative gift wrapping

Brown paper packages, tied up with string...

A thoughtfully presented gift is a joy to receive, but gorgeous gift-wrap doesn't have to come from an expensive store-bought roll. Think outside the box and you'll be amazed what pretty packages you can create with everyday bits and pieces.
Put together a gift wrapping kit so you are always ready to wrap, and collect and recycle any cute things that cross your path - bows, ribbons, trinkets, paper…

A few of our favourite things...
Plain brown paper (available at stationary and post shops)
Tissue paper
Double-sided sticky tape
Pretty masking tape (www.fatherrabbit.com or www.presse.co.nz have some cute options)
Ribbons (stock up next time you are at Spotlight or The Warehouse)
Coloured card and scrap-booking paper
Stamps and inkpads
Printed and plain tea towels (stock up next time Briscoes are having a sale)
String/twine
Elastic, in different widths
Lace
Little wooden pegs

A few ideas:
Plain brown paper is a perfect "blank canvas". It makes a great backdrop for stamps, ribbons, lace, fabric, and anything else you feel like tying on. We've threaded buttons onto elastic - kids will especially love the "ping" factor. You could also thread beads, so that the recipient could then make a necklace.



If you have a printer or photocopier at home, your options for printed paper are endless. Try photocopying photos - kids love to see themselves in print. We've printed out some sheet music for this sweet little gift. We then crumpled the page up to give the paper a different texture. You could use carols at Christmas, love songs at Valentine's, a lullaby for a new baby…

 

Tea towels make great re-usable present wrap - plain or patterned, enhanced with a contrasting ribbon, some string, or elastic. Tie on some mini utensils and you have one all-round handy package.

 

Plain tissue paper is another great blank canvas wrap. Also try baking paper for a different kind of texture. Little wooden pegs are so versatile - peg on a card, pictures from a magazine, or a special photo for a unique and personalised gift.

Children create some beautiful artwork, but even the most devoted parents can't frame all of it. Conveniently, it makes fabulous wrapping paper!