You’ve found the perfect present for someone special in your life and the next step is to make the gift wrapping just as amazing. With a few tricks and materials, you can make your present the one that everyone is excited to open. Some wrappings even double as another gift that the recipient can enjoy.

Wrapping paper is a big part of holiday gifts, with over 4.6 million pounds used each year in the U.S. Sustainable alternatives are also available, as well as wrappings that can display gifts in a festive way.

Move over Santa, because we’ve got the best way to get those gifts wrapped and handed out this year.

Wrapping Paper with Style

Upgrade your basic red and green paper with extra embellishments and designs.

1. Pine cone embellishments - Glue two pinecones together and add berries and greenery for a natural gift decoration that brings in items from the season. Keep the rest of your wrapping simple with brown kraft paper and twine. To elevate the look, lightly dust the pinecones with white paint or glitter to mimic a snowy effect. This charming, rustic presentation pairs beautifully with homemade or nature-inspired gifts.
2. Stack gifts - Using any kind of paper, stack your gifts beginning with the largest on the bottom. Use a corresponding ribbon to tie the entire stack together into one holiday bundle. Add small embellishments like ornaments, pine sprigs, or a candy cane between layers for a festive touch. This presentation creates an eye-catching centerpiece under the tree.
3. Create a signature color - Choose a color and wrap all of your gifts to match. You can customize by adding special ribbon or other embellishments to your signature look. Incorporate textured elements, like velvet ribbon or glittery accents, to add dimension and elegance. A consistent color scheme creates a cohesive and visually stunning holiday display.
4. Add an ornament - Pick out an ornament that would be special to the gift recipient, such as something to celebrate their interests or a milestone of that year. Include it on the outside of the gift in place of a nametag. Personalize the ornament with the recipient’s name or a meaningful date for added sentimentality. This doubles as both decoration and a keepsake they can treasure for years to come.
5. Go metallic - Nothing says holiday bling like vibrant gold and silver. You can choose metallic paper, ribbon, or accents to make your gifts truly sparkle. Add texture with embossed or foil-stamped paper to make the metallic shine pop even more. Pair gold with deep green or silver with navy blue for an elegant, festive contrast.
6. Match your tree - To make the presents part of the overall Christmas decor, use a color scheme that ties into your tree decorations. You can use colorful ribbons as accents on both the gifts and the tree. Add similar textures, like sparkly ornaments or twine, to create visual harmony. This method makes the gifts feel like a natural extension of your tree’s design.
7. Make handmade gift tags - Even simple paper gets the magical touch when you handwrite the recipient’s name. Take your time to write in a special calligraphy font or trace the letters from a guide (we won’t tell). Enhance the tags with watercolor designs, small doodles, or pressed flowers for an artisanal feel. These thoughtful tags can even double as bookmarks or keepsakes after the gift is opened.

Sustainable Wrapping Options

Show planet Earth some love for the holidays with these eco-conscious options.

8. Use beautiful fabric - Fold the fabric around your gift through the art of furoshiki. Not only will it give the present a unique wrapping, it can also be reused in plenty of ways, including as a wrap the following year. Choose seasonal fabrics like plaid, velvet, or linen for a festive touch. Add a sprig of greenery or a small ornament for a finishing flourish.
9. Reuse bags and ribbon - This is a sustainable and economical tip for gift wrapping and giving. Save bags, ribbons, and bows to reuse for future gifts. To make them feel fresh, iron out any wrinkles and pair them with new tags or accents. Not only does this reduce waste, but it also adds a thoughtful eco-friendly touch to your holiday gifting.
10. Use household materials - Instead of getting new wrapping paper, look for paper that you aren’t using around the house. A paper grocery bag can be cut into a flat shape that’s perfect for wrapping small gifts. Personalize it with stamps, hand-drawn designs, or colorful washi tape for a creative touch. Using old maps or vintage newspapers adds charm and can match the recipient’s interests.
11. Decorate with washi tape - Instead of using clear tape that’s made with plastic, look for paper-based washi tape. There are plenty of options made with sustainable materials and dyes. Use the tape to create unique patterns, like stripes, chevrons, or snowflakes, on plain wrapping paper. Mix and match different designs for a fun and festive result.
12. Go vintage - Much-loved fabrics, ribbons, and even paper can give your gift a timeless feel. Use them as a wrapping or to embellish simpler paper. Add vintage brooches, lace trims, or velvet ribbons for an extra touch of sophistication. Pairing these materials with handwritten notes creates a heartfelt, nostalgic presentation.
13. Get eco-friendly paper - If you really want to use new wrapping paper but want to keep it Mother Earth-friendly, look for paper made with recycled materials, as well as natural dyes and inks. The best options are biodegradable, which makes it better if it’s thrown out at the end of the holiday. Pair with twine, wooden tags, or dried orange slices for a natural, rustic look.
14. Use a box - Boxes can be reused easier than paper and most bags, since they hold their shape even after gift giving is over. Get a few festive or solid-colored boxes and dress them up with ribbons, bows, and other items. Add a small tag or handwritten note to make the box feel personalized and thoughtful. Sturdy boxes can even become part of the gift, as storage solutions.

Festive Gift Displays

Let the gift itself be part of the present presentation.

15. Add a bow - This strategy works great for large items that might be difficult to wrap well. Just add an equally large bow and let your gift recipient’s jaw hit the floor. Use oversized, satin, or patterned bows to make a dramatic statement. For an extra touch, pair the bow with small embellishments like ornaments or greenery.
16. Use a glass jar or bowl - Clear glass lets the gift items peek through any extra embellishments, while also adding some sparkle to the overall presentation. You might also want to consider opaque or colored glass for something different. Tie a ribbon or twine around the lid and add a personalized tag for a finishing touch. Glass containers are reusable, making them part of the gift itself.
17. Add a basket - You can never have too many baskets, so your gift recipient will be happy to get this extra bonus gift. Nestle a bunch of smaller items in the basket and arrange them so that a little peek of everything is included. Line the basket with a festive cloth or shredded paper to elevate the presentation. Finish with a big bow or greenery for a polished look.
18. Pick a themed purse or bag - If you’re giving fashion accessories, add a small clutch to hold everything. For sports equipment, a bag to haul it back and forth makes the perfect “gift wrap.” Tie a ribbon around the handles or include a festive keychain for extra flair. This practical wrapping doubles as part of the gift, adding value and functionality.
19. Use vintage tea towels - Towels used to be extra fun, and picking up a few vintage tea towels from a thrift store is a great way to bring in some whimsy. They are perfect to include with a set of kitchen items. Fold or tie them in creative ways to wrap your gift and add character. Your recipient will appreciate the charm and reusability of this thoughtful wrapping.
20. Upgrade a gift bag - If the store or brand includes a nice gift bag with your purchase, you can use it when giving the gift. Make it your own with added tissue paper, ribbon, and a gift tag. Personalize it further by adding small embellishments, such as ornaments or sprigs of greenery. A little effort will make even a simple bag feel custom and festive.
21. Gift cards - Forgo the boring gift card holder and look for a stuffed animal or toy with a similar theme. Let them “deliver” the gift card to your recipient in their own hands by tying or taping it in place. Alternatively, create a small envelope or pouch out of festive fabric or paper. This thoughtful presentation makes even a simple gift card feel special and unique.

Let your gift giving put everyone in the holiday spirit from first glance with memorable gift wrapping ideas. Don’t just stop at ribbons and bows, put your own spin on a class favorite like wrapping paper or come up with something completely new and different using items around your home. You might even find a new treasure to include as part of the gift, making it extra special for the person receiving it. Ho ho ho and happy gift wrapping!