Whether it's for eco-friendly reasons or just to switch things up a bit from the norm of regular wrapping paper, this year brings with it some new ideas and alternatives to the classic idea of present-wrapping. In a world where nothing makes sense on the regular, it actually makes sense to break the mold of tradition and venture outside one's comfort zone this holiday season... especially when the alternatives turn out so much cooler-looking than the classics.
Gone are the days when we'd need to sit on the floor with uncooperative wrapping paper, ripping half of it and cutting the other half too short. In are the days when a gift could take the shape of anything from a map to a bag to a decorated basket, and still look as though the gifter spend hours on it. To add a bit of drama under the tree this year and impress your gift recipients with the outside of their gift as well as the inside, here's what to try.
Simple, Thin Fabric
Fabric has always been a beautiful way to spruce up a room or interior space. There's no reason why it can't look amazing wrapped around a gift, too! With so many holiday fabrics to choose from and so many stores such as Michael's, Jo-Ann's, and Walmart having sales on their fabrics, this is a no-brainer. It's a simple way to add a super festive touch to a gift and make it feel so personal, and it's just as easy to wrap with fabric as it is with paper, if not easier. Finish it off with a big bow and a personalized name tag and you've got a work of art rather than a gift.
Old Newspapers
Old newspapers have found their place again in order to be upcycled into something even cooler. They don't need to be ancient to make a gift look pretty - just from the recipient's favorite publication. Or, maybe there's an extra colorful spread or a fun article about an event you attended or something they made the paper for. Perhaps it's a gift for someone who loves all things literature, in which case there's no explanation needed. Whomever it's for, it'll be a great alternative to wrapping paper and looks super sophisticated.
Maps, Preferably Older Ones
Maps can take a gift from zero to 60 in a matter of one directional turn (get it?). Older maps have the allure and intrigue of an age-old treasure hunt, while newer maps come off as modern and abstract, and you can't go wrong with either option. This is a cute and fun way to dress up a gift, especially if the gift recipient is a fan of travel. If the gift is actually travel-themed, well... there's no better way to foreshadow what's on the inside than with something that's indicative on the outside, right?
Tote Bags With Tissue Paper
Everyone could use a good tote bag and most of the time, they're free. Plain 'ol tote bags can be spruced up a little with the addition of some fun and fancy tissue paper and a shiny bow or ribbon, and the best part? They can be reused after the gift is taken out. Therefore, this is actually a two-in-one gift that's so much more personal than just a wrapped present in a gift bag.
Reuseable Shopping Bags (Because Everyone Uses Them Now)
Or, perhaps, you live in a place where reusable shopping bags are the norm now. This is another great alternative to tote bags because reusable shopping bags also serve a pretty hefty purpose and can be used religiously every time a person leaves the house. It's practical and thoughtful and nowadays, reuseable bags are actually pretty stylish.
Plain Boxes
Why not go with a minimalistic look? Or, if the box is simply just plain, get artistic and get down with your creative self in order to make a box look one of a kind. Paints and permanent markers can be used to draw on fun designs and honestly, it doesn't matter whether it looks 'good.' The fact is that you took the time to personalize it, and that alone is worth its weight in gold.
Baskets With Bows
Looking to get uber fancy? Baskets are fairly cheap nowadays and are such a cute way to gift something to someone. Plus, it takes the hassle out of wrapping with a little festive gift wrap or eco-friendly paper shred. Add a nice bow and some ribbon throughout the cross-hatches of the handle and voila - a perfect gift that's been packaged, sealed, and totally not wrapped.