In Depth
Consumers
That's a wrap!
Alternative presentation ideas for holiday gifts
Last Updated December 21, 2006
By Tara Kimura | CBC News
You've spent six weeks, or perhaps one frenzied day at the mall, carefully selecting the just-right present for your beloved friends and family. The sweater in your shopping bag is the perfect shade of red, the teddy bear has been hand picked and the mittens have been knit to precise measurements. Now, should you throw them in a gift bag or spend a little longer to package the precious presents with a personalized touch? Here are some suggestions on how to make your mark with gift-wrapping alternatives:
Stitch it and make it special
Pick up a canvas sack at any craft or art store for a few dollars and stamp it with your own personal touches. Download a free embroidery pattern or draw your own holiday masterpiece. Trace the pattern with a transfer pencil and iron the drawing onto the bag. Using a simple chain stitch, make the bag festive and bright with red and white embroidery floss, rickrack or sparkly sequins. Looking for something faster? Print out a holiday message or the recipient's name on transfer paper and iron it onto the bag. Remember that when you iron an image, it must be mirror opposite for it to read correctly – check your printer settings for options on how to flip the image.
The present becomes the packaging
Scarves, pashminas and mittens all make excellent presents and even better wrapping materials. Wrap a novel in a scarf and tie it up with some ribbon. For larger items, wrap a larger box in a pashmina and secure it with a large bow. For babies or toddlers, bundle a small toy in a receiving blanket.
Recycle your calendar
At the end of the year, don't toss out your beautiful wall calendar. Instead, save yourself some money and use the pages as wrapping paper. Or, if it's time to retire some worn or ripped posters from the walls, use them as a wrapping alternative.
Sew a simple bag
Even sewing novices can whip up a simple bag that can be reused throughout the year. For a simple bag, take a long piece of tightly woven fabric such as cotton, felt, or flannel. The length will depend on what sized object you plan on putting inside. Fold the fabric in half with right sides facing each other and sew a half-inch seam along the two side edges. Turn bag right side out and trim the top with pinking shears. Place the gift inside and tie a large bow around the top. A more experienced sewer can create flare by creating a drawstring bag, a zipped pencil case or a large bag.
Christmas treats to go
As an alternative to cookie tins, package your holiday cookies and sweets in Chinese food take-out boxes available at dollar stores and craft stores. Embellish with a ribbon, ornament and name tag for a simple, clean presentation. Or, wrap up a selection of cookies in cellophane and bundle in a new Christmas tea towel and tie at the top with a ribbon.
Go beyond a bow
Usable materials like fabric ribbons, shoelaces or even mittens on strings can be used to tie up presents in place of plastic ribbon that will be tossed in the garbage bag. For a hand-knit gift, use some leftover yarn to tie around a box and embellish with some whimsical pompoms.
Think outside the stocking
And for an alternative to stockings, use a pair of large mittens or a toque to fill with sweet treats and small surprises. The receiver will be delighted on Christmas morning and will be kept warm all winter long.
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