Wrapping presents is one of those things people either love or hate. For those who happen to possess a natural talent for tying bows and measuring gift wrap, it's a joy. But for the people who consistently show up to the white elephant party with a gift that looks like it was thrown out a window, fell several stories, and then got hit by a car or three after being wrapped, it's less a beloved past time and more a daunting chore. Fear not. Believe it or not, it doesn't actually take Martha Stewart genes to wrap a gorgeous present. All it takes is a little creative thinking and some help from the good, old Internet.
Most people wish they were better at wrapping gifts, and they'd be surprised to know how simple it can actually be. A sprig of evergreen, a fancy wrapping paper fold, or even just adding a few extra ribbons or bows will do the trick. These particular gift wrapping ideas incorporate everything from DIY hand-painted wrapping paper to beautiful craft store birds and painted letters. And each of them achieves a distinctive, decorative look without requiring a ton of extra money, time, or effort. It's a win-win, really.
These gift wrapping techniques are perfect for the pile of presents under the family tree, the silly gift at a white elephant exchange, or even for the the corporate holiday party, and they'll have everyone asking how to recreate the gorgeous designs. Whether it's a gift for a kid who loves dinosaurs or a fancy present fit to impress a mother-in-law, these won't disappoint. Grab some Scotch tape and a roll of festive paper and check out these 40 stunning gift wrapping ideas to pull off Christmas presents so pretty it'll be hard for anyone to open them.
Customize the Gift Wrap
The perfect wrapping job starts with the right paper. There are companies that print custom gift wrap with kids' faces, pet faces, family members' faces. Does it get cuter?
DIY Wax Paper Bows
Wax paper isn't just good in the kitchen. It can also be used to make stunning bows, like this one from Tidy Mom.
Paper Gift Bags
Paper lunch sacks never looked so good. All it takes is a hole puncher, some string, and a few stamps to turn the standard kid lunch sack into an elegant gift bag.
Add Some Flowers
Dress up a standard gift box with a few carefully chosen fake flowers or leaves. It adds a pop of color and a touch of creativity without requiring too much extra wrapping time.
Beaded Gift Labels
Skip the gift tags and instead string a few beads to label the gifts this year. It's a quirky twist for thinking outside the box — literally.
Make DIY Emoji Gift Wrap
The folks at Studio DIY made the holidays even cuter when they put together this emoji gift wrap tutorial. It's so cute, it's almost hard to open it!
Put a Bird on It
Using simple decorations from the floral section of a craft store, like this bird, are an easy way to class up any wrapping job.
Make a Rustic Gift Bag
This gift bag is a little bit Joanna Gaines and a whole lot of cute. Soulful Haven Studio has the surprisingly simply how-to video.
Use Scrap Fabric to Wrap Gifts
A piece of scrap fabric with a fun pattern is the perfect wrapping for a cylindrical or odd-shaped gift. Secure with ribbons and prepare for the giftee to be amazed.
Add Some Dinosaurs
Adding a dinosaur or other small character can personalize a gift and make it look distinctive. Plus, it livens up plain brown paper without much extra effort.
Use an Ornament as a Tag
A cute handmade ornament can double as a gift tag and give gifts a touch of style. This particular ornament is from The Mama Shop on Etsy.
Upcycle Old Scarves
A checkered scarf is the trick to these stunning presents. Believe it or not, these gifts were made with things that YouTuber Storee Kelley found at Dollar Tree!
DIY Stencil Gift Wrap
Sponge paint around a simple holiday-themed stencil to create this DIY gift wrap. The simplicity makes the end result look clean, crisp, and totally distinctive.
Use Recycled Gift Boxes
These quirky bags are the ultimate in upcycling, and they're so simple, even kids could make them. All it takes is a hole punch and some ribbon or string to give gifts a funky vintage look.
Turn Newspaper Into Gift Wrap
Repurpose newspaper as adorable custom gift wrap. Just choose a nice light section of the paper that has nothing to do with politics.
Jazz Up Brown Paper
Plain brown paper (or a leftover paper bag) plus a black marker equals this quirky and artsy wood-grained wrapping paper.
Try a Custom Fold
Instead of sealing both ends, try accordion folding one end like a fan and adding a pretty ribbon. This would look especially pretty with some jewel-toned paper for a peacock theme.
Finger Paint the Wrapping Paper
Hand-painted wrapping paper is an easy way to customize gifts. For family gifts, get the kids involved and let them finger paint!
Add Buttons Instead of Bows
Instead of bows, grab a big button, like this one from The Button Shop. It adds a little something different, and it makes it super easy to tie the ribbon or string!
Make Watercolor Gift Wrap
Watercolors on plain white paper create a stunning look that is one-of-a-kind. The pattern can include the recipient's favorite colors and Christmas decor, song lyrics, themes — anything that can be dreamed up!
Wrap With a Map
Old subway maps, a map from a former hometown or a shared vacation — any map will do to make heartfelt and custom gifts that are also a good way to recycle.
Word Search Gift Wrap
Let gift recipients "find themselves" in some word search gift wrap. Something Turquoise has a free word search gift wrap that is editable and printable.
Duct Tape Gift Bow
Believe it or not, this bow is made out of duct tape! The YouTube Channel So Craftastic by Sarah Lynn Tea has the super easy tutorial to make one at home.
Use Burlap Gift Bags
Skip wrapping altogether and bundle gifts in some farmhouse-style burlap with a pretty ribbon. It's reusable and doesn't require tape. Win-win!
DIY a Flower Bow
A delicate tissue paper bow is surprisingly easy to make and can be coordinated to match holiday decor.
Create 'Chalkboard' Gift Wrap
Use black wrapping paper or construction paper and a chalk marker to doodle cute chalkboard designs all over the gifts.
Layer the Wrapping Paper
What's better than one cute wrapping paper design? Two cute wrapping paper designs. Plus, adding a second layer can disguise any flaws in the wrapping job.
Add Some Snowflakes
Snowflakes abound during the holiday season, so grab a pack and stick them on gifts to add a touch of glitter with zero fuss.
Make a Wrapping Paper Snowman
Turn the gift into a winter favorite, like a snowman or Santa Claus. The transformation takes minimal artistic know-how but looks super adorable!
Add Some Crafty Letters
Some inexpensive, hand-painted letters from a craft store make a gift that looks like something out of Martha Stewart Living. It'd even be cute to use the letters to write a person's name.
Make Reindeer Gift Tags
Spice up plain gift tags with a super simple reindeer illustration with a pom-pom nose. The pom-poms could also be used to make a the red berries on holly leaves.
ADD SOME PAPER PLEATS
Elegant pleats add a touch of luxury to gifts and they're really easy to do. Check out this tutorial by the YouTuber Paper Guru or catch the short version on Instagram.
Bring Rudolph
This is so simple yet will be the cutest gift at any holiday gathering. To learn how to make a yarn pom-pom, check out this quick tutorial.
Add More Bows
Three bows are better than one. It helps the bows become a focal point instead of just a topper.
Initial the Gifts
Use letter stickers or stencils to add a custom initial to each gift. It's perfect for designating gifts at a big family party while still looking stylish.
Add a Washi Tape Christmas Tree
Decorative washi tape is a great way to make an easy design without much work. Cut strips to design a Christmas tree and add a simple star sticker at the top.
Make a Polar Bear Box
A few simple details and four paper legs turn any gift box into an adorable polar bear. Perfect for gifts for little kids!
Add Some Bling
Beads from vintage necklaces can be glued together to create a fun Christmas ornament effect, like this one from Susan Jane Jewels.
Make Sticker 'Light' Garland
Use simple colored dot stickers to make a pretty string of lights to wrap around gifts. Try red and green or blue and white to match any paper theme.
Add a Sprig of Evergreen
Add a sprig from the Christmas tree for a festive topper. It looks great and smells great, too!
