Life

12 Cute DIY Gift Wraps Almost Better Than The Gift

by Corinne Caputo

So you have all the presents you need, you have all of your parties carefully scheduled — you just don't have any wrapping paper. Or, maybe you just don't want to go the classic wrapping paper route. I hear you — that's why these DIY wrapping paper ideas are perfect for you, and for the crafter in all of us. But before we get there, let me congratulate you on finishing your holiday shopping. It's not an easy feat, and you did it. Pat yourself on the back, the gift giving finish line is in sight!

Personally, I find wrapping paper more interesting than the gift itself, so I try to always put a little extra love into it. Lately, I've been going the minimalist route of brown butcher's paper and red and white baker's twine, and I have to say, it's pretty stunning. Plus, it's super cheap. Wrapping paper rolls tend to be overpriced, and never long enough. I highly recommend the DIY route.

I believe a famous philosopher once said, "people might forget what you gave them, but they will never forget beautiful gift wrap." Or maybe that was something I said. To myself. Either way, enjoy the projects, people, and happy gifting!

1. DIY Emoji Gift Wrap

Emoji had a big year, so it only seems appropriate that they should be on our packages. Check out StudioDIY for the tutorial.

2. Packages of Note

Of course, these fun and funny packages are from StudioDIY. Add some notes to your boxes, and watch the joy unfold.

3. Brown Paper and Baker's Twine

Brown paper and baker's twine is a super cheap way to look minimalist and cool. Just think of the Instagrams!

4. Brown Paper and Gold Dots

I made these packages two years ago, and it was insanely easy.

5. Paper Bags and Paint

This crazy easy idea from A Beautiful Mess is a great way to make a plain package pop.

6. Gift Tags From Instagram Photos

Follow this tutorial from A Beautiful Mess for a way to print your favorite Instagram photos, and use them as gift tags.

7. Crossword Wrap

This creative idea is from Something Turquoise, and I don't think I could love it more.

8. Gift Card Snow Globe

No one can call a gift card a lazy gift when you wrap it in the least lazy way possible. A Beautiful Mess came up with this genius way to wrap a gift card. It's like two presents in one!

9. Personalized Gift Bag

These personalized gift bags add a lot of life to the plainest of packages. All you need is a pen and good handwriting.

Personalized Gift Bag, $3.50, etsy.com

10. Free Printable Floral Wrapping Paper

Consider Oh Happy Day to be your savior this season. Wow your family with this stunning, free, printable paper.

11. Free Printable Gift Tags

All the tags (and even the paper pattern!) are free printables over on Oh Happy Day.

12. Rice Paper and Water Colors

Oh Happy Day used only rice paper and water colors to create these stunning packages. Plus, this kind of paper is perfect to wrap around softer objects and those hard-to-wrap items (including money and gift cards).

Looking for more holiday cheer? Check out Bustle on YouTube.

Image: StudioDIY (2); A Beautiful Mess (2); Giphy; Oh Happy Day (3)