25 beautiful {& budget friendly} gift wrap ideas

I've been sharing how we're doing our holidays on a budget this year, with everything from handmade gifts to keeping it all straight with our Bluebird account. Even though we all budget out our gift giving funds, sometimes I forget that the wrapping can be a big budget buster. Never fear, I've put together 25 ideas on how to little to nothing to make your packages prettier this year.

brown paper | white paper | solid paper | polka dot paper | patterned bags

If you're going to purchase paper, why not get the most bang for your buck? Here are five great options that will work long after you sweep up all the tinsel.

• Brown Paper - you can leave it simple - or you can embellish it. Stamp it, paint it, cut it into shapes. There's  a million things you can do with it!
• White Paper - are you dreaming of a white Christmas? Then it's the perfect way to go. I suggest the heavier stock from the craft store, since regular white paper can be too thin.
• Classic Pattern - one simple pattern can carry you through the year. My choice this year is silver polka dots.
• Signature Solids - since aqua is my signature color, it's my go-to pick. If you're a pink girl, then go for it - any solid color works all year, too.
• Pretty Paper Bags - prints take plain bags to the next level. With nearly any print/color available, it's a cute, cheap touch.

paper bag wrapping |  lunch bags | newspaper | sheet music | maps

Don't want to spend any dough? You can always wrap with what you have on hand.

• Paper Lunch Bags - add a decorative punch to the top, and they're so much more elegant than everyday brown bagging it.
• Shopping Bags - they are so pretty this time of year, from the faux bois of Fossil to the jollies at Trader Joes, reusing those shopping bags is not only environment friendly, it's wallet friendly.
• Newspaper - want to keep it classic? Just use the regular pages. Want to add a little fun for the little ones? Put those Sunday funnies to good use :)
• Sheet Music - hit the right design note with this beautiful option. Music lovers will sing your praises.
• Maps - Oh the places you can go when you wrap it in a map. Perfect for those who travel home for the holidays.

ribbon | washi tape | baker's twine | jute twine | doilies

If you're itching to spend a little this holiday on some pretty stuff to kick it up a notch, then make that little bit go a long way.

• Ribbon - whether it's fabric, grosgrain or even cute curling ribbon, it's like icing on top of the package.
• Washi Tape - with a million color/pattern combos available, you can jazz it up to your heart's content.
• Baker's Twine - striped or solid, it's a classic option to tie it up in style.
• Jute Twine - Brown paper packages tied up in string - there's a reason that it's always a favorite thing: classics are forever.
• Doilies - layers always make packages look so much prettier - and a lace or paper doily is the perfect layering idea.

recycled bows | paint chips | fruit packaging | twigs | cardboard

Pinching every penny? It's ok - you can still make it fabulous for free.

• Recycled Bows - make your own flair with this easy idea, using recyclables like magazines.
• Paint Chips - punch them for garland, punch them for gift tags, you can even make boxes from them. 
• Fruit Packaging - that mesh stuff goes from garbage to gorgeous, just by wrapping it on a package.
• Twigs - take a trip to the yard and pick your own pretties. Embellish them up or leave them plain, they're still pretty as a picture.
• Cardboard - who knew that the inside layer of corrugated packaging could look so good?

cupcake liners | yarn | measuring tape | buttons | notions

Looking for some ideas to use the unusual? Don't dig deep into your pockets, just go with what you've already got on hand.

• Cupcake Liners - turning them into frilly flowers is an amazing way to use the 5 that are always left in the pack.
• Yarn Scraps - using them to tie up packages is always a safe bet - but you can also use them to make a pretty pom pom.
• Measuring Tape - you'll be the best friend by a yard if you wrap it up in a measuring tape.
• Buttons - every home has a handful of misfit buttons roaming around - put them to good use!
• Notions - from leftover fabric strips to that last 8 inches of fringe, adding the extra detail makes your packages a cut above the rest.

Want more ideas? Check out my Wrapping Board on Pinterest!

Stop by my review blog to see how I'm partnering 
with Bluebird to make my holidays easier.

____________________

Enjoy this post? 

Get all my posts delivered to your inbox!