50 Creative Gift Wrapping Ideas You Can Easily DIY
They're so pretty, they're hard to crack open.
There's something about a pile of presents under the tree that catches the eye—no matter how they're wrapped. But when your gifts look like something straight out of a storybook, it instantly adds to the Christmas magic.
We know what you're thinking, though: Who has time for that between decorating the house, shopping for your loved ones, prepping for the Christmas party, and planning your holiday meal? What if we told you that creating presents that look professionally wrapped is actually fairly simple?
There are plenty of unique ways to wrap presents beautifully. The quickest way that doesn't even require a box: Create a gift bag out of another household staple, like an old (but clean) pillowcase or a brown paper bag. You'd be surprised what a simple stamp, paint pen, or stylish ribbon can do to breathe new life into these objects. But if you have a little more time to get creative, why not raid your craft closet and make something truly special and Pinterest-worthy, like lace-covered packages or custom paper created by your kids?
No matter which direction you go and no matter what holiday you're celebrating—Christmas, a kids' birthday, or a life event like a wedding or a baby shower—you'll find plenty of inspiration, plus step-by-step gift wrapping instructions, here. When you're done, we're certain that present is going to be so pretty, it'll almost be too hard to open.
Snowflake Tie
Wrapping a shirt? Cut a snowflake out of white cardstock (this material is a bit sturdier than construction paper to help it hold its shape), place it atop your wrapped present, then wrap tie around the box, securing it through the holes of the snowflake.
Multidimensional Ribbon
Add a playful touch to presents by layering different styles of ribbon. We love the look of this Christmas floral paired with a green that skews a little brighter than you usually see around the holidays.
Black Satin Ribbon
Black may not be the first color that comes to mind when you think of holiday gift wrap, but a simple satin ribbon in the dark hue looks surprisingly chic paired with brown kraft paper wrapping.
Lace
Make presents feel extra-special by layering jewel-toned paper with lace, then adding a coordinating satin ribbon.
Get the tutorial at A Beautiful Mess.
Faux Flowers
Out of wrapping paper? Create something just as stunning with a brightly-colored gift box topped with a lush faux flower.
Get the tutorial at Sugar and Cloth.
Tape Bows
You'd never guess that these sparkling bows are made solely out of heavy-duty duct tape.
Get the tutorial at Persia Lou.
Evergreen Sprig Trees
A cleverly placed evergreen sprig (source them right in your own backyard!) complete with a star-shaped sticker looks just like a Christmas tree and you can use inexpensive kraft paper for this elegant DIY.
Get the tutorial at A Piece of Rainbow.
Money Balloons
Gifting cash? Rather than stuff the money in any old envelope, roll it up and tuck it into a confetti-filled balloon.
Get the tutorial at Sugar and Charm.
Stick-on Letters
Letter stickers make it easy to create cheeky graphic wrapping paper for just about any holiday.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY.
Chalkboard-Painted Wrapping Paper
A swift swipe of chalkboard paint makes the perfect spot for a seasonal greeting or your "to" and "from" label.
Get the tutorial at Colors + Craft.
Christmas Cut-Outs
Use seasonally-inspired punch tools to cut out shapes like snowflakes, reindeer, and ornaments. Then, paste them on top of your wrapping of choice for a cool layered DIY look.
Get the tutorial at The Turquoise Home.
Hand-Lettered Paper
If you have superior handwriting skills, modern calligraphy looks great on a simple brown kraft paper.
Get the tutorial at Lemon Thistle.
Holiday Figurines
Once gifts are wrapped, use little figurines—bottle brush trees and seasonal dollhouse furniture—to create sweet snowy vignettes.
Get the tutorial at Lovely Indeed.
Acrylic Craft Paint
When you're using paint to embellish packages, the sky's the limit. Make rogue strokes, geometric figures, or go mimic a pattern like mudcloth.
Get the tutorial at Alice and Lois.
Jingle Bells
If you don't have festive wrapping paper on hand, use a kraft grocery store bag, then embellish with holiday accents, like jingle bells strung on baker's twine.
Tassels
For sophisticated packaging that works just as well for a wedding shower as it does for a birthday, use white paper and top with a swingy leather tassel secured with yarn.
Get the tutorial at Delineate Your Dwelling.
Wearable Accents
Why not weave part of the present into the wrapping? In this case, a dainty bangle makes for a beautiful accent with just the right amount of bling.
Get the tutorial at Sarah Hearts.
Washi Tape
Cut washi tape into strips or geometric shapes, then stick them onto white butcher paper to add color and visual interest to any box.
Get the tutorial at Almost Makes Perfect.
Pinecones
For Pinterest-worthy packaging, opt for dramatic black paper, then tie it all together with white yarn and natural elements like an evergreen sprig and a "snow-covered" pinecone that works for Christmas or any winter birthday.
Stencils
For pretty wrapping that doubles as functional storage later, decorate the tops with stencils and craft paint. Of course, you can achieve a similar look on kraft or butcher paper, too.
Get the tutorial at Design Improvised.
Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.
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