by Joan Inong

Created on: August 21, 2009

Are you wrapping your gifts with the same gift wrap that you've had for the last two years? Tired of seeing the same designs year after year? Why not give your gifts a special treat this year by employing some unique and fun gift wrapping ideas? Inexpensive yet fun to do, wrapping your gifts using your own imagination gives your gifts an extra "specially-treated" feeling that your recipients will notice.

1. Recycled wrapping paper

Before you throw out the wrapping paper from gifts that you have received, or from the rolls of wrapping paper that are just too out of fashion, store them away for future use. You can make a "quilted" type of wrapping paper that employs all the bits and pieces that you collect over the years. To make your quilt wrapping paper, you will need some cement glue and scissors. Cut the pieces so that they looked "naturally" torn (or tear the paper yourself). Then, using parchment paper or any type of thin paper that can be easily folded, apply cement glue to the backs of your torn pieces of wrapping paper and apply them, mosaic-style, to the parchment paper. Allow the paper to dry naturally.

2. Newspaper

Wrapping your gifts with newspapers can give a nice effect. However, you have to use the pages of the newspaper that only has small print on it. Try not to use the pages that have large bold headings, because these can detract from the gift itself (and if you are adding a ribbon). You can also create a mosaic-style wrapping paper by following the same directions as with the recycled wrapping paper.

3. Tissue paper

Although one sheet of tissue paper is very thin and can easily rip, you can use three sheets of tissue paper and the effects will just be absolutely marvelous. To make this type of wrapping paper extra bold, try using two or three colors that complement one another. So, use green with red or blue with orange and yellow. Tape the edges of the tissue paper together, and then use just like regular wrapping paper. Another great way to add pizzazz is to crumple up the tissue paper so it has some texture. Then, proceed as normal.

Although wrapping your gifts with just plain old wrapping paper is convenient, it can quickly become old. By employing the three easy yet creative ideas above, you can make your gift recipients feel even more special than they already do.

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