by Cindy Hartzell

Created on: November 06, 2009   Last Updated: December 07, 2009

Save a little cash during the holidays and reduce your carbon foot print by using more creative gift wrapping ideas. To tap into available resources; just dust off your imagination and a few other items you have around the house, and get started by trying some of the following ideas:

Recycle Wrapping Supplies

To get the most out of an old gift bag, just add fresh tissue, a gift tag and ribbon or bow. Increase your creative gift wrapping ideas by taking recycling one step further. Use a container to collect gift bags, paper and bows for reuse as they are discarded from unwrapped presents. Once old bows start to lose their shape, combine them with new and smaller bows in pleasing arrangements to decorate your packages. When your ribbon and bows are just too ragged to embellish your packages, cut them in to tiny pieces to make confetti for use in gift baskets.

Look To Nature

What treasures can be found in your yard or a nearby park? Chances are you will be able to find something that you can use to embellish packages and gift baskets, such as: pine cones, acorns, berries, seed pods, vines and/or a handful of greenery. Go with nature to expand your creative gift wrapping ideas by making small arrangements of flora to decorate your packages. Add to family fun by enlisting the children to help collect natural items. Anchor these items to your package with your choice of tape, glue, jute twine or thin metallic wire. For more inspiration, twine and wire, visit local craft stores and florists.

Use Fabric

Another creative gift wrapping idea is to use fabric. This is a great option to use on gifts for crafters, quilters and seamstresses. For an inexpensive selection, visit a fabric store and shop the remnants table. Gather the fabric around the gift and tie it in place with ribbon. Use souvenir T-shirts to wrap presents for fun-loving friends. Also, try wrapping a present for a small child with a baby blanket.

Raid Your Stash

Even the most craft-challenged can find something that can be frugal and beautiful. Look through your old jewelry or pull out the old holiday decorations to inspire creative gift wrapping ideas. Take the back off an old pendant or earring and use it instead of a bow. An old Christmas ornament is very festive and can easily be attached to your package with ribbon. A strand of faux pearls looks fabulous on a present wrapped in silky material.

Gift cards

Don't forget to include gift cards with your creative gift wrapping ideas. Old greeting cards can be cut down into several smaller gift cards and placed on packages. Simply cut around designs you like, leaving room to write a name or two. Tape the gift card or punch a hole and tie to your package. To generate goodwill for your business, punch a hole in your business card and tie it to the gift with ribbon.

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