How to Wrap Christmas Gifts Beautifully on a Budget

Pretty gift wrapping does not need to come from the Christmas aisle.

That is our Day 24 Christmas in July Challenge reminder, and it’s one that can save more than we might think.

Gift wrapping is one of those Christmas costs that sneaks in quietly. A roll of paper here, a packet of tags there, a gift bag, some ribbon, tissue paper, sticky tape, a few bows, and suddenly the wrapping has cost almost as much as a small gift.

And then, after all that, most of it is torn off in thirty seconds and put in the bin.

Very rude.

So today we’re looking at budget gift wrapping — beautiful, thoughtful, useful ways to wrap Christmas gifts without letting the wrapping aisle boss the budget around.

Start with What You Already Have
Before buying any new wrapping paper, gift bags, tags or ribbon, do a quick gift wrap check.

Look for:

• Wrapping paper from last year
• Brown paper
• Gift bags
• Tissue paper
• Ribbon saved from past gifts
• Twine or string
• Old Christmas cards
• Gift tags
• Fabric scraps
• Tea towels
• Scarves
• Jars
• Boxes
• Calendars
• Old maps
• Children’s artwork
• Plain paper
• Stickers
• Sticky tape

You may already have enough to wrap quite a few gifts without buying anything at all.

Gather everything into one place and make a simple list. That way, when December arrives, you won’t buy another packet of tags only to find three packets hiding in the cupboard.

Christmas supplies do love a good hiding place.

Brown Paper Can Look Beautiful
Brown paper is one of the best budget wrapping options.

It’s plain, inexpensive, and very easy to dress up.

Tie it with string, twine, ribbon scraps, lace, fabric strips or wool. Add a handmade tag, a sprig of rosemary, a small pinecone, a paper star, a button, or a piece cut from an old Christmas card.

Brown paper looks lovely with:

Red ribbon
Green twine
Gold pen
Stamped designs
Children’s drawings
Handmade tags
Dried orange slices
A little greenery

It doesn’t need to be fancy. Neat folding, a simple tie and a thoughtful tag can make it look warm and charming.

Fabric Wraps and Tea Towels

Fabric wrapping is a lovely option, especially when the fabric becomes part of the gift.

You can use:

• Tea towels
• Fabric scraps
• Scarves
• Calico
• Napkins
• Pillowcases cut into fabric squares
• Old tablecloth pieces
• Fat quarters from your stash
  

A tea towel wrapped around a jar of relish, a loaf cake, a kitchen gift or a pantry hamper is practical and pretty.

Fabric scraps can be tied around jars, used to cover lids, wrapped around small gifts, or turned into reusable gift bags.

The best part is that fabric wrap can be used again. That makes it budget-friendly and waste-friendly too.

Old Maps, Calendars and Artwork
Pretty wrapping does not have to be bought new.

Old maps make wonderful wrapping paper, especially for travellers, readers, teachers or anyone who enjoys something a little different.

Old calendar pages can be beautiful too. Landscape photos, garden pictures, food images, art prints and seasonal scenes can all become gift wrap or tags.

Children’s artwork is another treasure. It makes bright, personal wrapping and is especially lovely for grandparents, aunties, uncles and family friends.

You can also use plain paper and let children decorate it with stamps, drawings, stickers or Christmas messages.

That turns wrapping into a low-cost Christmas activity as well.

Reuse Gift Bags
Gift bags are far too useful to use once.

Smooth them out, fold them flat and keep them in your wrapping box.

Check handles, corners and tags. If a bag is still neat and strong, use it again.

You can refresh a gift bag with:
A new handmade tag
A ribbon scrap
Tissue paper saved from another gift
A paper ornament
A sprig of greenery
A small bow

If a gift bag is a little worn, cut it up and use the best parts for tags, card fronts or jar labels.

Use it right to the end.

Make Handmade Tags
Handmade tags are one of the easiest ways to make budget wrapping look special.

Use:

• Old Christmas cards
• Cardstock scraps
• Brown paper
• Wrapping paper offcuts
• Fabric scraps
• Stamped images
• Printed greetings
• Children’s drawings
• Gift bag pieces

Cut simple tag shapes, punch a hole, add string or ribbon, and you’re done.

Tags don’t need to be complicated. A neat tag with the person’s name and a kind message is enough.

And if you make a few now, you’ll thank yourself later.

Save Ribbon from Past Gifts
Ribbon saved from past gifts is absolutely worth keeping, as long as it is tidy and usable.

Wind it around a piece of cardboard, pop it in a jar, or keep it in a small bag in your wrapping box.

Ribbon can be used for:

• Gift wrapping
• Jar gifts
• Handmade tags
• Ornaments
• Wreaths
• Cards
• Napkin ties
• Present cupboard labels

Even short pieces can be useful. A tiny ribbon tied through a tag can make a plain parcel look lovely.

Wrap Jars and Pantry Gifts Simply
Jar gifts are easy to dress up without spending much.

Use fabric scraps over the lid, tied with twine or ribbon. Add a handwritten label. Tie on the recipe or serving suggestion. Pop the jar into a reused gift bag, basket, box or tea towel.

A jar of jam, relish, hot chocolate mix, brownie mix or MOO seasoning blend doesn’t need expensive packaging.

Clean jar. Clear label. Pretty scrap. Done.

Keep the Wrapping Practical
Pretty is lovely, but practical matters too.

Use strong wrapping for heavier gifts. Make sure food gifts are labelled clearly. Keep reused bags clean and tidy. Don’t wrap something in a way that makes it difficult to carry, store or open.

And remember, not every gift needs layers of wrapping.

A simple ribbon around a tea towel, a tag on a jar, or a reused gift bag can be enough.

Create a Gift Wrap Box

Set up one place for gift wrapping supplies.

Use a box, tub, drawer or basket and add:

• Paper
• Gift bags
• Tags
• Ribbon
• Twine
• Sticky tape
• Scissors
• Pens
• Old cards
• Fabric scraps
• Tissue paper
• Labels

Label it clearly.

This saves money because you’ll know what you have before buying more. It also saves time because everything is together when wrapping begins.

Future-you will be very grateful.

Today’s Simple Task
Today’s simple task is to do a quick gift wrap check.

Write down what you already have:
Wrapping paper:
Gift bags:
Ribbon and twine:
Tags and cards:
Fabric or tea towels:
Other useful wrapping supplies:

Then choose one budget wrapping idea to use this Christmas.

Maybe brown paper and string.
Maybe fabric wraps.
Maybe reused gift bags.
Maybe old maps.
Maybe handmade tags.
Maybe children’s artwork.

Start with what is already in the house.

A Gentle Thought for Today
The wrapping is not the gift.

It is a little bit of care around the gift.

It does not need to be expensive, new or perfect to be beautiful. A brown paper parcel tied with string can feel thoughtful. A jar with a fabric lid can look lovely. A gift bag used again is sensible. A handmade tag from an old card is charming.

Pretty gift wrapping does not need to come from the Christmas aisle.

It can come from your cupboards, your craft box, your linen drawer, your children’s artwork, your recycling pile and your imagination.

And that is a very Cheapskates kind of Christmas.

Coming Tomorrow
Tomorrow we’ll look at giving gifts of time and help — because some of the most useful Christmas gifts don’t come from a shop at all.