Dress your presents!
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Wrapping presents does not have to be boring. Use your creative skills and change regular to magnificent. Let other people use the simple method and ordinary bows. I will explain how to use different materials and you can kiss the mundane wrap techniques goodbye!
PALM TREE
Place any odd shaped gifts in a box for easier and quicker wrapping. Use two rolls of brown or orange colored crepe paper. Tape the end of the strip to the bottom left or bottom right side of the box. Wrap the paper around the box, overlapping the layers of the paper.
Use a careful and steady hand, and stop when you reach the top. Add a few well-placed pieces of tape to secure the crepe paper to the box and be sure to tape the ends.
Next, blow up a package of 12-15 count green balloons. Tie them together after you tie the end of each balloon; thus, preventing air from escaping. Leave a little length of string when tying them together. Tape this end to the top of the box. Naturally, taller boxes, or ones that can be stood on an end, will work best for this idea.
Add plastic coconuts if you like or for a measure of fun, hang a string bikini on a string you used to tie the balloons together. This is a touch of humor for those who can accept it in a good-natured manner. I would not suggest it for anyone who is on a diet!
TREASURE CHEST
Place any odd shaped gifts in a box. Use brown paper grocery sacks, without writing on them. Cut these apart and glue them on the outside of the box. Cover the box completely and secure with tape, as needed. Use a brown or black marker and draw lines you would see on a treasure chest form ye old days! Draw a lock on it and add skeletons, if you like this type of details.
On the inside of the box, spray paint a gold texture and add some play coins for additional appeal. Glue these on or lay them on the inside bottom of the box. You can also purchase a set of play costume jewelry from your local dollar store. Glue these on too or lay them in the inside bottom as you did the coins. Let everything dry and wrap the present in a big ball of cobwebs to imitate the "dust" and "webs" you may see when opening an old chest!
ROBOT
Place any odd shaped gifts in a box. Use aluminum foil to cover a box. Multiple layers provide good coverage. Use tape to secure edges and loose ends. Use a variety of materials you have in your house.
These can include toilet paper rolls, eggshell cartons, buttons (make sure they will not choke a child) and plain magnets. For these, glue the printed side to the robot and add a small magnet to the back of the greeting card. Then, attach them together for a bonus touch!
Use small cardboard boxes for legs and give it a creative touch by adding a pair of shoes for the feet. Purchase these from your local dollar store. Look for scrap pieces of aluminum and cover edges with fabric so no one gets a cut! Make the arms from these or use inexpensive cleaning gloves. As a special effect bonus, purchase a small sound device that plays music when pressed. These usually cost a few dollars and can be found at most everyday or craft stores.
UNDERSEA ADVENTURES
This is an idea I spotted at a museum. It was actually for something else; it can work for wrapping presents too. Use a box and start the idea from the treasure chest. Do not add skeletons or cobwebs. Before you cover the front or top of the box, cut a hole the size of a pair of children's goggles. Buy this item from your local dollar store. Glue them over the hole you cut and cut away the strap children use for securing them to their head; thus preventing an injury if a child should try to fit his or her head through the strap while it is on the present.
Spray paint the inside of the box a deep blue and glue on simple, plastic fish and other wildlife found in oceans. A glow in the dark or reflective gloss adds a bonus touch. Plastic plants, used in aquariums, work well too. You can add a thin layer of sand for special effect. When you finish, wrap the present in a sparkly paper or a gold colored wrap; gold colored aluminum foil is great for this idea!
PRINCESS
Use a colorful, cloth bag with a pretty ribbon to tie it. Add a small ring of artificial flowers for a special touch. A scrap of lacy ribbon makes it feel special too! Use a layer of padding, available in most craft stores, to provide protection for the gift. A hint of perfume goes a long way too.
To give it a "back in time" feel, create a scroll in her honor! Use a fancy script font on a computer and type this message. Feel free to modify it as needed for her comprehension.
"In your honor, a special gift awaits you in this royal purse. Open it to enjoy the treasures inside and know the wealth of my love for you."
MONEY
This one works best with two people who agree on the giver of the money and the giver of the present. Cover a box with money printed paper or plain paper. One person, who will give the money, adds a layer of wrap with dollars and coins. The other person, who gives the gift, places it in the box. The "wrap" is now part of the present!
MEMORY TREE
Purchase a medium height, live plant and several small picture frames. Light ones are strongly suggested. Add pictures to the frames and hang these, securing with a small ribbon, from the strongest limbs. Glue a small stick on the back of one or two more and place in the pot. Decorate the pot with handprints from the people in the pictures, if possible. Tie a ribbon around the top edge of the pot.
For bows, I suggest you use multiple pieces of colored ribbon. To do this, tie a main piece on the gift. Use a different colored piece next. Continue with different colors of ribbon. Remember to use curling ribbon and a sharp pair of scissors for running along the edge. Do this in fast motions and the curls will spring to life!
For more bow ideas, try lacing buttons on the ribbon and tying to secure; glue small, artificial petals on edges; and use a toothpick to add points of paint in different colors to edges. Tie in unusual ways and add snippets of colorful tissue paper in between layers of purchased bows. These just stick in and tend to stay in place, unless the wind blows hard!
Want more ideas?
- Hang a present in a tree!
- Hide it and give a "map" for finding it!
- Let a formal dress server deliver it on a silver tray!
- Order pizza and hide it in the box!
- Hire a magician to make it appear!
- Hide it, if is flat like money, in a book!
