Frugal Gift Wrapping

We'd all like to save money this holiday season.  Why not save it in the way you wrap your gifts?  Here are a few of my favorite frugal gift wrapping ideas...

1.  Save Boxes & Bags

Our recycling plan includes both corrugated cardboard and paperboard, so I have quite a few boxes on hand at any given time.  However, there are some select shapes and sizes I do not send to recycling because they are the right size for wrapping up presents.  These I break down and keep in the garage.  When they are broken down, they take up very little space and can easily be reassembled.

When you receive a gift in a gift bag, keep the gift bag for using again if it is still in good shape.  Which brings me to my next idea...

2.  Have a Gift Wrapping Storage Container

In our basement I keep a tub with all those saved bags, ribbon, and tissue paper, small boxes, and any other items I think might come in handy for dressing up gifts (beads, small flowers, etc).  This keeps everything neat and tidy and in easy reach when I need to quickly throw together a gift.

I also keep a Christmas wrapping box that is long and accommodates rolls of wrapping paper.  Included in that box are tape, scissors, and a pen.  That way I can just grab the box when I'm ready to wrap presents instead of hunting for all sorts of paraphernalia.

3.  Buy on Sale
After the holidays you can find some great deals on wrapping paper.  I've also had good luck with finding brand new rolls of wrapping paper at thrift stores!  Make sure the price is good and buy it up.  You'll thank yourself later.

4.  Let the Store Wrap It...IF it's free
Some stores do gift wrapping for free and often on weekends you can find ministry groups in the malls wrapping presents for free.  Don't hesitate to use this service.  They want you to.  In fact, this year especially, more and more stores are offering free gift wrapping services in order to entice shoppers.  Be aware, however, that often the free wrapping offer is only on certain dates and usually only on weekends.

5.  Have a Gift Wrapping Party
Why not pool resources?  I've got some great wrapping paper but no ribbon.  You've got a great supply of ribbon but are lacking in gift bags.  If your home is anything like ours, gift-wrapping is something done by mama in the middle of the night.  Why not get together with friends and make it something fun...and frugal!

6.  Get Creative.
Gift wrapping doesn't have to be the traditional paper with cutesy snowmen on it.  Think outside the box and try a few of these ideas:

• Newspaper - wrap your gifts in newspaper (the comics section if you want some nice color)

• Paper bags & raffia - cut along the "seams" of your paper bag and then wrap the gift, making sure any markings on the bag are to the inside.  The rustic charm of brown paper is always lovely when coupled with the inexpensive beauty of raffia.

• Embellish trash bags -  Have a large gift you need a sack for?  Rather than go out and purchase one of those large gift bags, try embellishing a trash bag from home.  Cut snowflakes from paper or coffee filters and tape to a black or white bag.  Paint stripes or designs on the bags or leave plain and add a decorative ribbon or tie to the top.  The bonus of this idea is that come Christmas morning you have a ready-made place to stuff all the trash!
  

• Make your own bows - This is my favorite suggestion the holiday season (and my new found obsession!)  The kids and I spent one afternoon making bow after bow after bow from this tutorial, originally found on Money Saving Mom.  The results are stunning!
  

• Wrap with fabric - I have a friend who keeps a piece of lovely material on hand for the sole purpose of wrapping gifts with it.  In fact, that piece of material has been everything from a table cloth to a make-shift skirt!  All you have to do is cut a piece of material the right size and wrap as normal, pinning with safety pins as you go.  Add whatever extras you'd like and you have a wonderfully unique package!
  

Do you have a creative way to wrap gifts that doesn't cost a lot of money?  Share it here!  I'd love to hear about ways you cut corners in the gift wrapping department!  (Be sure to read through the comments section...readers have left some great ideas!)

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