7 Gift Wrapping Ideas That Brought Back My Childhood Excitement for the Holidays

Gift wrapping can feel like the finishing touch that makes a present feel a little more personal. Sometimes, though, it’s hard to think beyond the basic paper and bow. If you’re looking to switch things up this season and want to add a touch of personality without complicated steps, I’ve gathered a handful of creative gift wrapping ideas that are as practical as they are charming. If you’re not sure what to buy for your loved ones, check out our gift guides for cool ideas!

Using Natural Elements

One of the simplest ways to elevate your gift wrapping is by incorporating natural elements. Think of things like sprigs of pine, eucalyptus, or dried flowers, which are easy to attach and add a touch of freshness. After wrapping your gift in plain kraft paper or a muted solid-colored wrap, add a small bundle of greenery tied with twine around the center. Not only does this look lovely, but it also brings a subtle, fresh scent that adds a sensory element to the gift.

For a unique winter twist, dried orange slices can be a beautiful addition, especially on a gift wrapped in earthy tones or textured papers. You can make these by slicing oranges thinly and baking them at a low temperature until dry. They’ll add a bit of color and a hint of citrus fragrance. Attach a few with twine or a thin ribbon to finish off the rustic, earthy look that feels both seasonal and natural.

Personalized Tags and Monograms

Adding a personal touch with a monogram or custom tag makes any gift feel tailored. You can create your own tags by cutting card stock into interesting shapes or using gift tag printables for easy customization. Once you’ve chosen a tag, consider writing the recipient’s initials in bold lettering or using letter stickers for a polished look. For a little extra detail, try adding a sprig of rosemary or a miniature wreath around the monogram—small details like this can give a simple gift tag a lot more personality.

To take it a step further, try creating pockets on the wrapping paper itself by folding and taping an extra piece of paper around the gift, creating a little pouch where you can slide in a note or small card. This approach is great for gift cards or personalized notes that you want to add without needing an envelope.

Fabric and Furoshiki Wrapping

For an eco-friendly option that looks both beautiful and sustainable, fabric wrapping inspired by the Japanese furoshiki tradition is a standout choice. Instead of paper, use a piece of fabric to wrap your gift—think linen, cotton, or a soft scarf that the recipient can use later. The wrapping becomes a part of the gift itself, which not only reduces waste but also adds a soft, elegant look to the present.

To wrap with fabric, lay the fabric down and place the gift in the center. Gather the fabric up over the gift and tie the ends in a knot on top. You can get creative with how you secure it by experimenting with knots and different fabric patterns or adding a small accessory like a sprig of greenery or a wooden charm under the knot for extra detail.

Incorporating Twine and Ribbon Layering

When it comes to gift wrapping ideas, layering different textures can make even the simplest wrapping paper look elegant. Start with a basic wrapping paper—solid colors or subtle patterns work well here. Then, layer multiple ribbons or strings of twine around the gift. For instance, you might start with a wider strip of burlap or linen ribbon, then add a thin satin ribbon or a few strands of twine for contrast. The combination of textures makes the gift look thoughtfully wrapped, with very little extra effort required.

If you’re running low on ribbon, try using shorter pieces in a creative way. Place two pieces of ribbon across the gift in a criss-cross pattern and secure them at the top with a knot. This lets you save on ribbon while adding a modern, minimalistic touch. Small accents like a jingle bell or a mini wreath can be tied into the knot to add a bit more character to the design.

Simple Pocket Wrap for Cards or Small Notes

Creating a pocket wrap on your gift is an easy way to add dimension while keeping things functional. This works well for gifts like books, journals, or other flat items where you might want to include a note or a card without needing a separate envelope. Wrap the gift as usual, but leave a bit of extra wrapping paper at one end. Fold this extra paper up to create a pocket, securing it in place with a bit of tape or decorative washi tape.

Once you have the pocket, slip a small card or note inside, or even a little extra like a stick of cinnamon or a decorative feather. The pocket keeps everything together neatly and can add a bit of whimsy to an otherwise simple wrapping job.

Decorative Paper Cutouts for a Creative Finish

For a crafty twist on gift wrapping, decorative paper cutouts can add a playful and unique touch. Try cutting out shapes like snowflakes, stars, or hearts from contrasting paper or card stock and attaching them to the gift. If you want a winter theme, snowflakes cut from white paper look particularly charming on darker wrapping paper. You can layer them for a three-dimensional effect or scatter a few around the package for a light, playful touch.

To add even more detail, you could use these cutouts as stencils and brush a thin layer of paint or glitter around them on the wrapping paper. This technique works well for creating a custom pattern or adding an accent color without needing to change the entire wrapping paper.

Repurposed Items for Unique Gift Wrapping Ideas

Using repurposed items is not only budget-friendly but can also give your gift a vintage or eclectic feel. Start by looking around your home for materials you might already have on hand—such as newspaper, maps, or sheet music—to use as wrapping paper. Each of these items brings a unique texture and look to the gift, making it stand out under the tree or on a gift table. Maps, for example, are perfect for wrapping travel-themed gifts, while newspapers can add a bit of rustic charm.

For an extra personalized touch, try adding small repurposed ornaments or trinkets, like keys or buttons, attached with twine or ribbon. These details add interest and show that you put thought into both the wrapping and the gift itself. Plus, this approach can be a great way to make use of little items you might have saved but weren’t quite sure how to use.