When you're talking about presents, presentation can be everything. Here are 14 creative gift wrap ideas. 

1. Cut shapes or monograms from cardstock or old holiday greeting cards and hang from ribbon, jute or yarn.

2. Use a creative wrap that coordinates with the gift. For example, use a receiving blanket and ribbon
to wrap a baby's gift; fun scrapbooking paper for a crafter; old maps for a traveler.

3. Use fabric scraps and ribbon. Each time you are in a discount store, stop by the fabric clearance section.
You can often find elegant and unique supplies at a deep discount.

4. Print your favorite family photos of the year onto paper and use for wrapping small treasures.

5. Recycle gift wrap from previous years.

6. Adorn the gift with silk flowers or small charms. The booming scrapbooking industry has made available
so many amazing little embellishments that are perfect for adorning gifts.

7. Use rubber stamps to stamp the recipients' name, monogram, or a special holiday message. 

8. Make or use a fabric gift bag. Orientaltrading.com has a large variety of inexpensive and unique wrapping supplies.

9. Use the recipient's favorite section of the newspaper as gift wrap. Whether it's the comics or the sports page, this is an easy, inexpensive way to add a personal touch - especially when combined with one of these other techniques.

10. Fold a gift box from last year's holiday cards or seasonal cardstock.
Here's how: http://jas.familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts?page=CraftDisplay&craftid=10500

11. Wrap a gift in a drawing or painting that your children have made.

12. Use natural elements from your area to adorn gifts. Pine boughs or pine cones, dried grasses, and dried leaves are all charming choices.

13. Purchase plain paper and ask your children to decorate the wrapped item or gift bag with drawings and special messages for wrapping paper that is truly one-of-a-kind.

14. Browse flea markets, garage sales, or dollar stores for inexpensive and unique boxes, bags, and bows.
You can even decoupage an old cigar box with photos or memorabilia and create a gift box that is a gift in itself.

Copyright 2005 by Susie Cortright