buy my love

i won't deny that i love receiving gifts, but there's nothing like that deep-down-warm-and-fuzzy feeling i get watching someone else unwrap a gift i've put a lot time and effort into; part of that time and effort always goes into the wrapping. sure, run of the mill wrapping paper does the job, but it doesn't really add anything to the gift so i always like to think of fun, new, creative ways to spruce up those special packages.

tapeswell sells decorative packing tapes in a plethora of patterns - from damask (above) to blue tinsel. japanese masking tapes are also a fun option and can be mixed and matched to your taste (check out the sets at gingko papers or identi-tape)

i may be biased when i say this is my favourite gift wrapping idea (my sisters made this for my birthday a couple of months ago) but who can deny this fun, carefree option. just take an old take-out dinner bag (make sure it's clean) and cover with colourful feathers and gems in a haphazard manner. this is a project that lets you get creative, so if feathers and gems aren't your thing, try stickers, baseball cards, or even painting on your own design.

mail to me is very much like gift giving - i love coming home to it (granted it's not a credit card bill) but i love sending it that much more; that's why i adore the above idea. brown paper is a classic choice for wrapping parcels, and the reason why i once ran around the city looking for the stuff at 10 in the evening. i eventually settled for the paper they used to cover tables at a local restaurant - it did the trick and it was free! vintage stamps and twine take it that extra mile. bugs and fishes created the lovely packaging above.

gift wrapping wisdom:

• when choosing a wrapping scheme, use your gift as inspiration - tying in your wrapping with your gift creates a theme, and themes are magical! they let that special someone on the receiving end know you were thoughtful when it came to the gift.

• take your time - bad execution can make even the most wonderful idea fail.

• make your wrapping work that extra mile - if not torn up, great wrapping can become art, hung up in a frame or on a tack board, or it can be used over and over again (like gift bags)

remember, wrapping gifts is all about being creative and thinking outside the box. you can use these ideas as a jumping off point and once you do, you'll be looking for new reasons to give gifts in the first place!