Confession: I love wrapping gifts. It might be a chore to some people, but for me, it’s totally part of the fun, not to mention a sure-fire way to get me “in the mood” for the Holidays. (Give me an afternoon or an evening with nothing else to do, some Christmas Music or a movie I’ve seen over and over, a stack of presents & some wrapping paper, and I’m set. Ooh, and a mug of (spiked!) hot chocolate.)

Wrapping presents on the cheap isn’t necessarily hard to do, but I do have a few tips on how to make ‘em look amazing for dirt cheap. In fact, I’ve got enough tips for a two-part series.  Here’s Part One.

I wrap all of my gifts in the same color wrapping papers. This way, everything matches, everything looks great, and I don’t have to think about it. Use one or two colors, and stick to monochromatic patterns. I use Kraft paper, with red gold and white prints. I also pick up solid red, and solid gold when I see them go on sale. (BONUS: The Kraft, white & gold scheme also works for weddings, baby showers & grown-up birthdays, so I can use my wrapping paper all year long.) I also buy recycled papers and supplies whenever available.

Here are some of the gift wrapping supplies I keep on hand. Most of these are available at the dollar store or a similar discount store, and many of them are supplies that you can probably find around the house.

I found these metallic gold ABC stickers at the dollar store. (You get several sheets for $1!) You can spell out the recipient’s name, or a holiday message.

Crepe Paper is seriously cheap, comes in every color, and you probably already have some lying around. Use it like ribbon, but tape the ends instead of tying so it doesn’t rip.

Use illustrations from old books, magazines or junk mail, to decorate your package. Write the name of the recipient in the margins.

I picked up this red & white flower lei at the Dollar Store. Cut the string & pull the flowers off, then use them to make a simple but elegant package decoration. (You could make dozens with just one lei!)

You need 2 flowers, a single button or bead, and thread or ribbon that will fit through the button/bead hole. I’m using paper raffia ribbon here, and I found that I could twist it into a point and easily go through the button hole.

Pull your ribbon tight, then put both ends through both flowers. Tie in a knot to secure, then tie or glue to your package.

I got a dozen or so small, flat Kraft bags (they measure about 8” x 10”) at my grocery store for free. (Ask a polite cashier for the bags they put greeting cards in.) I was delighted to realize they’re the perfect size for wrapping books, DVD’s and video games. So easy!

This one was decorated with acrylic stamps and a metallic ink pad. (BONUS: Kids could decorate bags with stamps or other art supplies.) By the way, stamps work much better if you decorate the bag BEFORE wrapping the gift.

I’ll be back with Part Two next week. Happy wrapping!

PS: Need Gift Tags? Download & print out my Free Printable Gift Tags!