Make your presents pop this Christmas with four beautiful wrapping ideas that won’t break the bank
Decals
Who says decals are only for walls? Transform plain gift boxes or bags with packets of decals and make some matching gift tags. This is a great wrapping project to do with kids.
Shopping list
Boxes
Plain gift bags
White cardboard for tags
Hole punch for tags
Gold thread
Decals
Gold foil decals from Km2 Creative; gold house from SE3; gold thread from Spotlight; gold fairy lights from Design Quarter; white tags made by stylist from white card; white gift bag and boxes from Spotlight; foil spot tissue paper stylist’s own.
Fabric
Wrapping Christmas gifts in fabric is a novel way of presenting gifts, and the fabric can be passed from person to person to enjoy. To wrap gifts in fabric, place a present diagonally in the middle of the fabric. Bring one corner over and tuck under present, do the same for the other side. You will now be left with the two open ends of fabric on the sides of the present. Gently gather fabric at both ends and tie a knot on top of present.
To make the circle garland, use a large circle punch (from Spotlight) to punch out circles from glitter, foil and plain cardboard. You will need 30-40 circles to make a 2-metre garland. Sew circles using a tight stitch on a sewing machine (1 or 2). Thread each cardboard circle carefully so the stitch goes through the middle to connect the circles and make the garland.
Shopping list
Squares of fabric 70x70cm (depending on gift box size)
Mint fabric from Spotlight; gold dot and chevron fabric from Etsy (Indeed Fabric); gold and white twine from Tea Pea; mint pen from Source Home + Object; scissors from Douglas and Bec; tags and garland made by stylist; baubles stylist’s own.
Foil ribbon
Expensive grosgrain and organza ribbons look amazing on presents, however they can add to the cost of the present quite significantly. If your budget is tight then foil ribbons are your friend. They’re available from variety and $2 stores and look great teamed with a solid wrapping paper. The options are endless with this ribbon: try weaving it into a grid pattern for a simple yet special effect. You can even make bows if you’re feeling creative – search for tutorials online.
Shopping list
Plain block-colour wrapping paper
Foil ribbons
Scissors
Hole foil ribbon from Spotlight; roll of foil ribbon from Ikes Emporium; spotty gift tags, present decorations, gold pen and pink washi tape all stylist’s own.
Feathers
If you want to make your Christmas presents look like a million bucks but don’t have a lot of time on your hands, then stick with a stylish black and gold colour palette and add a feather or two. Simply add a touch of glitter to some inexpensive feathers from your local $2 shop and voilà, instant impact and so on-trend!
Shopping list
Plain solid-colour wrapping paper
Feathers
Glitter
Clear craft glue
Thin cord or ribbon
Words by: Vanessa Nouwens
Photography by: Melanie Jenkins
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