Whether you’re eco-conscious, or you just have some old patterns lying around, this video might inspire some creative ideas.

NaturalMindset’s Gift Wrapping with an eco-friendly flair:

• lists all the materials you’ll need for this project
• illustrates the technique of measuring the cuts and folds of your pattern paper
• shows you finishing options for the edges of the bows

Additional Inspirations

If you’re like me, and save all the tissue paper from past gifts you’ve received, you may also want to try adding some colored tissue paper in between your layers of pattern paper that accent your gift wrapping paper. Or, try incorporating some ribbon or lace into your folds. Perhaps accenting your creation with a spare button or an old hat pin could be the perfect finishing touch.

They make books about gift wrapping?

Well of course they do. I know what you’re thinking, but hey, we’re all individuals here and some of us happen to like books. Now I am fully aware the rest of you may be thinking that there’s nothing in this article for you, but there is! Gift wrapping ideas can come from any number of sources, even sites where you purchase books.

I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but Amazon has a few interesting shopping features. My favorite one, is the ability to look inside certain books before you buy them. I believe the seller of the item decides whether or not this has been enabled, but for the most part, it seems as though a majority of them participate. So, interesting tip:

You can get free gift wrapping ideas while browsing for books.

Clicking on their “Search Inside” feature, will launch another browser, the Amazon Online Reader. This is sort of like a “PDF” type viewer Amazon has created for reading their online books. Of course I can’t provide you with screen shots of the content listed in these books, but you are free to go check them out yourselves.

A Few Suggestions and What You’ll Find

Quick and Easy Enchanting Gifts Wrapping 149 Items – Not only are there several pages of color photos for inspiration, but they also share two color picture tutorials on the traditional method of gift wrapping.

The book features a collection of step-by-step picture tutorials on how to wrap various shapes and sizes of gifts. Some of the projects listed in the index are: bottles, plants, hat boxes, fruit, and even umbrellas. It illustrates everything, from paper selection to the best finishing touches.

Gifted Wrapping: Creative Wraps and Ribbons for Every Occasion Step-by-Step Instructions for Stylish and Elegant Gift Wraps for Perfect “Present”ations – The author of this book spent some time in Japan, and it shows in her techniques. She’s very fond of unique papers and special touches with an Asian flair.

The book contains step-by-step projects that are easily duplicated. Right down to the instructions for folding paper and making bows. She’s also included interesting ideas for bow making and sources of where you can get all those fancy papers! Most of her ideas are appropriate for various gifting occasions. The ideas are presented through beautiful photographs of completed gift-wrapped packages, step-by-step illustrations, and how-to copy and resources.

When you want to learn how to do something right, I find it’s easier to learn by watching. Today I’ve got an instructional video for you on the art of gift wrapping.

Marissa’s Gift Wrap Video:

• stresses the importance of sharp scissors
• illustrates the technique of lining up patterns on your wrapping paper
• shows you finishing options for two different shapes of gift boxes

We’ve all been there… a fancy party, a grand family function, or perhaps a special anniversary. You’ve managed to find “the perfect gift”, but now.. how to present it?

Well that’s where this blog will come in handy for you. I’ve collected quite a few of my own gift wrapping ideas, as well as scouted out some excellent sites around the web where you may find additional inspiration. My belief is that no gift or occasion is too small, so I’ll cover as many of them as I can. Here’s a brief list of some topics you can expect to find here:

• where to get the most unique gift wrapping supplies
• tutorials and how to guides on traditional gift wrapping
• creative tips for “out of the ordinary” gift presentations
• blurps on the best gift wrapping related products
• ideas from your fellow readers
• photos for inspiration
• and there’s always more!

Friends don’t let friends give poorly wrapped gifts! So, if you’re ever in a creative jam, feel free to drop me an email or leave me a comment. Also, if you’ve got great ideas of your own, you can send them to me and I’ll pass them along to the rest of the class with proper credit where it’s due.