Brainstorming wrapping ideas

A    m I think only person who gets more excited about wrapping presents than buying or giving them? I’ve always loved wrapping presents and a big part of the fun is coming up with new ideas every year. Often my “theme” follows a color trend I’m particularly into at the time, but sometimes it flows from a paper I just love or an idea I saw in a shop or online.

Some of the wrapping “themes” I’ve done in the past include:
• All silver and gold, with real seashells painted silver or gold (OK, this one was admittedly a bit over the top.)
• Chartruese and hot pink
• Lime green and red
• Blue and silver
• All white paper with plaid Christmas ribbons (this one was particularly cost effective as I got an end roll of heavy weight offset press paper–ask at your local newspaper for end rolls that are good for all sorts of things like this–free)

I’m not sure what I’m going to do this year (we’re cutting back on our gift-giving so there aren’t a lot of gifts to wrap, and I’m giving “living” gifts to a lot of people), but I couldn’t help but peruse some online paper stores (gosh, I just love paper stores). Anyway, I thought I’d share a few wrapping ideas that might be fun to do (or just dream about.)

This gift from the designers at Broadway Paper isn’t really holiday themed, but it’s just full of great idea that are customizable for any holidy. The paper is simple kraft paper that has been pleated. The ribbon is a silky, wired ribbon with a tissue paper flower in the middle. What a wow package.

I love this bold print from Paper Source, which is almost reminiscent of a tropical print because of its large scale. I’d go really simple on the ribbon though, with just a white satin ribbon.