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11 Festive DIY Gift Wrap Ideas for the Holidays

Lowe's Editorial Team

By Lowe's Editorial Team
Published December 4, 2024

The holidays are a season of giving and there is nothing more joyous than giving and receiving well-wrapped presents. Using DIY gift wrap can make your gift stand out with a unique touch. These ideas will help you get inspired and find the perfect idea for any occasion.

1. Brown Paper and Twine Wrap

Brown paper gift wrap is the epitome of rustic charm. Pair it with twine for a minimalist, earthy look, or a twig to give it a unique, handcrafted touch. This simple yet creative approach transforms plain packaging into something effortlessly chic. It creates a relatively basic but very classy look. You may opt for a wax seal or a small hand-made label to give it a more individual feel.

Tip

You can also utilize recycled brown paper in gift wrapping to enhance its look.

2. DIY Stamp paper

Stamps can be used to make your DIY gift packaging. You can buy holiday-themed stamps or make simple ones using foam.   

  • Draw and cut out your desired shape from the foam sheet. 
  • Glue the foam cut-out to a small wooden block or cardboard for easier stamping. 
  • Dip the foam in paint or ink and press it onto your wrapping paper to create a design. 

Tip

Metallic ink is recommended for a festive shimmer.

3. Fabric Wrap

Fabric wrapping, or Furoshiki, is an eco-friendly gift wrap option. Choose a colorful scarf, tea towel, or any fabric with vibrant patterns that can double as part of the gift. The process is simple: 

  1. Lay the fabric flat and place the gift in the center.
  2. Bring two opposite corners together and tie them in a knot.
  3. Repeat with the remaining corners for a secure wrap.

Tip

Use fabrics with festive prints or luxurious textures like silk to elevate the presentation.

4. Mix and Match Patterns

Combine polka dots with stripes or plaid wrapping papers for a playful, layered look. Use colors from the same palette to keep it cohesive. Wrap with two papers—cover one section of the box with a bold pattern and the other half with a subtle print. Add a ribbon in a contrasting color for a final touch.

5. Newspaper Wrap

Consider using old newspapers as gift wrapping paper. Some other ways to personalize it are using colorful ribbons, twine, or stickers to enhance the color contrast. Another advantage of this DIY gift wrap is that it helps with recycling and gives a festive-looking packaging. 

6. Ribbon Wrapping

Add a festive touch by incorporating candy canes as your gift wrap. Secure a candy cane to the gift by tying it with ribbons or twine, blending the look of a decorative wrap with a sweet treat. Not only does this bring a holiday feel to the packaging, but it also doubles as an edible surprise for the recipient. 

Tip

You can attach a little trinket or bell to the ribbon for further enhancement. 

7. Personalized Photo Gift Tags 

Attach small pictures of the person receiving the gift instead of writing gift tags to add a touch of personalization. This DIY gift wrap idea is heartwarming and makes the wrapping itself seem like a piece of memorabilia.  

8. Washi Tape Wrap 

Washi Tape Wrap offers endless creative possibilities for gift wrapping. With its wide range of patterns and colors, you can quickly transform plain paper into something unique and vibrant. Use washi tape to create colorful stripes, geometric patterns, or neat border accents. Whether layering tapes for a bold design or adding subtle touches, washi tape adds a personal and playful flair without the mess of glue or paint.  

9. Monochrome Magic

Pick a color theme like all-white, all-red, or all-gold for a sophisticated, sleek look. Vary the textures with a satin ribbon, lace, or metallic paper to create depth while sticking to the monochrome theme. 

10. Nature-Inspired Wrap 

Nature-inspired wrap is a beautiful way to give your gifts a touch of rustic elegance while incorporating elements from the natural world. By adding items like pinecones, dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, or holly leaves, you not only enhance the visual appeal but also bring delightful fragrances to your wrapping. These decorations give your gift a charming, organic feel that is perfect for festive occasions. 

11. DIY Gift Paper Bag 

One of the easiest and most fun gift ideas is a DIY gift paper bag using plain paper bags, some paint, and stickers or stamps. This makes it easy to give the bag a personal touch, especially for gifts with awkward shapes that cannot be placed on normal paper.  

Tip

Add the recipient’s favorite colors or themes to make each gift unique.

Happy Wrapping

Wrapping a gift can be a personalized task, depending on how special you make it. Using these tips for DIY gift wrap, you can create unique and fabulous gifts for your loved ones! 

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