
Adding a personal touch to your gifts is easier than you think. You can create one-of-a-kind wrapping paper using old maps, which can evoke a sense of adventure and travel.
Consider using vintage book pages for a unique and literary look. This wrapping paper idea is perfect for book lovers and adds a touch of nostalgia to any gift.
Handmade paper can also be a beautiful and eco-friendly option. You can create your own paper using natural materials like cotton linters or hemp, and add decorative elements like leaves or flowers.
For a more modern look, try using metallic paper with a geometric pattern. This wrapping paper idea is perfect for a tech-savvy friend or a special occasion like a birthday or anniversary.
For more insights, see: Gift Wrap Book
Recycled Materials
You can use recycled newspaper or magazines as a creative and eco-friendly wrapping paper option. Save up a few weeks' worth of newspapers to use as gift wrap.
The comic pages are always colorful, making them a great choice. You can also theme it to the gift, such as using the entertainment section to wrap up a vinyl record.
If you prefer a more colorful aesthetic, consider using magazine pages. Real Simple magazine is a great source for pretty and stylish pages.
A cute ribbon and tags can add a little panache to your handmade wrapping paper.
Creative Wrapping Techniques
To add some excitement to your gift-giving, try a unique wrapping technique.
You can create a beautiful effect by layering wrapping papers, starting with a plain base layer like brown paper, which is inexpensive and readily available.
Brown paper can be found at the post office or any stationery store, making it a great option for those on a budget.
To add some personality to your gift, layer different types of paper over the brown paper, and tie a matching ribbon around the centre of your gift.
You can also offset your patterned paper to one side to get a different look and create a unique gift wrapping effect.
Broaden your view: Unique Ways to Wrap a Christmas Gift
DIY Picture
DIY Picture gift wrap is a great way to add a personal touch to your gifts. Kristen created her own picture wrapping paper by printing photo collages on blue print paper at Staples.
This idea is genius because it allows you to use any photos you like, making the gift truly unique. You can print multiple photos and create a collage, or use a single special photo.
To make your own DIY picture gift wrap, you'll need a printer and some blue print paper. You can also use a computer and a printer at a Staples store like Kristen did. The possibilities are endless, and the result is a beautiful and personalized gift wrap.
Here are some tips for creating your own DIY picture gift wrap:
- Use a variety of photos to create a collage
- Experiment with different print sizes and arrangements
- Add a personal message or caption to the photos
- Use a blue print paper that complements the colors of the photos
By following these tips, you can create a one-of-a-kind gift wrap that will make your gifts truly special.
Washi Tape
Washi Tape is a game-changer for creative wrapping techniques. It comes in a variety of patterns and colours, perfect for creating stripes, borders, or other geometric designs.

You can use washi tape to decorate plain wrapping paper, adding a touch of personality to your gifts. By placing the tape in a thoughtful arrangement onto the paper, you can craft a contemporary, chic look quickly and easily.
One of the best things about washi tape is its ease of use - it ensures a clean, professional finish without the mess of paint or glue. This makes it a great option for those who are short on time or not feeling crafty.
Washi tape can be used to make designs or monograms on kraft paper, adding an extra special touch to your gifts. You can also use it to create a fun and playful look by placing it in a fun pattern or design.
Layering Ideas
You can create a beautiful effect by layering your wrapping papers. Brown paper is a great base layer because it's inexpensive and readily available.
Use a plain base layer and a decorative overlay to add depth to your gift wrapping. I like to use brown paper as the base layer, and you can buy it from the post office or any stationery store.
Brown kitchen baking paper is also a good option for a base layer. It's inexpensive and easy to find. You can then add a strip of pretty patterned paper and a ribbon.
Tie a matching ribbon around the centre of your gift for a finished look. You can also add another layer of patterned paper to create a unique design.
Offset your patterned paper to one side to get a different look. This adds visual interest to your gift wrapping and makes it more interesting.
For your interest: Gift Wrap Ribbon Ideas
Ripcord Quick-Open
The Ripcord Quick-Open method is a unique way to unwrap a gift in record time.
Psychologists tell us that part of the purpose of gift wrapping is to prolong the suspense of finding out what the gift is, but this technique turns that idea on its head.
This idea was first introduced by Kqrpnb over at Instructables.
The Ripcord Quick-Open method involves wrapping a gift in a way that allows it to be unwrapped in a single swift motion.
The technique can add an exciting element to gift-giving, making the unwrapping process a fun and thrilling experience.
Full credit for this idea goes to Kqrpnb, who shared it with the world through Instructables.
Decorative Wrapping Ideas

Craft paper is a great go-to option for wrapping gifts, and you can find it in dollar stores and office supply stores. It's plain, making it easy to customize with ribbons and greenery.
You can also use white paper wrap, but it may be harder to find at a reasonable price. White boxes are a convenient alternative, eliminating the need to fiddle with corners and tape.
Black wrapping paper with chalk pen writing is a surprisingly great idea, and you can find the black paper and the right pen at a specific link. Old maps and buttons can also be used for a fun and easy wrapping option, and you can mix and match colors like solid red and blue wrapping paper found at IKEA.
Newspaper can be used as a unique and creative gift wrap option, and it's readily available and inexpensive. You can make a puffy bow out of newspaper to add a personal touch.
Add Natural Adornments

Adding natural adornments to your gift wrap is a great way to give it a personal touch. Dried flowers can make a gorgeous addition to your eco-friendly gift wrap.
You can use evergreen sprigs to add a pop of color and fragrance to your gift. Holly sprigs are another option that can add a festive touch.
Gilded leaves can add a touch of elegance to your gift wrap. A few acorns can also make a beautiful and earthy addition.
Natural adornments can also help to create a cohesive look with your gift and the recipient's home.
Cupcake Liner Bows
Cupcake Liner Bows are a creative way to add a personal touch to your packages. Linda used cupcake liners to make a unique DIY bow for her package wrapped in kraft paper.
This idea is perfect for adding a pop of color to your gifts. You can use cupcake liners in various colors and patterns to match your wrapping paper or add a contrasting touch.
Linda's cupcake liner bow is a great example of repurposing everyday items to create something special.
Tape Monograms

Tape monograms are a great way to add a personal touch to your gifts. Use patterned tape to make designs or monograms on the kraft paper.
You can use a variety of patterns and colours to create a unique look. We utilise the versatility of washi tape to decorate plain wrapping paper.
A sprig of red berries, candy canes, or greenery can make a beautiful gift topper. Use these elements in combination with washi tape to create a beautiful and thoughtful gift.
Washi tape's ease of use ensures a clean, professional finish without the mess of paint or glue. This makes it perfect for creating stripes, borders, or other geometric designs on your wrapping paper.
A fresh viewpoint: Beautiful Gift Wrap
Ideas
Wrapping gifts can be a fun and creative process, and there are many unique ideas to try. Craft paper is a great option, and you can find it in dollar stores and office supply stores. It's plain, but that's the beauty of it - you can do anything to it.

Using white paper wrap can be a good alternative to traditional wrapping paper, especially if you're short on time. You can find white boxes that eliminate the need to fiddle with corners and tape. Paint chip tags are also a clever idea for adding a personal touch.
Black wrapping paper might seem like an unusual choice, but it can look great with chalk pen writing. You can find black paper and the right type of pen at the right stores. Old maps and buttons can also make for a fun and easy wrapping solution.
I've used solid red and blue wrapping paper from IKEA, along with gift tags made from recycled Christmas cards. It's a great way to reuse and recycle materials.
Here are some unique gift wrapping ideas:
- Layered Paper
- Newspaper
- Ripcord Quick-release
- Furoshiki Fabric Wrapping
- Ribbon Weaving
- Other ideas
To get started, you'll need a few basic supplies:
- A wrapped present
- 2 rolls of ribbon in complementary colours
- Double sided tape
- Scissors
Newspaper can be a great option for wrapping gifts, especially for children or adults who are young at heart. Simply cut out long strips of newspaper, loop them over, and secure with tape to create a puffy bow.
Wrapping Paper Alternatives
For a more eco-friendly wrapping option, consider using paper tapes like washi tape. This type of tape is a great alternative to traditional plastic tape.
You can also get creative with your wrapping by folding the paper or fabric around the object, and holding it in place with a ribbon or twine. This method eliminates the need for any adhesive.
Remnants
You can repurpose old maps as unique gift wrap, as they can add a touch of nostalgia and adventure to your presents.
Old maps can be a bit fragile, so consider laminating them first to make them more durable.
If you've been DIYing a lot of wallpaper projects lately, your leftovers can make some very sturdy gift wrap that you can use.
Old CDs can be transformed into shiny, reflective gift wrap that's perfect for technology enthusiasts.
Old book pages can be used to create beautiful, vintage-inspired gift wrap that adds a touch of elegance to your presents.
Skip Adhesive Tapes

Skip adhesive tapes altogether and opt for more eco-friendly alternatives. You can use pretty washi tape instead of plastic tape to add a decorative touch to your wrapping.
Plastic tape can make it hard to recycle paper, so it's best to avoid it.
Folding the paper or fabric around the object is another great way to secure it without using tape. This method is not only eco-friendly but also adds a charming, handmade touch to your gift wrapping.
A ribbon or twine can be used to hold the folded paper or fabric in place, giving your gift a beautiful and rustic look.
A different take: Eco Gift Wrap
Kraft
Kraft paper is a great alternative to traditional wrapping paper. You can use a giant roll of it for different occasions all year long.
One of the best things about kraft paper is that it's easy to customize. You can use stamps, washi tape, or even paint to give it a personal touch.
Suggestion: Bulk Kraft Paper Bags

If you're looking for a more festive look, try adding some glitter to your kraft paper. Gold glitter on kraft paper is a particularly nice combination.
For a more rustic feel, consider using a twine bow and a bell with your kraft paper. This is a great way to add a personal touch to your gift.
Here are some ideas for using kraft paper to create a unique gift:
For another approach, see: Butcher Paper vs Kraft Paper
Unique Wrapping Materials
You can reuse old sheets with frayed edges or a stained tablecloth as eco-friendly gift wrap. Just trim off the stained parts!
Fabric gift wrapping is a great idea because it's reusable, and you can use the same fabric to wrap gifts again and again.
Consider using vintage fabric from your local vintage store or around your house to give your gifts a unique touch. A vintage handkerchief or tablecloth makes a gorgeous eco-friendly gift wrap idea.
Here are some unique wrapping materials you can use:
- Newspaper: great for wrapping gifts for children or adults who are young at heart, and you can make a puffy bow out of it.
- Vintage fabric: look for interesting things to accessorize your gifts or serve as gift wrap, such as old neckties, doilies, or lengths of lace.
- Furoshiki fabric wraps: buy special furoshiki wraps or hit the fabric store for lengths of cotton or linen.
Fabric Ideas
You can use a vintage handkerchief or tablecloth as a gorgeous eco-friendly gift wrap idea, and old neckties, doilies, or lengths of lace can add extra panache to a plain kraft paper wrap job.
Furoshiki fabric wraps are an elegant and sustainable gift wrap option, and you can buy special furoshiki wraps or use lengths of cotton or linen from a fabric store.
Most furoshiki wraps come in 18 inch or 28 inch squares, but you can also cut a larger length of fabric for a bigger gift.
Using fabric to wrap gifts is a great idea because it is reusable, and you can use the same fabric to wrap gifts again and again.
You can turn sheets that have frayed edges or a stained tablecloth into gift wrap by trimming off the stained parts.
A vintage white sheet can be used to stamp lots of reusable wrapping paper at once, and adding a golden ribbon with a simple bow can make it look beautiful.
Furoshiki is a unique gift wrapping idea from Japan that looks great and is environmentally friendly, and a furoshiki is a traditional Japanese wrapping cloth that can be reused.
On a similar theme: Reusable Saran Wrap
Maps or Posters

Using old maps or posters as sustainable gift wrap is a great idea. They're likely made of thick enough paper that can be saved and reused.
You can find old atlases or posters in thrift stores or your grandparents' attic. They add a unique touch to gifts and can be a great conversation starter.
This idea is especially useful if you're looking for a eco-friendly alternative to traditional wrapping paper. Old maps and posters can be a great way to reduce waste and get creative with gift wrapping.
Just be sure to choose maps or posters that are in good condition and won't tear easily. You can also add embellishments like ribbons or greenery to make the gift even more special.
Using old maps or posters as gift wrap is a great way to add a personal touch to your gifts and reduce your environmental impact.
Old Stocking
I've always been fascinated by the creative ways people reuse old stockings as unique wrapping materials.
Old stockings can be repurposed into beautiful wrapping materials, adding a personal touch to gifts.
In fact, a vintage stocking can add a nostalgic charm to any present, making it a thoughtful and meaningful gift.
You can wrap a small gift, like a book or a candle, in a section of the stocking, securing it with a ribbon or a small pin.
A pair of old Christmas stockings can be transformed into a stunning table runner, perfect for holiday gatherings.
The soft, stretchy material of the stocking makes it easy to shape and mold around objects, creating a unique and eye-catching presentation.
For example, you can fill a stocking with ornaments and use it as a centerpiece for your holiday table.
Plastic Bag Pom Poms
You can create unique gift wrapping materials using everyday items like plastic bags.
Plastic bags are a great alternative to traditional wrapping paper.
To make plastic bag pom poms, you'll need plastic grocery store bags.
These DIY snowball pom-poms are perfect for gifts.
They're easy to make and can be customized to fit your gift-giving style.
You might enjoy: Plastic Cling Wrap
Kraft Wrapping
Kraft paper is a great choice for wrapping gifts, and it's versatile too. You can use a giant roll for different occasions all year long.
One way to personalize kraft paper is to add stamps. A simple letter stamp can make a big impact, especially when paired with a felt start, twine bow, and a bell.
Kraft paper can also be paired with glitter for a more festive look. Gold glitter on kraft paper is a particularly nice combination.
If you want to add some extra flair to your kraft paper wrapping, try using washi tape. It's a great way to add some color and interest to your gifts.
Here are some ideas for using stamps, glitter, and washi tape with kraft paper:
- Use a simple letter stamp to add a personal touch to your gifts
- Add gold glitter to kraft paper for a festive look
- Use washi tape to add color and interest to your gifts
DIY Wrapping Projects
Adding a personal touch to gifts is as simple as creating DIY stenciled gift wrap. With creativity and basic materials, plain paper can be transformed into a unique work of art.
A bit of creativity and simple materials can make plain paper a work of art that's as unique as the present inside.
On a similar theme: Plain Gift Wrap
Scribble
Scribble wrapping is a fun way to get your toddler involved in the gift-giving process. Let them handle the gift wrap and watch them go wild with markers.
Kraft paper is a great base for scribble wrapping, as seen in the example of wrapping everything in kraft paper and letting a toddler scribble all over it with a marker.
Adding crazy red yarn is a great way to add some extra flair to your scribble wrapping. It's also a more affordable alternative to traditional ribbon.
Using chunky white yarn is another option for adding a decorative touch to your gifts. It's a bit less expensive than ribbon, but still adds a nice pop of color.
Take a look at this: Kraft Gift Wrap
Hand Drawn
Hand drawn wrapping paper is a unique and thoughtful way to elevate your gift-giving. It allows you to add a personal touch to your presents, making them truly special.
Consistency is key when creating hand drawn wrapping paper. Repeated patterns or motifs work well to create a cohesive look across the wrapped gift. This means you can use the same design elements throughout the paper to create a sense of continuity.
Consider reading: Hand Stretch Wrap
Themed illustrations are also a great idea. Tailor your artwork to the occasion, whether it's festive icons for Christmas or balloons for a birthday. This will make your gift wrap even more meaningful and relevant to the person receiving it.
Here are some tips to help you get started with hand drawn wrapping paper:
- Use markers, pens, or paints to craft custom designs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to gift wrap awkward items?
To gift wrap awkward items, start by placing the item into a bag and creasing the ends, then make one to two folds from the top. This initial step helps create a compact base for further wrapping and folding.
What can I make out of wrapping paper?
You can repurpose wrapping paper into various creative projects, such as decorative bunting, paper confetti, and more. From DIY decorations to functional storage solutions, the possibilities are endless.
Sources
- https://www.ritewhileucan.com/wrap-6-unique-ideas/
- https://www.realsimple.com/eco-friendly-gift-wrap-ideas-8357965
- https://www.creatingreallyawesomefunthings.com/creative-ways-to-wrap-gifts/
- https://lindehobby.com/6-ways-to-make-your-own-unique-wrapping-paper-1708/
- https://www.homemade-gifts-made-easy.com/unique-gift-wrapping-ideas.html
Featured Images: pexels.com