Frugal Christmas Wrap or Decorating?

**KathiS** · 09-18-2001, 04:06 AM

Each year I try to find a new, interesting and inexpensive way to wrap presents and decorate. Two years ago I saved the funny pages from the Sunday paper all year and wrapped presents in them. I added some ribbon and they looked great! Last year I used brown wrapping paper and stamped different designs on the packages and added raffia(sp?). What kinds of frugal wrapping do you have planned for this Christmas or have you used in past years? I need some new ideas! TIA.

**mom23boyz** · 09-20-2001, 06:50 PM

WOW those are great ideas!! I have nothing original to share as you have but I got my wrapping paper on clearance at Target for like .20 a roll after Xmas and bows for .05 as bag.Thats about as frugal as it gets for me.
Thanks for the thread.
Denise

**Brandy3** · 09-22-2001, 12:42 PM

Check some places for wallpaper samples. Some just toss out the sample books or give samples away. Makes great craft paper for all types of uses like giftwrap.

Brandy

**Pacma** · 09-23-2001, 01:05 AM

You can also try using things like:
Bags made from fabric, bought on clearance after Christmas.
Blankets, cloth napkins, and scarves may be used.

I have taken old cereal boxes & washing powder boxes and wrapped them with gift wrap. These are sturdy and re-usable.

**KathiS** · 09-23-2001, 01:17 AM

Thanks Brandee & Paula, Can always use new ideas!

**mom2natalie** · 10-17-2001, 12:33 PM

A cute idea for "ribbon" is string licorice.
attached.

Carrie

**Jerseygirl** · 10-26-2001, 08:11 PM

White butcher paper--my gifts go out with pretty ribbons, kid's get stamped and painted--great for every occasion.

samster · 11-04-2001, 09:06 AM

I think tins are fun for boxes for gifts.
People are always expecting cookies or treats, but they can be used for anything.

Samster

thriftyone · 11-05-2001, 03:13 PM

I also use brown kraft paper but i tapead and glue my xmas card pictures on them from the previous year....HTH

**MicheleMomof3** · 11-12-2001, 06:43 AM

Heres what I do.... save your newspapers. You can paint your newspaper any color you like. I use spray paint mostly( I hang the sheet on a clothes line on my porch so I can paint both sides) or you can use any craft paint you like! I would stay away from anything with oil in it though. This also looks good once its paint and shredded for basket filler! Another thing I do is around Oct./Nov. I ask for all my groceries (except for frozen items) in paper bags when possible. I save the bags, turn them inside out and its FREE brown craft paper . Also you can use potatoe chip bags! The inside of these bags are very bright and shiny silver. Turn them inside out, wash very well and you have a bright silver gift bag! Tulle by the yard from the fabric department makes beautiful wrap, especially on gift baskets. Thats all I can think of right now! HTH!
~Michele~

**CountryMom** · 12-01-2001, 01:22 PM

Next year I am going to save all of my grocery sacks and rubber stamp them. I love that idea!

This year is use up all of the old wrapping paper so it doesn't attack me when I open the closet door year. Did you catch all of that. LOL

I have seen small gifts and goodies given in plain paper lunch bags with a candy cane threaded through the top. I thought that was pretty cute.

My aunt sews her own gift sacks for the presents she gives at her house. She just collects them after everything has been opened and saves them for the next year.

**MicheleMomof3** · 12-03-2001, 05:58 AM

I like the idea about the lunch bags & candy canes! My Wal Mart now has those lunch bags in white too. Thanks!:santa:
~Michele~

**captclearance** · 09-13-2002, 02:16 PM

Now that the season is almost upon us I have a few frugal gift ideas to share and would love to here yours..........

I decorate empty cans with paper print outs, recipes or fabric, punch to holes in them and add a curled wire for a handle....

Use empty cereal boxes (or any box will do, Poptart boxes work great) .... Cut the top flaps off, spray paint, punch 2 holes near the top on opposite sides and add a piece of jute or cord for a handle... Wrap the gift inside in tissue... It's like a stiff gift bag.....

I live near a town with a magazine publisher (everyone has a newspaper) ask them for end rolls of paper, they will usually give them to you.. They have hundreds of feet of paper on them... Let the kids put handprints with water color paints or decorate with paint splatter or rubber stamps.....

**bamamomto4** · 09-13-2002, 02:20 PM

Those are great ideas!! I'm going to do the painting boxes...lots cheaper than gift bags

Thanks!

**sixfreds** · 09-13-2002, 02:21 PM

Use empty cereal boxes (or any box will do, Poptart boxes work great) .... Cut the top flaps off, spray paint, punch 2 holes near the top on opposite sides and add a piece of jute or cord for a handle... Wrap the gift inside in tissue... It's like a stiff gift bag.....

I have done this and have a pile of boxes all ready for christmas giving, the cheapest way yet, since I buy those boxes any ways.. I have done a couple for birthday parties and they are a big hit!!

Thanks for all the great tips,
Eileen