Unique Holiday Gift Wrap Ideas

Want to wrap your holiday gifts in something other than the typical "snowman print" wrapping paper? There are lots of unique - and relatively inexpensive - ways you can present a gift for less. Just try one of these suggestions:

Paper bags: Standard paper lunch bags or plain paper grocery bags can be used like regular gift bags, and they are a great way to give your gifts a rustic appeal. Tie with twine and decorate with pine branches for instant chic. Or you can decorate the bags with rubber stamping, stencils or other personal touches. If you have children, give them some crayons and tell them to cover the bags in their artwork.

Old maps: Have an old, out-of-date Atlas in your car? Old Atlas pages are a great way to wrap small gifts. Large wall maps can be used to wrap bigger gifts. The print itself is interesting and colorful, and the map can give an added dimension to a travel-related gift, like a toiletry bag or piece of luggage. Adolescent boys, in particular, tend to like this type of wrapping paper.

Wax paper: Semi-transparent wax paper can create a really stylish look for a sophisticated gift, like a collectible book or leather-bound journal. Wrap as usual and then decorate with a plain ribbon for a simple but elegant package. Use multiple layers to make the wrapping less transparent. You could also iron dried flowers between wax paper layers for added elegance.

Fabric: Make the wrapping part of the gift by choosing a multi-function item. Cloth bags, tee-shirts, fleece blankets or linen tablecloths are a great way to wrap a gift and also give a little something extra. Other good choices include bath towels, cloth napkins or dishtowels. Match the wrap to the gift for a personal touch. For example, wrap a kitchen utensil in a dishtowel.