With the holidays upon us, just about every surface in our house has been used for wrapping gifts by this point in the month. Last year, we actually ran out of gift wrap at the very last second and started making our own out of just about anything we could find out of necessity, but we loved the process, idea, and finished look so much that this year we actually decided to make our own on purpose! That’s why we’ve been on the hunt for new DIY gift wrap tutorials and suggestions that we’ve never tried before, even if they’re not specifically meant for Christmas alone.
Are you feeling just as interested as we were, if not more, in the idea of making your very own DIY gift wrap? Check out these 15 fantastic ideas, designs, and tutorials that we’ve come across so far in this year’s search for inspiration and guidance!
1. DIY paint stencilled wrapping paper
Are you feeling determined to make your own paper but you’re also in a little bit of a hurry and therefore on the lookout for something quite quick and simple? Then we’d encourage you to swing by the stencils section next time you’re at your local craft store and check out your holiday shape options there, then pick up Christmassy paints and some plain brown packing paper. Bre Pea will show you how the rest us done when it comes to this simple but pretty paint stencilled paper wrap!
2. Gift wrap from an old map
Is the person you’re giving the gift you’re about to wrap a total travel lover with a notorious sense of wanderlust? In that case, especially if you’re the kind of crafter who adores using just about any project you do as a reason for upcycling, we’d definitely suggest checking out how The Thinking Closet used an old paper map to wrap their present!
3. Reindeer paper bag gift wrap
Regular sheet style gift wrap isn’t the only kind of DIY gift presentation you can make, of course! If that doesn’t appeal to you, then we’d definitely suggest taking a look at how Lines Across got creative with a paper bag instead! Their tutorial shows you how to fold and embellish the bag to make this funny little reindeer that might be better for packaging Christmas gifts that are awkwardly shaped for wrapping in flat paper.
4. DIY cupcake wrapper gift wrap
Have you actually got a gift to wrap that’s already in its own plain box but you can’t help thinking that you’d love to give it a little more flare than it currently has? in that case, we think you simply must take a look at the way Stylecaster made this awesome gift “wrap” idea happen by flattening metallic gold and silver cupcake liners and decoupaging them all over the outside surface of the box to jazz it up a little!
5. Cozy upcycled wool sweater gift wrap
Particularly if you love upcycling or happen to be an enthusiastic knitter, then we’re pretty sure this next idea outlined step by step on Boxwood Clippings might be just the one for you! Take a better look at their tutorial to see how they cut, folded, wrapped, and knotted an old sweater strategically in order to turn it into a wonderfully cozy looking outer layer for a gift box.
6. How to make gift bags from any kind of paper
Have we caught your attention the best so far with the idea of putting your gifts in DIY gift bags, rather than wrapping the in sheet style gift wrap, but you’d rather make the bags from scratch yourself than just use a paper bag as a base like you saw before? In that case, we’d absolutely suggest taking a better look at this tutorial from Kelly Elko that teaches you step by step how to make gift bags from any kind of paper, including upcycled maps or sheet music!
7. Vintage sewing pattern gift wrap
Whether you’re packing the inside of a gift bag with tissue, wrapping the full outside of a present, or trying to make your very own Christmas crackers, it’s amazing just how many different kinds of unique paper you can use for an awesomely upcycled look! Currently, we’re completely obsessed with this idea and tutorial from Sadie Seasongoods, who shows you how to make your ow gift wrap out of old sewing patterns!
8. How to wrap homemade baked goods like gifts
In addition to learning how to make your very own gift wrap, are you also looking for a few tips and tricks when it comes to wrapping unconventionally shaped things a little better than you did last year? Well, if you’re planning on giving the neighbours or your coworkers baked goods this year, then we think you’ll really appreciate this tutorial from Happy Hour Projects that shows you how to wrap them like a gift!
9. Fabric wrapped gifts
Perhaps part of the reason that you’ve wanted to replace conventional store bought gift wrap in your Christmas prep is the desire to waste less paper and eliminate some waste? In that case, we think you just might be the perfect person to give this idea from Evermine a try! Thy show yo how to wrap gifts creatively and beautifully using fabric, as well as how to cut or upcycle fabric pieces to make the whole process easier.
10. Easy and pretty fabric gift pouch
Have we really caught your attention well with this whole idea of wrapping your gifts using fabric but you’re looking for a technique that’s extra simple and better for wrapping slightly smaller things? In that case, we’d absolutely suggest taking a look at how A Spoonful of Sugar made this adorable fabric gift pouch instead!
11. DIY embellished brown paper gift wrap
Have you actually been thinking a lot about the brown paper gift wrapping concept we showed you earlier because you really appreciate how rustic it looks but you’re looking for other ways to present the idea besides just Christmas themed presents too? Then we think you simply must take a look at how Whipper Berry embellished theirs using upcycled crafting and sewing scraps like trim, lace, fabric or tissue paper flowers, and so on. The finished look is stunning and quite vintage inspired.
12. Japanese knotted fabric gift wrapping techniques
Perhaps you’re still scrolling through our list and finding yourself feeling quite enamoured with the idea of doing some fabric gift wrapping, but you’re still looking for an idea that’s even simpler than the ones you’ve seen so far? Then we’re pretty sure this tutorial from All Women’s Talk has the perfect guidelines for you. Their technique is a knotting method from Japan that’s quick and easy to do.
13. Furoshiki gift wrapping from a button down shirt
If you’re interested in exploring the different Japanese gift knotting techniques out there but you’re open to something a little more challenging and you’re always down to upcycle, then we’re convinced this next tutorial from Inhabitat was practically made for you! Take a better look at their steps to see how this knotted gift “bag” complete with its own handle was made from an old button down shirt.
14. Gift wrapping with an old scarf
Have we got you feeling totally intrigued now by the concept of creating lovely gift wrap from old clothes but you’re just not sure that the handled idea we showed you above is quite the kind of thing you’re aiming for? In that case, we’d absolutely suggest giving this simple scarf wrapped gift idea featured on Polka Dot Bride some consideration instead! We’ve actually tried this idea before and we’re pleased to say that we’d definitely use the technique again.
15. Cat’s paw and ball of yarn gift wrap
Are you actually feeling quite decided on the idea of making a DIY brown paper gift wrap of some kind but you’re still mulling over your options when it comes to embellishment? Well, if you’re a cat lover who would really like to use the technique all year round rather than just at Christmas, then we think you’ll get a real kick out of the way Let’s Wrap Stuff used a black marker and a length of scrap yarn to make this funny cat’s paw design!
Do you have other awesomely creative gift wrapping techniques that you’ve used before and really loved but that you don’t see here on our list? Tell us all about how it’s done or link us to photos of your finished work in the comments section!
