19 Easy and Budget-Friendly Christmas Gift Wrap Ideas
Christmas gift wrap ideas don’t have to be time consuming in order to look thoughtful and extra special, nor should they overwhelm your season. Check out these 9 budget-friendly tips for easy Christmas gift wrap ideas this holiday season! I’m sharing my favorite ways to make holiday gifts look special in simple and time-conscious ways!
Christmas gift wrap ideas were a serious ordeal when I was growing up. This will date me, but I lived my childhood without internet orders and Amazon. I also lived my childhood years in a tiny, TINY town in Kansas.
If you wanted pretty Christmas gift wrap ideas and coordinating ribbon, you drove a long way to get it and you most definitely DID NOT waste it.
We carefully saved the ribbon in the aftermath of opening Christmas presents and would reuse what we could the next year.
I always loved all the pretty ribbon and how special our Christmas gift wrap ideas looked each year. It was one of my favorite parts of our Christmas tree and decor and it always made me feel special when I was opening gifts.
Even more, and especially now that I’m a mom myself, I appreciate the care and thought and extra effort that went into the presentation of our Christmas gifts. Details really do matter. However, they don’t have to be time-consuming, expensive, or hard to do for pretty Christmas gift wrap ideas!
Beautifully wrapped gift ideas are something I realize that I am trying to do for my own family, and even though I can’t tie a really pretty bow like my mom, for the life of me, (trust me, my mom has tried to show me so many times!) I love to take what I can do and try to make special and pretty packages.
My Christmas gift wrap ideas and decor style looks a little different than the 90’s styles I grew up with, but I’d like to think that the intentionality and thoughtfulness behind our gifts is timeless.
Making Christmas gift wrap ideas feel special can get really pricey, really fast. I hope that the budget friendly tips in my blog post below will give you some inspiration for beautifully wrapped packages that don’t cause a burden on your Christmas budget! No one needs that! In fact, some of these Christmas gift wrap ideas may help save you money as they have me over the years!
First of all, let’s be honest…are Christmas gift wrap ideason your list of things you enjoy about the holiday season or is it one of the things you dread?
I have actually felt both ways. When I get it done in advance (as in, starting BEFORE NOW!), I enjoy it a lot more. However, if I am cramming holiday wrapping at the last minute, it feels rather stressful. It seems like a great idea to just wait and do all the wrapping at once, right?
Just the time-saving aspect of getting out all the things, setting up, and then cleaning up should make that easier.
For me, WRONG!
Maybe it is just that I get kind of bored or tired of wrapping all of the gifts at once. No matter the reason, though, I find that I can be more creative and enjoy it a lot more when I try wrap presents as they arrive. (However, just to be honest, it isn’t a perfect science around here for sure!)
Plus, the tree just looks prettier with lovely gifts around it and my kids get excited seeing a few more pretty packages being added as the season progresses!
Today, let’s chat about a few ways to make the gift wrapping season a little easier. Then, I also have some creative gift tag ideas for you that I am trying again this year!
Ready for some easy Christmas gift wrap ideas? Maybe getting these easy ideas gathered up now can help you too!
19 Easy and Budget-Friendly Christmas Gift Wrap Ideas
Easy Christmas Gift Wrap Ideas: Make it fun!
Here are 3 tips to make Christmas gift wrap ideas even more fun!
#1: Create a simple gift wrapping station.
Actually, I don’t have a craft room or even a real home office. If I did, those spaces would be ideal to spread everything out and be super organized! Truthfully, my gift wrapping station is a simple basket. I keep all of my supplies, down to tape and scissors right there in the basket.
In full disclosure, the contents of my basket are currently spread out all over the table in a big mess. So…there’s that. But at least there is a plan to corral the gift-wrapping station at some point, right?!
When your Christmas wrapping paper and ribbons are pretty, your basket can be sitting out and become a functional part of your Christmas décor too!
I find that a tall basket works best so that my rolls of Christmas wrapping paper aren’t getting smushed (is that a word?) or bent.
THIS ONE would be perfect. It’s a great height and also has sturdy sides, which is important to keep all the things standing tall and not flopping all over the place!
After Christmas, you can use this basket for a large plant or tree!
#2: Occupy your mind as you work on your Christmas gift wrap ideas!
A great Hallmark movie helps the job get done more quickly and it’s not like you have to actually watch the movie to know what’s happening! Haha! You basically know what is going to happen as soon as the movie starts but it is still festive and fun and brings the good vibes while you work! You can shop our favorite TV HERE! (Note: it’s been worth the investment for sure and would make the best gift for Santa to slide down the chimney!!!)
Now is the time where I usually turn on Christmas music! You can find my Christmas Playlist HERE and stay tuned for a new play list coming soon! It’s hard to be in a bad mood with great music playing. At the same time, I love that the music even helps my mind and heart to focus on why I’m wrapping all these gifts in the first place!
Rather than making it a chore or a dreaded job, turn your gift-wrapping time into something you look forward to! Trust me, the recipients of your gifts will enjoy unwrapping them a lot more if they know you didn’t resent the whole process of wrapping gifts for them! Right?!
#3 Get creative with your Christmas gift wrap ideas!
Doesn’t that just take more time?!?!
Well, probably, but think of it as a longer time that you have an excuse to sit there and listen to the feel-good Hallmark movie!
In full disclosure, I do not get creative with all of the gifts. At some point, you just kind of have to get the job done. Every gift doesn’t have to be wrapped in a picture perfect way with gorgeous ribbon and homemade gift tags. I definitely wrap some gifts in a more simple way and some with a little more decorative style. However, when you use a cohesive color scheme, it all blends beautifully under the Christmas tree! I’ll show you some of our favorite gift tags so keep reading!
My favorite way to do the “dressed down wrapping” is by using simple jute twine. Jute is so pretty and a great option for gift wrapping ideas! Plus, jute twine is quick and easy to tie, and is also easy for younger kids to untie.
It doesn’t hurt that it’s inexpensive! Just order a roll HERE and get to tying for super budget-friendly gift wrapping that makes a beautiful Christmas gift too! There is something to say for “brown paper packages tied up with string” that is special too!
However, while a peel and stick bow just doesn’t have the same thoughtfulness and intentionality, it is okay to allow yourself to take the easy way out for some of those gifts. It’s a great idea to set aside some gifts for quick, simple wrapping that doesn’t take as much time and a few others to really dress up.
Just make sure it isn’t one person in the family who gets all the fancy wrapping! Haha!
Easy Christmas Gift Wrap Ideas: Carefully Choose Your Wrapping Paper and Ribbons
Making great choices with your paper and ribbon immediately makes your Christmas gift wrap ideas look more beautiful and special!
I like to choose a color palette and theme for my Christmas décor and then search for paper that I feel like blends with the concept in my head! This paper is so amazing that I purchased several rolls as soon as it came out. For coordinating papers, I love THIS and THIS! I also add a few simple gift bags and tissue paper that coordinate with my color scheme for last minute gift wrapping or for holiday gifts that are just challenging to wrap in the first place!
Tip: Choose 3 different papers that blend together and buy multiple rolls of each. You don’t want to run out and have to use something totally different for the last few gifts!
Choosing 3 coordinating papers with a cohesive color scheme makes your Christmas tree look so festive and picture-ready! Since all the gifts need wrapped anyway, you might as well make them blend in as part of your Christmas décor! Let them add to the décor rather than take away from it by not blending with your Christmas theme!
I also keep a big roll of brown craft paper on hand. If I run out of my coordinated papers, the brown kraft paper goes with everything. And I also just really love how the brown paper goes with my theme too!
I am a big fan of really simple ribbon and often use jute twine. At the same time, I also love a simple satin bow for a ribbon idea. There are lots of cute ribbon options out there, though, so just choose what you love and go with it!
As with the paper choices, limit yourself to two or three options and then repeat them. You can have a lot of fun when you mix and match quality ribbon options with your coordinating papers!
Best kinds of ribbon to use for Christmas gift wrap ideas:
Easy Christmas Gift Wrap Ideas: Get Creative with Gift Tags to Elevate Your Gift Wrapping
Simple DIY ideas and gift tags add an extra thoughtful touch to your Christmas gifts!
#1: DIY Ornaments
We found a pile of white spindles at a flea market for a few dollars. Then, we did a simple DIY and sold some at market for $1 each so we actually ended up making a nice little chunk of change from them! However, I kept some to use for gift wrapping too. Reusing them year after year is a great budget-friendly tip to save money on gift wrapping ideas too!
To make the ornaments, Robb used his miter saw to cut the spindles up in about 3-5” sections and screwed a little hook into each of them. On some of the gifts, I just tied them on and left them really simple. However, for a personal touch on few of the other gifts, I had my daughter use her pretty calligraphy skills to write “To: ______”.
We got her a calligraphy set a few years ago and her artistic skills have come in handy! This is a great book for a beginner!
Calligraphy is a fun way to personalize the gift and the recipient can use it for an ornament and keepsake later on too! There are many different ways to use calligraphy skills for a personal touch on holiday gift wrapping!
#2: DIY Salvage Pieces
It’s been over a year ago that we were at a flea market and spotted a fun pile of salvage. This particular vendor had a pile of picture frame pieces. The frame was past the point of repair (or at least without major effort) but I thought the pieces all looked so pretty laying there together.
She wanted just a few dollars for the whole pile and I couldn’t resist. I figured that at some point, I’d get an idea for using them. And if not, it wasn’t as though I wasted a lot of money!
I was out in the garage the other day, spotted the broken frame, and immediately (and finally!) knew what I wanted to do with it!
Robb pulled out his miter saw again and cut them into 4-6” segments. They look so pretty with twine for an ornament and I think they make unique and pretty gift tie-on pieces too!
Since my home décor is all chippy and vintage, these seem to fit right in with my vintage Christmas theme too! I love the chippy white color and the bit of gold that can be seen in the aged patina.
You could get this same effect with any kind of small salvage pieces, so keep an eye out at thrift stores and flea markets for inexpensive pieces that you can cut up to use in clever ways!
For some of the packages, I used white satin ribbon and for others, I used my trusty jute twine.
You’d better believe I’ll be gathering as many of these pieces in the aftermath of unwrapping to use again for future years! I love how they turned out tied on the gift package!
#3: Use jingle bells for a festive touch with your Christmas gift wrap ideas!
These large bells (similar here) have been a favorite for years! I love that they are inexpensive at the craft stores (or available HERE). I’ve also seen them some years at the Target dollar spot and Dollar Tree store! Since so many of our tree ornaments have gold on them, I like to go with gold bells.
Sometimes, I like to use some brown ones that have been aged for a rustic look on a Christmas package. Of course, the traditional silver ones look great too! These are wonderful ways to mix and match whatever you have on hand!
The large bells are quick and easy to tie on to packages, especially with the jute twine, and they add a fun and festive touch under your Christmas tree during this time of year.
Plus…they are a dead giveaway if someone is trying to peek or shake those packages!!! Just saying…????????
#4: Try napkin rings or mini wreaths for something different for your Christmas gift wrap ideas!
Mini wreaths make such beautiful gift tie on items for the center of the box of a Christmas gift! In fact, you can find napkin rings that are perfect for gifts HERE. This is an example of a gift tie on that costs a little more, so I only ordered two packages. However, strategically placed around the tree, they will make a beautiful statement.
Since the first year that I purchased these napkin rings for holiday wrapping, I’ve added a few more sets and since they are easy to gather up after the Christmas gifts have been opened, I can use them year after year. It is just another way I am able to thoughtfully wrap Christmas presents and save money at the same time!
If I ever get all the gifts wrapped, that is. Cue the Hallmark movies! Oh, it’s also a great time to shut the door and have some quiet time. You wouldn’t want anytime to accidentally spy their gift, right?! #momhack
If you have pretty wreath napkin rings, those would work perfectly too!
Tip: make sure to get them all gathered up after the unwrapping so you can use them next year too!
Check your Target dollar spot and dollar store too. Sometimes they have super cute little wreaths and those will be a few dollars well spent for easy and pretty wrapping!
#5: Inexpensive ornaments make easy gift tie-ons for Christmas gift wrap ideas!
If you are still needing more gift tie-on items, check for inexpensive ornaments. Even at the last minute, these are pretty easy to find. At the same time, you can really go with any shape, size, or color that coordinates with your decor. Inexpensive ornaments are a great way to add a festive touch under the tree without spending a lot of money! Plus, they are just so easy for Christmas gift wrapping.
You could use a simple sharpie to personalize the ornament or just leave it plain and simple! Either way, they will be beautiful!
I love this box of 34 shatter-proof ornaments (highly recommend shatter proof for this!) for under $16. That’s a whole lot better deal than the 4 little wreaths for $8!
THESE come in a lot of different colors so you’re sure to be able to blend them into your Christmas theme with no extra effort! Also, they already have the ornament loop so it will only take you a few seconds longer to tie it on with your ribbon or twine!
#6: Use natural elements for pretty Christmas gift wrap ideas!
This idea is perfect for last-minute gift wrapping and, at the same time, is totally free! Head to your local tree farm and ask if you can collect some of the tree trimmings that are laying around on the ground. Then, clip the tree trimmings to the best sizes for your Christmas gift boxes and tie them around the package with ribbon or twine.
You can’t go wrong with the beautiful, natural elements. Of course, the nostalgic Christmas scent of pine is a bonus for the recipient too!
Pine cones are another natural element that you can use for creative Christmas gift wrap ideas. If you have pine cones in your area like I do, you can pick those up for free too! Or, you can purchase them inexpensively at Hobby Lobby! They can add a beautiful rustic look to your pretty packages.
Tip: If you have time for a little DIY, you could add some pretty glitter to make them a little more festive to go with your other Christmas gift wrap ideas!
Cinnamon sticks are my other favorite natural element to use for Christmas gift wrapping. I have also combined them with rosemary to make really pretty DIY napkin rings too! You can find a quick and simple tutorial for 5 DIY napkin rings HERE!
Other fun package tie-ons for Christmas gift wrap ideas:
Get ready to wrap your Christmas gifts!
I hope this gives you some fun ways to think about your Christmas gift wrap ideas this year. Your friends and family will appreciate the extra love and thought you put into making their gift beautiful and you will feel good about including that little bit of extra for the ones you love!
Grab your supplies, cue up that Hallmark movie, or stick in the air pods and listen to some great Christmas music (Playlist linked here!). Your Christmas gift wrap ideas can become a fun and meaningful (and yes, even relaxing!) part of your holiday season!
Happy Christmas holiday gift wrapping!
You may also enjoy these Christmas and winter home decor related blog posts:
- Cozy Christmas Hot Cocoa Bar: Easy Tips and Ideas
- 5 Easy DIY Christmas Napkin Rings and Festive Table Ideas
- How to Use Christmas Ornaments for Quick and Easy Holiday Decorating
- How to Mix Old and New Christmas Decor: Home Tour
- How to Make Beautiful After Christmas Winter Mantel Decor
- How to Make Storing Christmas Decorations Easy
- 10 Ways to Decorate a Cozy Winter Bedroom Retreat On a Budget
- How to Style Beautiful Coffee Table Decor for Winter (With A Tray)
- The Best 9 Cozy Winter Decor Finds You’ll Love (2024)
- 30 Easy Ideas for Non Christmas Winter Decorating
- Best Ideas for Christmas Decorating with Winter Greenery
Blessings,
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A great container for gift wrap rolls is a plastic clothes hamper. The height is perfect. Inexpensive ones with removal tops are available at dollar stores.
Great ideas! Your packages always look so beautiful!
Robyn you gave such great tips and I love the jingle bells and the idea of using salvaged pieces you find when out thrifting!
Great ideas! I also like to turn on a Christmas movie or music when I wrap. Happy hopping with you!
I love this color theme! I’m doing green with navy this year! The fun name tag spindles are awesome!
So many cute ideas. Beautiful gift wrap
Love all your ideas. I usually wrap in either 1 paper or 3 papers that blend together. Use 3 different ribbons to go with each paper. I might try twine next year, and white ribbon like you do. It all looks great!
The packages look so amazing that they are a gift in themselves. If I was receiving any of these gifts I’d be carefully removing the trim and bits when I unwrapped it to keep for using again and again. What treasures! I especially like the architectural salvage pieces. What an unexpected thing to add to a present but so cute.
So cute! Love all the inspo!
These are some fabulous wrapping ideas! Thanks for the inspiration sweet friend!!
Thank you Robyn for setting the mood and inspiring us. I clicked the link for the music and it didn’t find your page.
I have a new favorite holiday movie which is found on Netflix, “A Castle for Christmas”. This is set in Scotland and features Brooke Shields and many European actors, My favorite scenes are with the knitting circle who meet in the pub! Happy holly-days!