We all have good intentions when it comes to fancy Christmas wrapping — and then time gets tight and the gifts end up in whatever paper is closest to hand. If that sounds familiar, you’re in good company. The good news is that stylish, stand-out gift wrap doesn’t have to mean hours of effort or expensive materials.
We’ve rounded up 12 stunning Christmas wrapping ideas to gift in style, using simple materials like brown paper, ribbon, string and a bit of imagination. Many of these are quick enough to do with the kids, and most use things you probably already have in a craft drawer.
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#1. Paper Straw Stars
This is a simple but effective gift wrap decoration from Splash of Something, using paper straws and string to make stars to attach to the front of your gift wrap. No tape needed.
Image credit Splash of Something
#2. Reindeer Paper
With some simple brown paper and paints, the kids can have great fun making their own reindeer wrapping paper. Cut out ears and antlers to glue on, then paint on eyes, a nose (red, of course) and a smile.
#3. Christmas Mice
These Christmas mice from Handmade Charlotte are super cute, and you could easily make a whole family of mice to sit under the tree.
Image credit Handmade Charlotte
Recommended Reading: 12 Jolly Christmas Gift Tags Ideas to Make with the Kids
#4. Woven Ribbons
We love this idea from Minieco, using different coloured ribbons woven together and wrapped across the gift. Very stylish, and the pastel palette makes a nice change from traditional Christmas colours.
Image credit Minieco
#5. Monogram Letters
This is a simple but really effective idea from Diane at In My Own Style, using letters and numbers as gift tags. A touch of glitter really jazzes them up.
Image credit In My Own Style
#6. Stamped Letters and Ribbon
You’ll need a full alphabet stamper set for this one, but the simplicity of the result — the recipient’s name stamped onto the paper with a striped ribbon tied vertically — makes it worth investing in.
Recommended Reading: 7 Easy Christmas Decorating Ideas for Toddlers
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#7. Recycled Monograms
If you keep last year’s Christmas cards for a nostalgic look back when you’re unpacking the decorations, this idea from Martha Stewart gives them a second life as gift tags. We love the colourful monograms against plain, bright tissue paper.
Image credit Martha Stewart
#8. Fingerprint Reindeer Wrap
Preschoolers will love this project from Bloglovin to make fingerprint reindeer wrapping paper on brown paper. Different coloured paints, mini pompoms for noses, and red and white string to tie around the finished gift make this a really cute idea.
Image credit Bloglovin
#9. Candy Cane and String
This one is deceptively simple and looks brilliant: white paper, string tied around, and a candy cane tucked in. Anyone can pull this off, no craft skills required.
Recommended Reading: 15 Christmas Craft Ideas for Kids to Get You In the Festive Mood
#10. Doilies for Decoration
This Christmas wrapping idea from Questo Lo Riciclo tucks a lacy paper doily under a gingham ribbon, finished with a cut-out heart gift tag. A really pretty result for very little effort.
Image credit Questo Lo Riciclo
#11. Ribbon Flowers
Give these ribbon flowers with buttons a go — use strips of white paper or ribbon to shape a flower, then sew a button on to finish it off.
Image credit Sandra Aslaksen
#12. Green and White
Green is such a Christmassy colour, and against white it looks really lovely. This wrapping idea from Chez Larsson uses several green ribbons wrapped in parallel around white paper, finished with green and white bows to continue the theme.
Image credit Chez Larsson
Recommended Reading: 50 Christmas Activities for Kids
Over to you now — will you try any of these Christmas wrapping ideas this year? Tell us in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some easy Christmas wrapping ideas kids can help with?
Plenty of the ideas above are great for little hands, especially the reindeer paper (painted ears, antlers and faces on brown paper) and the fingerprint reindeer wrap. Both just need paint, paper and some supervision, and kids love seeing their own handprints turn into reindeer.
How can I make Christmas gift wrap look more stylish without spending much?
Simple materials go a long way — plain brown or white paper, string, ribbon and a few natural touches like a candy cane or a doily can look just as elegant as expensive patterned paper. Several of the ideas above use things you probably already have at home.
Can I reuse last year’s Christmas cards as gift tags?
Yes — the recycled monogram idea above does exactly that. Cutting a letter or shape from an old card gives it a lovely second life as a gift tag, and it’s a nice way to hold onto a small memory from the previous year.
Do I need special craft supplies for these wrapping ideas?
Most of these ideas use everyday materials: brown or plain paper, string, ribbon, paint and glue. A couple, like the stamped letters, need a specific tool (an alphabet stamper set), but the majority can be done with what’s already in a typical craft drawer.
Related Articles
- 12 Jolly Christmas Gift Tag Ideas to Make with the Kids
- 7 Easy Christmas Decorating Ideas for Toddlers
- 15 Christmas Craft Ideas for Kids to Get You In the Festive Mood
- 50 Christmas Activities for Kids
Save These Ideas for Later
Loved these Christmas wrapping ideas? Save this page or share it with someone who could use a bit of wrapping inspiration this year — and browse our other festive craft and activity ideas for more ways to make the season special.
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