It’s the night before Christmas, and little feet tiptoe toward the tree for a sneak peek at the presents. We may not have done this, but we thought about it a lot. It’s human nature to wonder -What’s inside the box?

Whether you are celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, etc., you’re going to give gifts to lots of people, and those gifts need to be boxed, bagged, or wrapped in an attractive fashion.

Last Minute Checking All the Details

If your name is Mrs. Claus, you probably don’t need help wrapping gifts.

Santa’s Secret Gift Stash

In fact, Mrs. Claus probably has a gift-giving closet that looks like this one. For the rest of us, there’s still a lot of shopping to be done and presents to be wrapped. Department stores typically offer gift wrap, but it can be pricey. Many retailers have eliminated this service and the gift boxes as well. Shopping malls offer gift wrapping, but the lines can be very long. Fortunately there are lots of solutions to make your gifts look beautiful.

Gift Bags & Boxes

Gift bags are probably one of the best inventions of all time. They’re sold just about everywhere, including the food stores, so when you’re running around last minute a gift bag is easily on hand.

Accessorized Cloth Gift Bags

These burlap bags are dressed up with the addition of berries and glitzy red ornaments.

Red & White Fabric Gift Bag

This red and white gift bag has a built-in drawstring.

Fabric Gift Bags with Metallic Polka Dot Patterns

Amazon provided these festive gift bags, which my family passes back and forth for various occasions all year long. Unfortunately there’s no way of knowing which color you might receive, and some items are wrapped in paper instead of a bag.

Velvet-Lined Metal Box

A metal box is an intriguing way to package a gift.

Collectible Porcelain Box

Porcelain boxes come in a variety of shapes and colors for every occasion. These are perfect for jewelry or other small items, and can also be used to conceal a cash gift.

Glass Jar Adorned with Silver Heart

For the baker in the family, this fluted glass jar and lid will hold your gift now, and will be perfect for holding baking ingredients in the future. It could also be used as cookie jar.

Bath & Body Gift Basket

Gift baskets filled with the recipient’s favorites is always a welcome surprise. You can purchase a roll of colored cellophane wrap or use regular plastic wrap to cover the entire basket, and tie a bow on top.

Gift Box Tower

Some stores provide colorfully printed boxes, which are suitable for gifts any time of year, and can be stacked and tied with a pretty ribbon.

Gift Boxes – Lids Wrapped Separately

When using standard wrapping paper, you can always wrap the lid separately. By doing so, the box can be reused for years to come.

Accessorized Gold Box

A floral pine cone stem and some ribbon were all that was needed to complete this package.

Matching Gift Tags

Don’t forget to add a gift tag. Some people save the pictures, from last year’s holiday cards, and use them as gift tags on this year’s presents.

Dress up Gift Wrap with Ornaments

Standard green wrapping paper perks up with the addition of bright red ribbon and two adorable ornaments.

Recycled Paper with Greens from the Backyard

For an all-natural look, recycled paper can be used, with twine instead of ribbon, some evergreen and a pine cone from your backyard.

Fancy Metallic Paper & Coordinating Ribbon

A silver bow makes a statement on this aqua and silver wrapped gift.

Fanciful Paper with a Statement Bow

A glittering gold bow makes the perfect topper for this dancing reindeer package.

Metallic Paper with a Pom Pom Bow

A 3-dimensional snowflake has sprung to life from this pretty wrapping paper.

Glittering Paper, Ribbon & Bow

For a glamorous look, combine sparkling red paper, gold studded ribbon, and a shiny gold bow.

Coordinated Paper & Ribbon

This perfectly coordinated metallic ribbon and paper is suitable for gifts any time of year.

Pretty Paper with Flower-Shaped Bow

Sometimes a really great topper steals the show. A bow like this one will be appreciated for sure, with its petal-like layers in full bloom and wisps of green ribbon leaves peeking out beneath. There’s a very interesting pattern of wildlife, holly sprigs, and guitars intertwined among the curvilinear vines.

As they say, it’s the thought that counts. With a few creative choices, gift wrapping can be a pleasure, instead of a chore.

Happy Holidays & Happy Crafting!