6 hacks to up your gift-giving game

Adding unique elements to your wrapped present, like a piece of evergreen tree, is a great way to add a dash of joy with each present you wrap. CREDIT: PEXELS

TAYLOR MARTIN-ROBBINS

Wrapping gifts can be intimidating. Luckily, there are tons of hacks you can use to help make your gifts stand out. Check out these tricks to let everyone around know you have insane wrapping skills and aren’t afraid to use them!

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use a box from around the house, whether a shoebox, an Amazon package or that old iPad box you still have lying around from 2015. Plus, this hack can get you some laughs if your friend thinks you got them a new phone, or if you get them a boxed gag gift, they’ll think you got them something better!

2. Prettier than paper Don’t have any wrapping paper, or just tired of buying so much wrapping paper for the holidays? Get creative with it! If you have multiple small items, wrap them in tissue paper and put them in a glass jar! Adding a bow on top, glueing gems or painting the jar can also spruce it up. Or, if you still want your friend or family member to have that destroying-all-your-beautiful-handiwork moment, there are also many alternate papers you can use, such as fabric, newspaper, or even old sheet music! Although for newspaper wrapping we definitely suggest grabbing an extra copy of The Ontarion.

3. Bye-bye bows Be interesting with your choice of present-topper! Instead of a bow, try an origami bow, flower, or even anevergreen tree branch. And instead of a ribbon, try yarn to give your present a bit of a homemade look. If you really want people to struggle with opening your present, use colourful duct tape and zip ties to wrap it up.

4. Cookie-cutter cards Don’t buy that overpriced card from Walmart with the funny saying on the front, or simply slap a to/from sticker on the box. Instead, try making cookie cutter cards! Simply grab a cookie cutter, trace out the design on your paper and cut it out! Then once decorated, punch a hole in the top, thread a ribbon through it and tie it onto your present. And there you go! That’s five less dollars you spent on wrapping supplies.

5. Get Digital While on the topic of card-making, if you want to really personalise your card, try your hand at photoshop! You can use any free online version of photoshop to make cards that have anything you want! You can make a cutesy collage, or actually photoshop your grandma being run over by a reindeer.

6. Make it a game! Have a little extra time? Make your present into a scavenger hunt! Wrap up several ‘fake’ presents, and put notes inside to give clues on how to get to the real present. You can make your family put in the work to get their presents this year, and hide the fakes all around the house.

There are so many ways to add unique touches to your wrapped gifts! Just remember that the holidays aren’t always about presents, it’s also about spending time with your loved ones… And having your family tell you you’re the best gift wrapper ever.