Weekly Design Inspiration: Unique gift wrapping for Christmas 2020

The tree is up, the table is set and the stockings are hung by the chimney with care. All that’s left to do is wrap the presents and get them under the tree…

Source: @Loloirugs

Which brings me to my question; How do you wrap your Christmas presents? 

Typically I pick up a roll of wrapping paper, match a ribbon to it and go to town on my gifts. They match and they look nice together under the tree. Easy peasy.

This year, however, I’ve had a bit more time to think about creative ways to decorate my gifts and I thought I would share them in case it inspires someone else to be creative too.

Source: Good Housekeeping

My number one favourite this year is to replace the big traditional bow with dried florals, fruit or greenery. It may be an effort to replace plastics with more natural products and I am completely in favour, especially since the finished product looks incredible! 

Slice up your oranges and stick them in the oven on low heat for a decoration that can also double as a tree ornament!

Source: Harlow and Thistle

Skinny plastic ribbon has been replaced with strips of reusable fabric. Velvet is a great DIY option as it naturally wants to curl after being cut so you don't need to do anything to the edges to have a finished look.

Source: Maisondecinq

Star anise, cinnamon and pine will make your gifts fragrant as well as beautiful. Add on a candy cane for an additional pop of colour.

Source: Oprah Mag

Matte wrapping paper may look boring on its own, but it can be easily punched up with a decoration on top. It’s not hard to decorate when you get creative with the items you already have on hand.

Source: Melissa Selmin

Ornaments on presents has to be one of my favourite ways to decorate gifts.

Source: Almost Makes Perfect 

Source: The Culture Trip

Wrapping paper with matching ribbons always looks so classy. Decor doesn't always contrast so why should wrapping paper be any different. 

Source: Good Housekeeping

A smart idea for anyone sending Christmas presents through Canada Post this year. This flat ribbon cross weave won't get crushed like a traditional bow would and looks equally fabulous. 

Source: The Heathered Nest

And finally one of my all time favourite wrapping trends. Fabric! You can easily pick some up at your local store and support a small business. This trend comes straight from Japan and is called Furoshiki. There are lots of ways to wrap gifts of all sizes using this method. 

Source: Manmade DIY

One cool thing about this trend is you can use a scarf to do the wrapping. Two gifts in one!  

Source: The Blackbird NZ

Tie dye has found a new home with Furoshiki. Especially if you're looking for some winter activities to do with the kids. Use cotton or other natural fibre to ensure the dye adheres to the fabric.

And you thought you were done decorating for the holidays! Hope this guide inspires you to be creative this weekend! It’s going to be a cold one in Ottawa and the Valley so you may as well cozy up inside and get crafty. Happy Wrapping!