Expressive Wrappings

Gift wrapping is elevated to an art form in some countries. In Japan, for example, you might hear someone say, "What is a package if it shows no feeling?"

We aren't suggesting you need an advanced arts degree to expressively wrap your gifts this season; far from it. Still, we do believe that approaching the task with artisan thoughtfulness and care can extend the pleasures of gift-giving, both for the presenter and the presented.

Toward that end, take a moment to consider our list of uncommon wrapping methods and materials. How you put the pieces together is obviously up to you, though we hope our suggestions will inspire you to new ways of wrapping this season.

Containers
Box or bag? Cup or crate? Tin or tank (fish, that is)? You can tuck your gift inside virtually any type of container. It goes without saying that the size and shape of your gift will largely determine your container choices. Pardon the clich&#eacute;, but do try to think outside the box. If you're giving an individual more than one gift, perhaps one object can house another. A glass flower vase, for example, could serve as an elegant container for a silk scarf or leather gloves.

Wrappers
Containers that are irregularly shaped are easier to wrap in soft papers, such as tissue or crepe, while square or sharply cornered containers can be covered with heavier, stiffer materials, such as handmade papers. Also, consider these non-traditional sources for covering your gifts: maps, blueprint paper, sheet music, wall paper and tin foil. Another popular wrapping alternative: purchase white butcher paper or brown craft paper and decorate the plain surfaces with rubber stamps, spray paint and watercolors; in other words, use any drawing or coloring tool you have in your possession.

Toppings
Gift toppings, as we like to call the bows, ribbons, ties and other adornments we use to decorate our wrapped packages, come in all shapes and sizes. Look for materials that might suggest something about the gift inside. A piece of guitar string, for example, might nicely reflect a box containing a guitar; or shoelaces a pair of running shoes; or bungee cords some climbing equipment. Flowers (either fresh ones with stems contained in water tubes, or the plastic variety) make an attractive statement, as do evergreen sprigs. Traditional bows, ribbons and ties in nontraditional colors and textures are also a charmingly creative way to top off a gift.