Add a little something special to your holiday gift wrapping with these ideas for creative package toppers.
When the holiday packages are beginning to stack up, it’s tempting to just slap on whatever paper and ribbon happens to be handy, and move on. But we all know that it’s the thought that counts: by taking the time to make the wrapping just as special as what is inside, you’ll show how much you really care.
Here are some ideas for adding a little something extra to your package:
- Ornaments – A classic package add-on, but because they come in such endless variety, this idea never gets old. Choose something special that the recipient will treasure and remember every time she hangs it on the tree.
- Old cards – While not exactly a “tie-on” old greeting cards have beautiful artwork that make great package additions, especially if you’re boxing presents for shipping, because they won’t get squashed like ribbons and bows. Look for vintage holiday cards in antique stores, or use last year’s cards for a more contemporary look.
- Holiday crackers – Inexpensive crackers in brightly colored foil and paper can really jazz up package decorations. Plus, the recipient gets the extra thrill of popping the cracker to find out what’s inside.
- Handmade tags – There are hundreds of ways to personalize handmade gift tags, whether you use shipping tags from the craft store or cut your own out of cardstock and construction paper. Be creative and crafty!
- Gift cards – Gift cards for favorite stores are sure to be a winner. Make or buy a decorative envelope (some retailers are making them out of felt this season) and attach it to your present with a little ribbon. $5 or $10 is enough to add a little pizzazz to your package.
- Hair accessories – Glittery barrettes, rhinestone-studded hairpins, ribbons, feathers, bows and flowers. You can find a huge assortment of attractive hair accessories that can double as creative package toppers. Sure to be a big hit with the girls!
- Vintage costume jewelry – Add a rhinestone brooch to a lovely silk bow to dress up any present. Drape a beaded necklace across the top or fan ribbons through an elegant ring. Even old plastic jewelry adds a fun flair to any package.
- Food and candy – Wrap treats in plastic and put them in a decorative bag before tying them to the present. Just be sure not to leave it where any pets might get a hold of it!
- Pine cones and fir branches – Bring nature indoors with this cheap package adornment. Use raffia or twine to tie cones and branches to a brown-paper-wrapped present. Or add glitter to the pinecones and branches for a fancier look.
- Key chain digital frames – Inexpensive digital frames for key chains can be bought at drug and grocery stores. Add photos of you and the recipient and tie it to the package for memories they can keep with them always.
There’s no end to the possibilities when it comes to ideas for package toppers. Just remember to be creative!
Copyright Staci Dumoski. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.
Staci Dumoski - Working as a writer and editor for the past ten years, I have been fortunate to learn about (and write about) a wide variety of subjects, ...
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