Wrapping Paper
Christmas is quickly coming, and soon, the Christmas lights and decorations will become more apparent. Folks are wandering the malls somewhat early, hoping to avoid the harrowing holiday rush. My sister-in-law has already purchased her presents and applied the wrapping paper to conceal the contents. Her tree doesn't go up until December, but her presents are all hidden in the closets awaiting their entrance.
For some items, it makes sense to stock up after Christmas—for use next season. I have acquired greeting cards, holiday decorations and wrapping paper for next-to-nothing by purchasing after the holidays. It seems to me that storing them for the year is a small price to pay, compared to the savings. That means more money for spending on gifts for family and friends.
Although certain holiday decorations can be difficult to find after Christmas, wrapping paper usually remains in copious quantities. This is what I like to obtain at greatly reduced prices.
Wrapping Paper Idea 1
A simple Christmas craft idea of mine is to purchase plain red and green wrapping paper. Next, I'll find some wrapping paper with large Santas, snowmen or other Christmas characters printed on it. Then, I'll cut out the caricatures or images. Now, wrap a present with the plain colored paper and use the cut-outs as name tags. The receiver always loves them and it makes for a more personal touch to your gift-giving. You can also use cut-up Christmas cards to create name tags.
If you visit you local 99 cent or discount store, you'll find a wide variety of wrapping paper. Wrapping gifts isn't constricted to Christmas—you can do it for many occasions: birthdays, baby showers, weddings and more.
Wrapping Paper Idea 2
Apparently, my niece now likes to help my sister-in-law make wrapping paper. Here's how: for my brother's Christmas present, she found a roll of plain white wrapping paper and drew pictures all over it. She then wrapped his gift with it, and he utterly loved it. She was ecstatic that it came out so well and that he made such a scene over it. I couldn't decide who was the happier of the two.
Why not have your children help make wrapping paper? It'll keep them occupied for a little while and the gift recipients will probably be happy about receiving a gift wrapped with homemade paper.