Don't blow your budget on wrapping paper, tags and bows. Get creative and use these cost-savings ideas:
- Purchase clearance wrapping paper, bows, tags, etc. (75% to 90% off) and save for the following year(s).
- Create wrapping paper from paper bags. Remove handles, cut down one seam and allow children to color or stamp Christmas motif on the reverse-side. Use to wrap gifts for anyone, however grandparents will appreciate this more than others.
- Pick Up large rolls of curling ribbon at
Party City - Ask for boxes throughout the year when purchasing clothing at department stores (usually includes tissue paper)
- Reuse Christmas boxes and bags from previous years.
- Look for large gift wrap bags at the Dollar Tree. Wrap big presents in these, rather than using up all your wrapping paper. (Save from one year to the next. When bag fades or tears, use as a trash bag to take out all the discards at the end of a present-opening frenzy.)
- Closely watch back-to-school sales (and clearance sales) for great deals on clear tape.
- Cut Christmas cards received each year in half. Use the front as giant gift tags.
- Fill plain brown lunch sacks with candies, small gifts or baked goods. Fold down the top a couple of times, then punch two holes through the layers. Slip a candy cane through the holes or punch a giant gift tag (see above) with matching holes. Run inexpensive ribbon through holes to attach card to bag.
- Unsure how to wrap a giant box? Purchase a red or green table cloth at the Dollar Tree.
