Creative Gift Wrapping

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To give a just-right gift is one of life's great joys. We look for something that perfectly suits our loved one, and we can't wait to present her with a gift that will make her face light up.

So much time goes in to finding the gift that, too often, the gift wrap is an afterthought, but you can take your gift giving to a whole new level by making the wrapping part of the experience.

You don't have to be an artist or a crafter to wrap a magnificent and memorable present. Here are a few easy guidelines for wrapping beautiful gifts.

1. Match the giftwrap with the type of gift. If the gift comes in a box, it'll be a cinch to wrap it in a high-quality wrapping paper or fabric, and tie with ribbons and bows. But if the item is oddly-shaped (and it isn't practical to find a box), fill a gift basket with tinsel or raffia or straw and arrange the gifts on top.

Wrap the basket in colored cellophane, which you can find at party stores as well as many discount superstores. Cut a piece of cellophane two to three times as wide as the diameter of the basket. Place the basket in the center of the cellophane and gather the cellophane a couple of inches from the top. Tie with ribbon.

2. Match the style of the wrapping to the taste of the recipient. Think about his or her personal style (which you'll find clues on by looking at how she dresses and how he decorates his home). Wrap the gift accordingly, whether it's pastel colors or primary; rustic or classic or bold.

3. Customize the wrap as much as possible. If you use solid colored paper, tissue paper, or plain brown kraft paper (which you can buy inexpensively and in bulk from your nearest office superstore) you can use alphabet or themed rubber stamps to add a monogram or fun customized message to the wrapping.

4. Think in themes. If you are wrapping items for a gardening gift basket, use a flower pot to hold the goodies and tie a small trowel or packet of seeds to the bow at the top. If you are wrapping a gift for a baby, use a personalized baby blanket.

5. Think in layers. Now that you have a wrapped the gift basket or box, tie a small decorative item into the ribbon or bow. Try a few small Christmas bells, a sprig of ivy, or pine cones. For other times of year (or for younger recipients) tie on a small stuffed animal, even a piece of hard candy or a lollipop. For baby gifts, tie on a rattle or pacifier. For weddings, tie on real or faux flowers. As you shop for gifts, be on the lookout for small items you can add to your gift wrapping kit.

When we open a present that is artfully and creatively wrapped, it's almost as much fun as seeing what's inside! Enjoy your gift giving this holiday season.