Shabby Chic Gift Wrapping - How To Gift Wrap On A Dime.

I have always held the opinion that the presentation of a gift is just as important as the gift itself.

Realistically, since gift-givers have already spent a significant amount of money on the gift itself (especially around certain times of the year), the idea that they have to spend an arm and a leg on gift-wrapping isn't that appealing.

Surprisingly though, a through search around your home will provide you with some gift-wrapping alternatives that will allow you to wrap those well-thought out presents with little cost to you.

Here are a few tips on how to gift wrap on a dime with items found in your home:

* Old Wall Posters.

How many of us have simply tossed out wall posters that either we've tired of, or that our children have outgrown?

Before tossing those old posters, use them as a unique gift-wrapping medium to personalize your gift-giving.

A great idea would be to use posters that are tailored made to the recipients taste.

For instance, my niece loves to read. So I wrapped a set of books in the "I Geek" the library series posters, secured it with a small amount of tape and a matching ribbon (much like you'd tie a string around a set of books), and Voila!

Since the posters were reusable, it was as if she received two gifts in one.

* Aluminum Foil.

Aluminum foil is such a great gift-wrapping medium since it's cheap and very malleable. Great for wrapping those "hard-to-wrap" gifts (without the need for tape), simply wrap the gift and add a bow or ribbon of your choice.

* Newspaper.

Wrapping gifts in old newspaper is definitely a no-brainier. However, to make it more appealing, add a bold black ribbon or bow to give it that "shabby-chic" look.

If it's more color your going for, use the colored comic section instead, completing the look with a bright bow or ribbon.

* Clear Wrap.

Gift wrapping with clear wrap can get really tricky, so this gift-wrapping medium is best used if your gifting baked items, candies, candles, homemade soaps, and even bottled perfumes. Simply secure the top of the package with a trash bag twisty-tie, and conceal it with a pretty ribbon.

* Parchment/Wax Paper.

This is absolutely my favorite alternative gift-wrapping medium. Using parchment/wax paper to wrap a gift gives it such a classic look without breaking your budget.

Adding a beautiful ribbon or bow really completes the "champagne taste on a beer budget" look.

* Old Paper-Towel Tubes.

Who'd a thunk that paper-towel tubes would be great for wrapping presents?

If you're gifting a set of neck-ties, socks, or scarves, 1.) stuff the paper-towel tubes with the items, 2.) wrap the tube in newspaper, or an old poster, and secure both ends with rubber bands (camouflaged by bright ribbons).

* Paper Bags.

Brown paper bags are also a great gift-wrapping medium for those looking for ways to wrap on a budget (it's also a very 'green' way to wrap).

Simply cut off the bottom end of the bag, slid the gift through the openings, fold down the ends, secure it with clear package tape, and place a bright bow on top.

In the event the paper bag is adorned with print, cut the side of the bag and flip it to the side that is print-free, and continue with the steps listed above (large, medium, and small bags can be used depending on the size of the gift).

* Scrap Cloths.

Instead of throwing them away, put those scrap cloths to good use by incorporating them in your gift-wrapping as well. Check the out the video below to see just how gift-wrapping with cloth can be accomplished.

* Shelving Liners and Old Wallpaper.

What another great way to go for the "shabby chic" look, than by using old shelving liners, contact paper, and old wallpaper in your gift-wrapping.

Using the liners, contact paper, and wallpaper that has the sticky backing; simply remove the backing and carefully cover the entire gift box with the paper.

Ensure that the paper is free of air bubbles and gaps, and that it is lined up correctly - if it's a print (if your going for a more eclectic look, you can mix and match the prints).

Complete the look with a color coordinated bow or ribbon.

* Writing Paper/Drawing Paper.

Regular writing paper is really great for wrapping those teeny-tiny gift boxes. Add a small red, blue or white bow (for drawing paper add any colored bow of your desire) and your look is complete.

* The Glossy Pages Of A Magazine.

Believe it or not, even the glossy pages of an old magazine make for great wrapping paper. Best for wrapping small gifts; simply secure the wrapping with tape and add a small color coordinated bow.

* Ribbons And Bows On The Cheap.

If you're looking for ribbons and bows on the cheap, large retail chains provide bulk ribbons and bows for little-to-nothing.

However, in the event you find yourself short on these "finishing touches" supplies, using scrap-cloth, hair ribbons (that are no longer in use and that are clean), paper bows, faux flowers, old pendants, decorative brooches, old earrings, old jewelry, and unused buttons will do the trick as well (such as hot-gluing the old beads or pearls from an unraveled necklace directly onto the wrapping medium, or pinning an old brooch on a gift wrapped in cloth).

(Check out the video in the upper-right hand corner for a step-by-step guide on how to make a gift-bow using the pages of a magazine).

It's clear to see that gift-wrapping doesn't have to cost you an arm and leg. With a quick look around your home, a little creativity and imagination, you too can find great ways to gift-wrap on a dime.

© 2009