15 ways to pretty up a package

I’m never Christmas-obsessed this early in the season, but now that it’s cooling down outside it’s all I can think about. Maybe it’s because I have a toddler who I know will actually be excited for Santa’s visit?

Since it’s not acceptable (to my husband) to start decorating for the holidays yet I am trying to satiate myself on Pinterest. I really want to spice up my gift-wrapping style this year so that’s been my search theme of the week. Want to see some of the goodies I’ve found?

First up: Dana @ Made has a great tutorial for felt monogram ornaments. These are great little gifts on their own, but picture one tied on top of a wrapped present. And it doubles as a name tag!

What about adding a sweet treat to your gift? These snowman candy bar wraps with little felt hats and scarves from Kerry @ Kerry’s Paper Crafts are super cute! It seems I’m going to have to make these for the bug’s daycare class as a ‘first snow’ treat since she crawled up on my lap and started yelling “oh-man” at the picture :o)

This great idea comes from Jordan @ Polka Dot Prints I’m a sucker for anything done with baker’s twine, and these little baubles are no exception. Make a bunch of these to coordinate with your wrapping and the recipient can enjoy them as ornaments for years to come.

I’m a big fan of edible gifts and so, it seems, is Andrea @ Playing with Paper. You can color coordinate or choose a favorite vintage candy, there are so many possibilites with this one! I’d love to receive a yum-filled ornament on top of a gift, wouldn’t you?

Tosha @ Stamp Talk with Tosh has an amazing tutorial for a gift bag topper. This is such a unique classy look, I love it!

I’m loving this 3D star wreath tutorial by the ladies over at Little Birdie Secrets. I’m also thinking that individual stars of different sizes would make cute gift toppers or tags, with later ornament potential. Or even a mini version of the wreath…ooh, might have to try that!

Burlap crafts are super popular right now, and this holly gift topper by Michelle @ A Little Tipsy is super cute. I like to see the classic holiday accents done in new ways.

This little topper from Camilla @ Family Chic couldn’t be easier or cheaper and is ridiculously festive. And the kids could easily get in on this action. You could even vary sizes with mini and jumbo cupcake liners.

Of course we have to have some upcycling representation. The result of this grocery bag pom pom tutorial from Grace @ Design Sponge is both festive and fluffy. And thinking about how many stores do seasonal bags, it would be way easy to get the holiday color palette going.

I adore a multi-purpose gift topper. This beautiful embellished clothespin from Ez @ Creature Comforts could be used for any number of things around the house. I think mine would end up a fridge magnet to hold all the bug’s artwork. OK, now I must make scores of them.

I love this idea so much I’m including two versions from Camberley @ Fancy House Road. I think felt is going to be my favorite crafting material of the season. Call me crazy, but these ideas might make cute headbands for the bug too…

The classic munchkin handprint ornament gets lightened up with Crayola Model Magic and fancied up with a pretty satin ribbon on Lindsey’s Little House Blog. I know some grandparents who would love to get these as holiday gift toppers, don’t you?

I love the modern simplicity of this paper pom pom topper from Ez and Marichelle @ Nice Package. Endless color and pattern combinations to fit any theme – oh the possibilities!

I love the combination of rolled flower and monograms used by Stephanie @ Under the Table and Dreaming. I’m all over the monograms-as-tags thing this year, You’ll see a lot of R’s under my tree this year.

Not only does Jessica @ How About Orange provide a killer paper snowflake tutorial, but she gave the world this little packaging gem. You simply cannot throw that hard work into the trash can after you open the gift.

I hope you feel as inspired as I do after snacking on all these awesome ideas. Even if I’m not allowed to decorate it’s not to early to start wrapping presents!!!