GIFT GIVING

GIFT WRAPPING

Part of the fun of gifting around the holidays is the wrapping. The wrapping of a package is an extension of the gift, and I love to personalize the decoration for each recipient. Plus, thoughtfully trimmed packages look so beautiful under your Christmas tree in the weeks leading up to the big day. So start stocking up on different-sized boxes and get creative.

Here are some of my favorite ideas to make your gift wrapping extra special the whole year through:

• Craft paper is something you should always keep in your wrapping arsenal. It’s a cheap, neutral base that can be dressed up easily.

• Join in the chalkboard trend by wrapping packages in simple black craft paper and using a white paint pen to personalize.

• Think beyond traditional wrapping paper. Instead, use a map of the place where the recipient is from or the newspaper’s sports section for a sports fan.

• Don’t confine yourself to wrapping all your gifts in paper. Tie a tea towel around a bottle of wine or use a vintage tablecloth to wrap a larger box, making the wrapping part of the present.

• Stick with a theme by wrapping a gift that corresponds with what’s inside. If the gift is cooking related, for example, wrap it in paper that has butcher knife outlines. Add a bow and a wooden spoon, and the chef on your list will be thrilled.

MADE WITH LOVE

Homemade gifts are the best gifts. And when your holiday gift list includes not only family and friends but also coworkers, neighbors, teachers, and even the mail carrier, homemade treats make heartfelt, economical gifts that everyone appreciates.

I love making gifts that go beyond the present and foster family togetherness and traditions. I have a friend who makes cinnamon rolls as gifts for friends to bake on Christmas morning, and I love to give premade cookie dough so baking cookies for Santa can be fun and hassle-free. These buckeyes are a special treat, and the recipe makes a large amount, so they can be split up into several gifts.