20 Fun & Unique Gift Wrapping Ideas

If you want to add a special touch to your presents this year, check out these 20 fun and inspirational gift wrapping ideas. Make them unique!

I remember once in fifth grade when I wrapped a present for a birthday party of a classmate – and I used newspaper. My mom was completely grossed out by my present wrapping job and told me to go re-wrap it with real paper.

My guess is that it was lacking something special and it probably looked like it should be thrown in the recycle bin. I was young and didn’t have the internet to research any fancy ideas!

I’m glad that times have changed and now if I need gift wrapping inspiration, I can easily find it online. Turns out there are a ton of gift wrapping ideas, including newspaper (just sayin’, mom). To get an idea of what I’m talking about, scroll down!

DIY Gift Wrapping Ideas

Easy Gift Bags

For items of an unusual size or shape, these bags can be made out of large sheets of decorative paper.

Learn how to make them at Gathering Beauty

Embroidered Boxes

Add a special touch to take out gift boxes with yarn and these templates.

Get the templates at Etsy

Tartan Plaid

Use wool tartan fabric and bow ties for a more masculine gift wrap style.

Find out more at Sweet Paul Magazine

Photo Booth

Give your presents some personality with glasses, lips, bow ties and mustaches – aka, the photo booth present!

Learn more at Sweet Paul Mag

Cheese Box

If you eat the Laughing Cow cheese like I do, turn the containers into small gift boxes with wrapping paper and glue.

Find out how it was done at Empress of Creativity

Gift Boxes

Decorate paper mache boxes with paint and decoupage medium – perfect for smaller gifts.

Find out how to do it at Sand and Sisal

Sparkly Confetti

Shannon has the perfect solution for a budget gift bag – just add Mod Podge and confetti.

Get the instructions at Mod Podge Rocks

Washi Tape

Regular gift wrap gets an upgrade with washi tape and a pom pom yarn tie.

Learn more at A Day With Lil Mama Stuart

Paint By Number

Color copy old paint by numbers onto paper and use for original wrapping.

Learn more about the project at Just Something I Made

Spiro Wrap

Remember the spirograph? Use it to make interesting paper, in any colors you like.

Learn more about it at MiniEco

Children’s Art

Let your kids help making wrapping paper by letting them paint and create gift tags.

See how it was made at Mod Podge Rocks

Ice Cream Cone

To add a bit of dimension and fun to your paper, how about a pom pom ice cream cone?

Learn how to do it at Let’s Wrap Stuff

Newspaper Bags

Jess shows you how to make these simple gift bags, by folding and adding just a little bit of glue.

Find the tutorial at How About Orange

Photo Gift Wrap

Create a collage of your recipient’s favorite photos to make a gift feel even more special.

Learn how to do it at Googly Eyes and Glitter

Merry Diamonds

This pretty paper brings a modern touch to the holidays.

Download the printable wrap at Lia Griffith

Puff Paint

Spice up regular brown paper with puffy paint and stick on rhinestones.

Learn how to do it at Home Heart Craft

Vintage Maps

Make your wrapping more personalized with vintage maps (you can get color copies if you want to preserve the originals). This is one of my favorite gift wrapping ideas!

Learn more about the project at The Chic Party