What You'll Need
Looking for creative ways to wrap your gifts this holiday season without spending a fortune? You're in the right place! These 25 gift wrapping ideas use mostly Dollar Tree and Walmart supplies, require no special skills, and will make your presents look professionally wrapped. Let's dive in!
Materials:
- Wrapping paper (Dollar Tree, Walmart, or Target dollar section)
- Packaging paper (brown kraft paper)
- Ribbon (velvet, buffalo check, wired, and regular)
- Jute twine (red, green, or natural)
- Ornaments (snowflakes, balls, reindeer from Dollar Tree)
- Floral picks (berries, greenery, pinecones)
- Gift tags
- Scarf (Dollar Tree)
- Wooden DIY stickers (Dollar Tree)
- Greenery (fresh or faux)
- Bells (Dollar Tree)
- Paint (white, gold)
- Q-tips
- Gold paint pen
- Sharpie
Tools:
- Scissors
- Double-sided tape
- Glue gun and glue sticks
- Wire ties or rubber bands
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Reindeer with Buffalo Check Ribbon
Start with packaging paper from Dollar Tree. Take a reindeer ornament (available in several colors) and some leftover buffalo check ribbon. Tie a knot in the ribbon and cut the ends at an angle. Glue the ribbon onto the back of the reindeer. Attach a bell from Dollar Tree (sold in 9-packs) by gluing it on. Glue the reindeer onto your wrapped package. The recipient can keep the reindeer as a decoration for next Christmas.
2. Snowflake with Pinecone Accent
Use packaging paper and ribbon from Dollar Tree. String the ribbon through the bottom of a snowflake ornament (comes in 6-packs in the ornament section). Tape the ribbon to the bottom of your wrapped package, or do a normal ribbon wrap and glue the snowflake on top. Add a pinecone on top of the snowflake for extra charm.
3. Velvet Ribbon with Snowflake
Wrap your gift with paper from Walmart. Use velvet ribbon from Joann's (or similar) and cross it on top of the package. Instead of tying a bow, loop one end through the other and tie a simple knot. Add a snowflake ornament from Dollar Tree on top, which can also double as a name tag.
4. Green Velvet Ribbon with Pull-Apart Bow
Use wallpaper gift wrap and green velvet ribbon. Wrap the ribbon around the package from top to bottom, loop it back up, twist, and loop again. Tie a bow without a knot so the recipient can pull one end to undo it. They'll have a beautiful ribbon to reuse next year.
5. Twine with Floral Pick
Wrap your gift with Walmart paper. Take Dollar Tree jute twine and wrap it around the package a few times, flaring it out on one side. Tie a knot, cut off excess, and clip on a Walmart floral pick. Spread the pick out for a full look. The pick can be reused next Christmas.
6. Scarf Wrap for White Elephant Gifts
Use a Dollar Tree scarf to wrap a gift where you want to show part of the package (great for white elephant exchanges). Simply tie the scarf around the basket or box with a regular bow on top. This adds mystery while still showing the gift.
7. DIY Wooden Stickers
Use Dollar Tree wooden stickers (available in many shapes). Peel off the backing and stick directly onto your wrapped package. These also work as name tags.
8. Two-Tone Paper with Double-Sided Tape
Use two different types of wrapping paper and stagger them, layering one on top of the other. Use double-sided tape for a sleek, clean look with no visible tape marks. This works especially well for wrapping beverages.
9. Buffalo Check with Red Jute Twine
Use buffalo check paper from Target dollar section ($1) and red jute twine from Dollar Tree. Wrap the bottom of a beverage gift or cut it off if serving. Add small bows with wire ties for a cute finish.
10. Two Papers with Pinecones and Ornament Tag
Use two different Walmart wrapping papers (one solid with a small stripe works as a ribbon). Cut the striped paper to size and use it like ribbon. Tie on a Walmart gift tag (can be used as an ornament next year) and glue on Dollar Tree pinecones.
11. DIY Ribbon Bow
Loop ribbon around your fingers 15-20 times (at least 15-20 loops for a full bow). Cut the loops, hold them, and loop a separate piece around the top. Cut into each side in the middle (don't cut all the way through). Strip a little ribbon and tie it around the center to secure. Pull each loop apart. Tie onto your package with red jute twine and add red berries from a floral pick.
12. Wired Ribbon Bow with Glue
Use a larger wired ribbon for bigger packages. Add a little glue to the end and tape it onto your package. Use a floral pick with ornament balls (add more if needed). Instead of gluing the pick, loop it on and cover with a bit of ribbon and glue.
13. Jute Twine with Ornament
Wrap jute twine all the way around your package. Add an ornament from Dollar Tree (many styles available) by gluing it on. This personalizes the package and dresses it up.
14. Ornament Ball Bow
Keep jute twine on your package. String several ornament balls onto the twine, mixing finishes in the same color. Add a green ornament for a pop of color in the middle. This creates a personalized, dressed-up look.
15. Round Package with Accordion Fold
For round packages, use double-sided tape. Cut the bottom of the paper so it covers the surface. Add double-sided tape and fold the paper in triangles to create an accordion look (you'll need 2-3 pieces of tape). Fold the paper in on itself. Glue a floral pick (gold berry balls) to the top.
16. Greenery and Paint Design
Take greenery and white paint. Use a Q-tip (the roundness is perfect) to stamp staggered prints across the package, including the sides. Let dry. Tie a regular bow with white ribbon and tuck greenery underneath. Glue on a name tag or tie it on.
17. Custom Wired Bow with Ornament
Use wider wired ribbon. Make loops and glue them together at the bottom with a wire tie (or use a rubber band). Add glue to the bottom and attach to your package. Glue an ornament ball on top for a custom bow that looks better than store-bought ones.
18. Simple Tag with White Ribbon
Use Christmas tags from Target dollar section. Add to regular white ribbon on Dollar Tree wrapping paper. Write a name on the back for a simple, elegant look.
19. Twine with Ornament and Bow
Use regular twine and a Dollar Tree ornament. Tie a cute bow on top. Keep it simple and elegant.
20. Green Ribbon with Gift Tag
Wrap green ribbon from Hobby Lobby (or any store) around your package. Tie a knot in the first part. Use a Dollar Tree gift tag (comes in packs of 20 with 6 styles). Tie a small, dainty bow on top.
21. Gold Paint Pen with Sharpie
Use glossy wrapping paper. Write "Merry Christmas" with a gold paint pen (it may not show well on glossy paper). Go over it with a Sharpie, then highlight with gold paint for shimmer.
22. Green Twine with Snowflake
Use green twine from Dollar Tree (they also have red and natural). Wrap it around the package a few times and tie a knot. Use a Dollar Tree gift tag and tie a knot. Attach a snowflake ornament from Walmart (pack of 20) and tie a bow on top.
23. Bell with Fresh Greenery
Use gift wrap from Target dollar section ($1) and ribbon from Hobby Lobby. Fold over the ties to knot at the top (or make a bow). Glue a bell on top and add fresh or faux greenery.
24. Ornament with Greenery
Use paper from Target dollar section ($1). Save leftover ribbon from previous years (always a good idea). Tuck ribbon under each side and make a simple knot. Add a Walmart ornament and wrap the bow with loops securing it. Tuck greenery underneath for a pop of color.
25. Reindeer with V-Cut Ribbon
Use brown wrapping paper from Dollar Tree and leftover ribbon. Loop the ribbon across and tie a loop. Fold in a traditional bow (make two ears and tuck them under). Cut V-shapes in the ribbon ends by folding over and cutting upward. Add a Dollar Tree reindeer ornament. Use white twine to tie a knot, wrap it around the package a few times, and tie off. Add a Dollar Tree tag.
Tips for Success
- Always use double-sided tape for a clean, professional look with no visible tape marks.
- Save ribbon and ornaments from previous years to reuse—it saves money and adds a personal touch.
- Cut ribbon ends at an angle or in a V-shape for a polished finish that looks intentional.
- Use wired ribbon for bows—it holds its shape much better than non-wired ribbon and is easier to work with.
- Let paint designs dry completely before handling or tying ribbon to avoid smudging.
