Check out these ways to save money on dressing up your gift wrapping. There are many creative and expensive ways to accent gifts without spending a lot of money.
Use reusable items. Within your home, you can even use some reusable wrapping supplies. What about wrapping a gift with some leftover fabric? Or how about having a few reusable paperboard gift boxes around the house to use amongst family members? This is a great way to save money and eliminate waste. I received a gift from a friend “wrapped” inside a gold paperboard box with a holiday decoration tied around it with ribbon. The box and accent may have cost a little up-front, but it can be reused either for wrapping a gift, or for a decoration. No part of this gift has gone to waste!
Reuse what you can. Gift bags should never go into the trash until they are torn or otherwise unusable. It is expensive and wasteful to throw these away and buy new bags every time you give a gift. Some people choose not to write on the gift tag attached to the bag. This way, the receiver can reuse the bag without anyone ever knowing it has been used more than once. You can (and should) also reuse ribbon that comes wrapped around your gifts.
Check dollar stores. Most dollar stores carry lots of wrapping paper. Why would you ever purchase it for three to five dollars a roll elsewhere? Also check the dollar store for ribbon, bows, or small ornaments or trinkets for tying on the outside of your gift.
Buy accents for cheap. If you like to dress-up your gifts, think of some creative ways to save money on ribbon and accents. Besides the dollar store, you can find many items at thrift stores or at yard sales. Browse around and be creative. For instance, you can cover a gift entirely with buttons or glue poinsettias to the top.
As is expected, being frugal is often about being creative. You just have to think a little to come up with some inexpensive ways to dress up your gifts.
Check out Save Money Wrapping Your Gifts: Part One for more ideas.