Martha Stewart Foolproof Gift Wrapping

Tie One On

If it's the thought that counts, what does a slapped-on peel-and-stick curlicue ribbon convey? You can easily make package toppers that feel much less perfunctory and predictable than a store-bought bow (left). Grab beads, blossoms, bells, or other bling from a crafts store and knot one piece at a time onto embroidery floss or thin ribbon. To make it truly personal, spell out a giftee's name with charms, or turn a locket into a gift tag (cut dark paper to fit inside, and write your message with a gel pen). These little touches have a big impact, which means you can keep the rest of the package simple. To dress up a gift tube (which is a nice way to bestow a holiday gratuity), we just taped a strip of pretty paper around the belly.

Assorted boxes and gift mailers, containerstore.com. "Orbs" box (far left), $9, katespaperie.com. Flower (on box), $2; bells, $4 per dozen; leaves, $1 each; beads, $2 per dozen; locket, $3; flower (on tube), $1; all at Toho Shoji, 212-868-7465. Alphabet charms, $11 per pack, the Ink Pad, 212-463-9876.

Time-Saving Tip"A good time-saver is to wrap all your gifts in similar paper, then add flourishes that reflect each recipient's personality," says Shane Powers, deputy style and home editor.

Sparkles Will FlyBust out these bedazzled boxes, and with luck they'll deflect attention from Aunt Linda's battery-operated Rudolph cardigan. The five-minute projects shown here include gluing metallic discs to the top of a plain brown parcel (top), or carefully sandwiching loose neon confetti between layers of white tissue paper (center left) so it jumps out when torn open (we stuck a few stray pieces on top, too). More shining examples: Swap ribbon for sequined string (center right), or drag a glue stick across a package and pepper it with complementary confetti (bottom). Like the other confetti box, this one is designed to create some festive messiness when opened.
Metallic discs, $2 per pack, confetti.com for stores. Assorted ribbons, from $4, katespaperie.com. Gift tags, from $3, paperpresentation.com. Sequin string, $1 per yard, Toho Shoji, 212-868-7465. Confetti, $2 per pack, confetti.com for stores. Tissue paper, $4 for 24 sheets, containerstore.com.


Read more at Marthastewart.com: Foolproof Gift Wrapping - Martha Stewart Crafts