My Mother and I were pros when it came to presenting gifts, It was not uncommon for us to spend more on the container and wrapping than the gift itself. We created charming works of art for any occasion. But on one Christmas morning at a very young age, I found myself staring at an enormous pile of discarded wrapping paper and thinking was a terrible thing it was to cut all those trees just for this. So it was at that moment that I began a lifelong journey to find ways to present gifts without cutting trees.
Reuse . Recycle . Repurpose . Reinvent
This became my motto. Lakewood 400 Antiques Market has been my best source for gift box replacements. Not only because the search is so much fun, but you will never find more perfect or clever items anywhere! So here are a few ideas to start your creative juices flowing.
Reuse: Gift Basket Containers
Why not use something that is fun and and can also be used after the presentation?
These are just a few examples. What about bread bowls, baskets, all sizes of jars, garden pots, crates, vintage cookware,... I could go on for days. And you will find any size you are looking for from a small canning jar to a 5 gallon bucket!!
Recycle: Wrap It In Fabric!
This can be so much fun and it's quick and easy to wrap a gift in fabric. Just tie it up and add a bow! Try vintage linens and tableware, old handkerchiefs, scarves, ugly Christmas sweaters, aprons, old flags, dishtowels, napkins, vintage fabric ...
Repurpose: Vintage Containers
There are thousands of old cookie tins that are so easy to use. Any old box or canister will do or even a vintage purse or suitcase. Just tie it up with a bow. Any why not add some Christmas cheer on top like old cookie cutters or ornaments..
Repurpose: Reusing Old Papers
Pages from old books or catalogs, pieces of old posters, prints or cartoons, sheet music, old newspapers, maps, patterns ... all make great replacement for new Christmas wrap and save trees! Try making it personal ... to map to somewhere they want to go or their favorite movie star!
Giving Money or Small Items ...
Here are some great ways to give money or gift cards in unexpected ways. Try putting money in a book a bill a page; in a vintage coin purse; an old pattern sleeve, vintage seed packets or old tiny tins. What fun! They definitely won't suspect what is inside!
Christmas Vintage Design Ideas
Isn't it wonderful what you can do with vintage finds!
Click on the photo to see full photo.
Enjoy!
What better place to search for raw wood, furniture or great accessories than at the Lakewood 400 Antiques Market! The Market is open the 3rd weekend every month and is a glorious treasure hunt sure to delight. You absolutely never know what you may find there! For info Click Here!
Jan Jones is a Designer, Artist, and Author of
"Finding Me: A Motivational Journey of Discovery for Young People."
and the soon to be released, "Daydreaming." For more information Click Here
And for the www.janjones.design website and jjd blog Click Here
To follow janjones.design and see the blog articles before they are published, Subscribe Here.
To see more ideas and for photo credits, go to my Pinterest Boards:
For A Wrap It: Click Here
For Vintage Christmas Decor: Click Here
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