Tag Archives: gift wrapping

Nov9

Another wrapper of an idea

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Another wrapper of an idea

I’m the bearer of last minute and procrastinator is really my middle name (should be my first actually!). I was reminded on Saturday NIGHT that my 5 year old had a birthday party to go to on Sunday. It had totally slipped my mind, albeit the fact that the invitation was stuck onto my fridge. I’ve already gotten the present, the only problem was – the gift wrapper. I still had not bought any. From my previous post “A wrapper of an idea“, where I got my kids to decorate some paper to use as wrapping paper, I know I could have done that, but Master 5 wasn’t interested. I racked my brains as to how to wrap the present and having it look nice. Then an idea came to me – a drawstring bag! One with his initial in front. I could whip that up in less than an hour. Ran out of denim from my fabric stash but thankfully still had huge amounts of calico. Quickly cut and ironed the fabric, cut out the letter “C” for the child’s initial and appliquéd that on the front. Used some thick trimming I had bought in bulk previously to use as the drawstring and even stitched the bottom bit, so that he could carry it like a bag! Now, not only have I got a rather innovative wrapper, but it won’t get thrown out like ordinary wrapping paper. It can also be re-used as a library bag! Saved money and the earth! I’ll post the photos up another time, as in my excitement and haste, I had totally forgotten to take a photo of it. Also, I’m thinking of selling these bags on the Just Us Kids Online E-Shop, what do you think? Will it be a wrapper of an idea?

Jul31

A wrapper of an idea!

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A wrapper of an idea!

My 4 year old had a party today, and yes, I had present ready, card had already been made, then I realised – oops…no wrapping paper! So, posted a tweet up on twitter and…thankfully my dear friend Jacinta from Cupcakes of Kensington gave me this FANTASTIC suggestion. She normally gets her child to scribble on some paper and uses that as wrapping paper instead. Not only would that save the environment – non waxed paper are easier to recycle by the way, but saves money because we know they only end up being ripped apart and thrown in the recycling bin. So off I went this morning to get my 4 year old to draw something on some brown drawing paper we already had. He was – thankfully EXCITED! Actually, it became more of a family affair (minus the parents). All three kids joined in to create the “ultimate” wrapping paper. It was nice to see his eldest 8 year old sister lending him VOLUNTARILY, her collection of coloured gel pens and highlighters ( a very rare occasion indeed). When it was all done, I just wrapped up the present, added some ribbons I already had and prepared my 4 year old of what’s to come – the fact that it will be ripped up, when the birthday boy opens the present. That’s the only part I really cannot bear to watch. But I will update you in a later post.

The making of the wrapping paper

The wrapping paper in the making

All wrapped up

All wrapped up

Other “Eco-friendly” ways of wrapping a present for kids include:

  • Your kid’s art work from kinder that he/she has had for a long time and you just have to recycle and not keep.

This could be tricky. Try and use the…at least you can give it as a present tactic or, it’s so beautiful that you have to use it a wrapper.

  • Old magazines, try not to use newspapers…the ink drives me nuts, but if it doesn’t drive you nuts then hey, who am I to stop you.
  • Fabric – If you’ve got old fabric that you’ve got no use of, why not wrap it with that? Provided it’s not some vintage fabric.
  • Tissue paper – not the ones you use to wipe your noses with. Those tissue wrapping papers. Not store bought, but you know how some stores LOVE to use those to wrap your items with? Save those, you never know when it might come in handy. Simply dress them up with ribbons and your on your way!

If you have any other great money saving ideas on gift wrapping, do share it with us!

Dec14

Having a great Christmas while saving the earth.

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Having a great Christmas while saving the earth.

Christmas is a time where I think the young enjoy more than the old. Well, why not? They only have to look forward to receiving the presents, eating the festive food, and meeting the cousins, and relatives they haven’t seen for a long while. For us adults however, there is the stress of getting everything organised. From getting the presents, to the decorations, food, sending out of Christmas cards and not to forget the end of year get togethers BEFORE Christmas. Then not only do we have to get the presents organised, but also have them wrapped up! That is one thing I don’t really look forward to. Wrapping. Wrapping the gifts up so nicely only to have them RIPPED apart within seconds! So, I was thrawling through a few blogs and came across one of my favourite craft blogs, which had the idea of having Santa Sacks! The blogger, who cannot be bothered with wrapping presents thought of a better way to present her gifts. A Santa Sack. A sack where you can put all the presents in. One for each person. Well, she made one for each of her children. Now, not only did she save time on wrapping, but she also helped save the earth! A recyclable item that can be used for the next few years! The construction is pretty easy really. Just like a sack. If you have no time to sew or just don’t like to sew, why not purchase one of those plain calico bags and have your children decorate them instead? They can draw on it with fabric markers, or paint with fabric paint or just paste some embellishments with fabric glue! Put the bags under the tree and come Christmas morning, it would be filled with presents. Saves you from wrapping the presents and clearing up the mess of wrapping paper afterwards too!