Often when we bequeath a gift to someone we focus so much on the present itself that we forget the art of presentation, the inspired skill of gift wrapping. Many see it as merely a way to disguise the “real” gift, rather than to view it as the opportunity to give even more by creating a second gift for the eyes and the soul.

We’ve all been there. Staring at a particularly small gift, the wrapping paper and our large fingers thinking this is never going to work before we opt for the ever-so-creative gift bag. And I know from experience that jewelry can be one of the toughest things to wrap because of its size. Typically, jewelry is packaged in very tiny boxes making it almost impossible to wrap—at least not attractively. Secondly, small presents often get overlooked amidst other presumably larger gift bags and boxes. There are ways around these challenges to not only sufficiently dress your naked present, but to also give the gift of art and delight through your creative wrapping.

My mother is a master of gift wrapping. She can make even the smallest of packages look amazing and enticing with her crafty ways (and abundance of wrapping paper and ribbon!). However, if you’re not like my mom and need some help dressing up your gifts this season, particularly your petite ones, we’ve got some very simple tips to make your gift wrapping a cinch this year!

1. No Wrapping Paper? No Worries!

Use newspaper, magazines, scraps of fabric or even clothes! I transformed these simple packages into visually exciting gifts by using recycled buttons taken from clothes I was getting rid of and a sweet bow!

2. Wrapping Can Be a Cinch!

As I mentioned, wrapping small gifts can be hard, so if you want to avoid the act of wrapping altogether, instead try using bags (not the cliché gift bags!), but rather clear cellophane bags or brown paper lunch bags. You can find these easily in the baking section of your grocery store or local craft store. You can typically get 10 or more in a pack for less than a few dollars - much less expensive than typical gift bags! Fill the bag with strips of crumpled colored paper for added décor and cinch the top of the bag with a piece of string or ribbon and make your own gift tag out of cardstock as a final touch!

Don’t have bags, but have lots of left over tissue paper from all the gift bags you bought last year? Put that tissue paper to use and make your own “bag.” Simply place the gift in the center of the square and pull all four sides up. Cinch the sides in the middle and secure with string or ribbon. If you like, trim the top with scissors to make it even or leave the ends uneven for a more natural look. Either way you have a beautiful gift in minutes!

3. Nature Decorates Best

On your next walk pick up some twigs, pine needles, pine cones, acorns, dried leaves, etc. and glue them on a wrapped package or bag for an upscale seasonal look. These natural elements look best on solid color paper. I like to use simple Kraft paper because it looks natural and the leaves really stand out. Check out some I created recently for inspiration!

4. Gorgeous Granular Gifts

If the leaves aren’t changing where you are because you happen to live near the beach, don’t fret. You can still use your natural surroundings to decorate your gifts! Go beachcombing and collect a beautiful assortment of shells. These look sophisticated glued to a neutral background accented with some simple ribbon.

5. Use What you Have

There are a variety of things around the house you may not have thought of to use for gift wrapping, but you’d be surprised at what you can do! For example, consider using empty metal tea, chocolate or mint tins to both disguise and decorate your present. They come in a variety of sizes and are typically very colorful and aesthetically pleasing. Your recipient will assume they're getting tea, mints or chocolate and will be pleasantly surprised by the actual gift inside!

6. Don't Have Time to Wrap?

Use a card instead. Purchase a card and then punch two small holes in the top to secure either a necklace or earrings to the inside of the card. If gifting a necklace, either carefully tape the chain to the back of the card, or place the remaining chain in a tiny plastic bag before taping to the back of the card to keep it in place. The recipient will be delighted to see such a thoughtful card and gift in one!

Want a unique card in a pinch? ThinkTwyce has handmade holiday cards in a variety of styles from now until December 18th. Get yours here!

7. Be "Charming"

A great option for small gifts is to place them in an Ornament Gift Charm. These are handmade, but the best part is you don’t have to make them! Write a special note on the blank side of the charm, drop your jewelry inside and voila! Gift wrapped. Hang the ornament on a tree or door handle and leave the recipient admiring the charming packaging until it’s time to open their special gift. These ornaments also make beguiling pockets for gift cards or money.

Get a set of 3 or 5 directly from ThinkTwyce. You can find them under “Categories/Other Treasures” or click the link to shop now!

Whatever you’re giving this year we hope you discover a newfound love for the art of wrapping with these easy and creative tips. Let us know if you tried any of these suggestions and how they turned out! Happy wrapping!