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How to Creatively Package Edible Gifts

Feb 212010

Package Your Food Gifts Creatively (Photo courtesy of Adie Reed)

Edible gifts are great– you don’t have to worry about whether they’ll fit or if you’re selecting the right color. I mean, who doesn’t like good food? Plus, edible gifts can be very affordable and thoughtful. But as with just about any gift, the package can make a big difference. Here are some ideas for creatively packaging edible gifts.

Jars

Mason jars may be great for jams or jellies, but what about for cupcakes? Julie at Joy’s Hope stacked two cupcakes in eight ounce mason jars, layering them with frosting. She topped it with a cupcake print fabric and ended up with a sweet gift. You could also fill your jars with layers of dry ingredients for muffins, cookies or bread. Or as the photo shows, bake pies in them.

Takeout Boxes

Continue the food theme into the packaging by using a takeout box. You can pick up a set of 12 for just $8.40 from FavorStudio.com. Choose between hot pink, turquoise, lime and almond. Or if you need something more heavy duty, check out the SafePak take-out boxes from The Container Store.

Mixing Bowls

Take something practical from the kitchen and turn it into a way to package your edible gift. Use a mixing bowl, decorative tray or even a coffee cup and make it part of your present.

DIY Cake Plate

Make the display part of the gift with a DIY cake plate. Back in December we gave you the simple step-by-step instructions for taking thrift store finds and making cute cake plates. Top them with cookies, chocolates or mini cakes and your edible gift is ready.

Creative Tags

Sometimes simple is better. You could easily package your yummy gift in a plain brown box or bag from a craft store, wrap it with baker’s twine and attach a cute gift tag like this one. Just load some card stock in your printer, make a copy and cut it out.

Recycle

You may be throwing packaging options into your recycle bin without even thinking about it. Mini loaves of bread can be cutely squeezed inside cleaned out tin cans. Or a coffee can may be a great way to store and transport your handmade treats. Just make sure you thoroughly wash out anything you decide to use.

How to Make Gift Giving a Memorable Experience

Apr 232009

Make this Moment a Memory. photo courtesy of nutmeg

You buy a present, wrap it up, and hand it over to your loved one. They open it, thank you for the gift and the experience is over. Why not infuse some creativity, spunk and excitement into the gift-giving process so that it becomes just as memorable (if not more!) than the gift itself? Here are some suggestions:

1. Create a Scavenger Hunt: My husband’s birthday fell on Easter this year. I decided to create an Easter egg scavenger hunt. Each egg contained a small gift (like iTunes gift cards), the clue for finding the next egg, and a puzzle piece. At the end of the trail of eggs he assembled all of the puzzle pieces and discovered his big gift– a weekend getaway. Your scavenger hunt could just include clues that lead to the hidden present at the end. Either way, it makes getting the gift fun and challenging.

2. Wrap the Gift Ten Times: Maybe you’ve seen this before. You start with a small gift and wrap it. Then you put that in a box and wrap it. Then you put that in a box and wrap it. I’ve seen some gifts where layers of wrapping were funny lingerie from a thrift store. It made the opening process very entertaining (and extended) and the final gift even more appreciated.

3. Have Someone Else Deliver It: Enlist a singing telegram service or a person dressed in a funny costume to deliver your gift. Not only will the person enjoy the present, but they’ll enjoy the presentation of it as well!

4. Buy a Decoy Gift: Pull a little prank and buy a gag gift for your loved one, but present it as a “real” gift. (It could either be something really practical like laundry detergent or really bizarre like a Richard Simmons workout tape.) Once you’ve made the recipient believe this is for real, pull out the “good” gift and have a laugh.

How to Make a Gift Seem More Expensive Than It Is

Mar 262009

Make Your Gift Seem More Expensive. photo courtesy of JillClardy

We’re all feeling the pinch these days. But just because our gift giving budget may be reduced, that doesn’t mean we can’t keep giving fabulous gifts. In fact, our friends, family and co-workers may need those gifts more than ever now! No one wants their gift to come across as cheap. But even if you don’t want to spend much, you can still make your gift seem more expensive than it is. Here’s how.

Shop Local

Anything that comes from an artsy shop or little boutique automatically seems fancier than if the gift were purchased at a mega-store that every town has. And your local shops are sure to have sale items, too, just like the big chains. Plus, here’s an extra bonus– by shopping in those locally owned stores you are supporting local business owners and your local economy.

Wrap Well

A pretty package can make the gift inside seem so much more glam. Pay special attention to the packaging details like the tissue, ribbon and gift tag in order to make your gift seem much more expensive than it is.

Think Ahead

Find a great deal on lovely scarves or cute bracelets? Find out whose birthday is coming up in the next month or two. Waiting until the last minute means you’ll be more desperate and one of two things will end up happening: 1. You’ll spend more than you wanted because you can’t find a good gift or 2. You’ll end up with a gift that doesn’t seem well thought out or appears to be lower quality.

Be Thoughtful

A thoughtful gift always seems to be worth more than a generic one. Pay attention to your friends’ comments about what they need and want. When it comes time to buy the perfect gift you’ll be glad you did!

How to Make Creative Gift Tags

Feb 052009

Gift tag. photo courtesy of Fern R

Gift tags are a great way to add some flare and creativity to your packages and bags. It makes a gift more personal when someone’s name is attached to it. Plus, if you are reusing a gift bag, there is a good chance that the matching gift tag it came with has your name written on the inside– not the person you’re giving the gift to. In just a few steps and with a few key tools, you can have a personalized gift tag ready to go.

Gather up some supplies. You’ll need some ribbon, a paper hole punch, and some scissors. Scissors that cut more detailed and fancy edges can add some visual interest. Pull out some cookie cutters stashed in that kitchen drawer. For the paper part of your project, use construction paper, scrapbook paper or even the front of pretty greeting cards.

Cut out shapes. Using the cookie cutter as your guide, trace a shape on the back of the greeting card or on the paper you chose. Cut out the shape.

Punch a hole in the corner. Using your hole punch, create a hole in the top of the gift tag. You could even use a hole punch with a creative shape like a heart or a star.You may want to use a small reinforcement circle like this one to make sure your paper doesn’t easily rip. It also adds a decorative element.

Size up some ribbon. Using coordinating ribbon, figure out just how much you need to attach the gift tag to the bag or package. cut the right amount and feed it through the hole punch.

Write a note. On the back of the gift tag you just so thoughtfully created, make sure you use it for it’s intended purpose and write the recipient’s name. You can also include a short, but sweet note and that way you won’t have to worry about picking out a greeting card.

Attach your tag! Now the only thing left to do is attach your beautiful new gift tag!

How to Organize Ribbon for Wrapping Gifts

Oct 302008

Unorganized Ribbon. Photo courtesy of africankelli

Ribbon can be a beautiful addition to any package– but it can also make a huge mess. Is your ribbon sitting in a pile of unraveled spools? Keep your beautiful ribbon from becoming a tangled knot with these ideas for organizing your ribbon.

Wire Hanger

Store your ribbon neatly in a closet so you can grab the perfect color and the perfect amount any time you need it. Simply take a wire hanger, and untwist the top using a pair of needle-nose pliars. Thread your spools of ribbon through the wire so that they are resting in a line on the bottom of the hanger. Then, twist the wire back together. Now your ribbon is ready to go!

Shoe Box

A shoe box is a great way to keep ribbon easily accessible and completely organized. Line your ribbon spools up snugly in the bottom of a shoe box. Make sure they are all facing the same way. Now mark the side of the box with a pen so you know where to make holes for the ribbon to come out. Make one mark for each spool of ribbon. Cut small holes in the places you marked and thread your ribbon through. Put the lid of the box back on and lightly secure with tape or a rubber band. Any time you need ribbon just pull the right amount through the hole.

Storage Box

If you’re looking for a non-DIY way to organize ribbon, pick up a ribbon storage box like this one from Martha Stewart Crafts. It’s $16.99 and will hold several rolls of different sizes. This plastic storage box from CraftMates includes 17 removable dividers and costs $9.99.

How to Find Unusual, Special and Funky Gift Bags

Sep 182008

Photo courtesy of Sir Mervs (byaheng bicol)

Say so long to boring gift bags. It’s time to get creative with this popular wrapping option. Gift bags are great when you’re in a hurry or need to wrap an oddly sized item. But here’s another reason to love gift bags– they can be unusual, special and funky! Just take a look at these:

Funky Gift Bags

Papyrus is known for stylish stationary, but they’ve also got a great selection of funky gift bags. My personal favorite is the Mustard Leatherite bag made to look like crocodile. They also come in red and teal. The wooden handles make them perfect for heavier gifts. They’re so cute you might want to keep it for yourself.

Little Gift Bags

Need the perfect package for a teeny gift? Check out these lovely miniature felt gift bags in bold hues like magenta with light pink flowers, green with yellow orange flowers, and pumpkin orange with yellow green flowers. Snag six for just $9.95 at AmericanBridal.com.

Recycled Gift Bags

Photo Courtesy of Sibyl's Shop

At Etsy shop Sibyl you’ll find some unusual and earth-friendly gift bags. They’re made from recycled stereogram 3D posters. They’re 4.5 inch squares and two inches deep which makes them perfect for a CD or some other small treat. You’ll get three gift bags for $3.

Homemade Gift Bags

This super-cute craft project turns an ordinary lunch bag into a reindeer gift bag. It’s a simple and fun step-by-step process that kids will enjoy working on and that anybody on your gift list will enjoy receiving.

Girly Gift Bags

From young to old, these girly gift bags at Oriental Trading Co are perfect for kids’ toys or adult lingerie. Each purse comes with a shoe-shaped gift tag and a colorful design. Pick up a dozen for $9.99.