1. Do: Give a gift card

Don’t: Pull money from your wallet and decide that’s your gift.

While giving gift cards and cash are essentially the same as they are both monetary gifts, one has a bit more thought in it than the other. And we’ve always been told it’s the thought that counts, right? Look at the recipient’s Giftster list for where they may like to shop. Even better, look at their gift preferences for tips about what store they most want to shop. Get creative with presenting their gift card by placing it in a fancy box, wrapping it like a pro, and finishing it with a ribbon and bow. 

Unless they’ve specifically told you or have it on their list that they’re saving up for something in particular, cash is probably not the ideal gift to give. Well…unless they are a teenager or college student, where the cash would come in handy the most. But I promise you, a gift card given to your wife for SpaFinder or something like that will be much more appreciated than taking out folded cash from your wallet and sticking it in a card. 

2. Do: Give a subscription box.

Don’t: Go to the store, find everything related to this one thing your loved one is into, buy everything you see that relates to it, and put it in a box.

There’s pretty much a subscription box for everything these days. A subscription box gift is a gift that keeps on giving! It works well for last-minute Christmas shopping because you can order them online. It doesn’t need to be for very long; it could be a couple of months, whatever is most appropriate for the recipient. It will show more thought in the gift than just going and buying several random things just because they’re related to someone’s interest. A subscription box can also introduce them to items and themes adjacent to their interest, helping your gift to be insightful while avoiding redundancy. 

3. Do: Give a nice piece of clothing.

Don’t: Give clothing if you don’t know what size to give.

I’ve received clothing that’s too small and, at other times, too big. Sometimes, there’s a receipt; other times, I’m just stuck with it. To the back of the closet, never to be worn or used by me if I donate, return, or sell it. So, while giving that sweater in the perfect color for your nephew, if you don’t know the size, put it down and move on. If you really want to give it, you could always give a gift card for the sweater amount and plan a date to take the person shopping so they can try it on. Spend time with a loved one AND give a gift? That’s a two-for-one present! Another option is to gift them a personal shopping experience with a service like Mindful Closet or Stich Fix. However, approach this gift cautiously; you want it to be appreciated. You don’t want to insult the recipient by implying they need style help. 

4. Do: Donate to the recipient’s favorite charity.

Don’t: Forget to tell them that you donated.

I may be talking from experience here because this may have happened to me once or twice. If you donate online, the charity will often give you the chance to print a letter to give to the recipient. Sometimes, they send a letter directly to them as well, but for those of us who like to give something for the person to open, that defeats the purpose. Have a little fun with this type of gift, and get creative with gift wrapping. This is the perfect gift for someone who has asked for no gifts. First, choose a charity that supports a cause the recipient is passionate about. Then, you could get a token item that represents the charity. Wrap up the item with the donation letter, giving it a fancy touch with a ribbon and a bow. 

5. Do: Give a consumable treat that you know they love.

Don’t: Give them something they’re allergic to or cannot eat.

Wines and spirits and nuts and sweets. Those gifts are always loved, except when you have food allergies or other sensitivities or restrictions. My father-in-law, who is diabetic, would love a tin of nuts but would likely pass on the box of chocolates. Check out the recipient’s gift preferences to see what would be best. If they aren’t on Giftster or haven’t listed preferences, run your gift idea by someone close to them, like a parent, spouse, or child. Use our helpful guide to wrap those oddly shaped gifts of food jars and containers. 

6. Do: Keep it simple.

Don’t: Go overboard and don’t impulse shop.

Gifts don’t always need to be grand or one-up the previous year. Don’t overthink it; keep it simple. The little things on a person’s wish list often mean just as much as the big things. And when you’re shopping at the last minute, sometimes simple is best. Remember the recipient’s gift preferences and fight the urge to impulse buy. No giant walruses, okay?

7. Do: Shop Local. 

Don’t: Underestimate Shipping Times. 

Shopping locally helps support your local community while also helping you find unique or one-of-a-kind gifts. These gifts show the recipient that you spent time and effort thinking about them and their interests. You then took the time to find the perfect gift for them. Sometimes, the thought and effort behind the gift mean more than the gift itself. If you decide to shop online, plan well in advance. Modern shipping times can be unpredictable and often delayed. It’s better to order sooner than risk their gift arriving after Christmas because you did last-minute Christmas shopping.

8. Do: Stay on Budget. 

Don’t: Overspend due to lack of planning.

Staying on budget is crucial for reducing your holiday stress. Before you shop, decide how much you can afford to spend on your gifts for the holiday season. Then, break down this total to calculate how much you want to spend on each person. That way, you can narrow your options to gifts that fit your budget. 

Without a plan, you won’t know how much you spend until you’re done shopping. You could easily spend significantly more than you want or can afford to. You will also lack direction when gift shopping, increasing your stress levels. Last-minute Christmas shopping can cause you to spend more as stores sell out, and you run out of time to shop for the best deal. 

No matter where your last-minute shopping takes you, make sure you have Giftster loaded on your mobile device to double-check those wish lists and gift preferences before you check out.

The post 8 Do’s and Don’ts of Last Minute Christmas Shopping appeared first on Giftster and was written by Giftster.

Regifting mistakes to avoid

Only some gifts are suitable for regifting. Don’t repurpose these types of presents for someone else:

• Personalized gifts: Items customized with a name, initials, or photograph shouldn’t be given to someone else. Look for personalization in less obvious places, too, like a note written inside a book or a small engraving on a piece of jewelry.
• Handmade gifts: If the giver found out you’d regifted their handmade knit blanket or piece of art, they’re much more likely to be upset.
• Gifts you just want to get rid of: Everyone deserves a thoughtful present. Don’t make a pile of all the gifts you don’t want, then randomly wrap them and give them to others. 

Sometimes regifting is too risky. Don’t regift a present in these scenarios:

• Within a friend circle: People talk. There’s a chance you’re creating an awkward situation if the original gift-giver knows the new gift-receiver.
• When it would be noticeable that you aren’t using the gift: If Grandma gives your daughter an expensive dress but never sees her wearing it, she’s likely to ask questions. It’s better to use a gift like this once or twice.

Tips for successfully repurposing gifts

Think about the type of gifts that make you happiest to receive. The person who gives you the present has usually considered your likes and dislikes and chosen something you would enjoy. Here’s how to do the same with a “regift”:

• Regift new, unused items: Make sure anything you regift still has the tag, original packaging, and any manuals or accessories that came with it.
• Consider the gift carefully: Is it an item you don’t need or want, but you know it’s something the new recipient will love? Then regifting is a possibility!
• Take care when wrapping the present: You can make a repurposed present look special with creative wrapping or a beautiful bow. And don’t forget to add a card with a nice message inside.

Alternatives to regifting

Regifting is controversial because people expect you to put some time and effort into finding them the perfect present. (And this doesn’t usually involve checking the shelves in your basement.) 

Consider other ways of giving away presents you don’t want or need. You can donate them, offer them to someone as a “hand-me-down,” or use them in a white elephant gift exchange. Any of these options might feel more tactful.

You can also prevent unneeded and unwanted gifts. Create a wishlist using Giftster. Share it with your friends and relatives so they know exactly what you want. Encourage others to create wishlists, too, so you know they won’t be tempted to regift what you give them.

Happy regifting!

The post Regifting Etiquette: Here’s What You Need to Know  appeared first on Giftster and was written by Giftster.

Here are some tips for navigating gifts for your children and ensuring a cozier, happier holiday season for everyone.

Start a gift giving tradition of shared presents

A shared gift eliminates some jealousy and rivalry, especially if siblings can use it simultaneously. This strategy also benefits your bank account if you can purchase fewer big gifts.

Items to consider for a shared sibling gift include arts and crafts supplies, a doll house, a train table, a collection of LEGO, a family gym membership, sports equipment for the yard, or a family vacation. 

Choose similar stocking stuffers from Santa 

If your kids believe in Santa (or still enjoy Christmas morning stockings), you can stuff their stockings with similar presents. 

Pick a few inexpensive gifts your kids have requested and buy one for each. After all, even if little Anna doesn’t think she wants a new headband now, you know she’ll want one as soon as her big sister Elsa gets one from Santa. 

If you need some stocking stuffer ideas, check out Christmas Gift Prep 101.

Buy younger kids the same number of gifts 

We all understand that one expensive gift can equal five cheaper ones. But sometimes little kids value quantity over quality. They also get excited about big gifts. So what is Christoff going to think when he just gets one, small gift for Christmas and Sven gets several big ones?

If your budget allows, try to keep the “appearance” of gifts balanced. Add a few inexpensive gifts to raise numbers or wrap a smaller present in a big box.

Help your older kids create budget-friendly wishlists

As children get older, they begin to understand money and the value of a gift. Suddenly, a handful of cheap gifts doesn’t seem quite as exciting as it used to.

Fortunately, older kids can also understand spending limits. Use a wishlist maker like Giftster and help them add items that stay within a Healthy Holiday Shopping Budget. When siblings open (and compare) their presents on Christmas, they’ll know that the quality is the same.

It’s also harder to complain that “it’s not fair” when they receive the items they requested on their wishlists.

Teach gratitude and thankfulness during the season of gift giving

Comparing gifts, sibling rivalry, complaining, and whining might all be signs that your kids are kids. But it doesn’t hurt to integrate the art of being thankful into your holiday traditions. Try to participate in a few acts of kindness for others and model gratitude.

You can also encourage your kids to slow down on Christmas morning. Set aside time for them to play with and experience their new gifts with no other expectations: no sharing, no video calls, no traveling. They are almost guaranteed to be more appreciative.

Happy gifting!

The post “It’s Not Fair!” How to Handle Sibling Rivalry and Gift Giving  appeared first on Giftster and was written by Giftster.

In the UK alone, consumers use 227,000 miles of wrapping paper each year.

Are you interested in giving less to the landfills this year? Here are some ideas for eco-friendly wrapping paper alternatives.

Stockings 

All of those stockings hung by the chimney with care are excellent eco-friendly gift wrap options. You don’t need wrapping paper for presents that fit in stockings, so to reduce waste make sure not to double up. 

On the topic of stockings, socks can be great wrapping options for small items like jewelry. Choose a cozy, holiday-themed pair for a useful, waste-free gift wrap.

E-mail 

You might be tempted to purchase gift cards and place them in holiday cards. But for an eco-friendly wrapping paper alternative, digitize them instead. 

Most stores have electronic gift cards or certificates that don’t use paper or plastic (and are harder to misplace). “Wrap” them up in an email and the recipient still gets to “open” them.

Furoshiki

Furoshiki are traditional Japanese fabric wrapping cloths. They are reusable, versatile, and creative. Once you’ve tried this gift-wrapping art, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to wrap even the most oddly shaped present. 

Learn more about how to tie Furoshiki here, and all the gifts you give this year will be eco-friendly and beautiful.

Old papers

Do you get a newspaper delivered to your home? Are there unused road maps in your car? How many coloring book pages are on your refrigerator? 

Think of how fun and environmentally friendly it would be for a gift recipient to have a present wrapped in the Sunday comics, a map of a famous city, or a crayon drawing of a dinosaur.

Containers

If you think about the gift you’re giving, you might be able to come up with a corresponding “container,” like a box or jar, to put it in. They are incredibly versatile, which means the recipient of your gift is likely to reuse the container it’s “wrapped” in instead of throwing it away.

A few ideas might be candies or cookies in a tin or mason jar, books in a fabric tote bag, or spa items, wrapped in a towel, in a basket.

Just a bow (or no wrapping at all)

Potted plants, bottles of alcohol, or candles would look lovely with a simple ribbon or no wrapping. And while it might seem unconventional, according to AP News, “nearly two-thirds [of U.S. respondents] said they would happily receive gifts without wrapping.” 

If you want to be creative with just bows, here are 25 Ways to Wrap Ribbon and Bows on Gifts.

No matter which method you choose, we hope you and the recipients of your gifts are happier with these environmentally friendly options for gift wrap.

Happy gifting!

The post Eco-friendly Wrapping Paper Alternatives appeared first on Giftster and was written by Giftster.

Does this sound familiar?

Maybe if you live in a magazine or movie set.

For the rest of us, the holidays aren’t perfect. If you’re preparing for family gatherings this holiday season, here’s your survival guide to help you make it to the new year.

Manage your expectations

When you’re preparing to survive family gatherings during the holiday season, it’s important to manage your expectations. 

Do any of these relatives sound familiar?

The one who drinks too much. The one who makes judgmental comments about your life choices or parenting. The one who only wants to talk about sports. The one who makes everyone pose for hundreds of photographs. The one whose cooking is awful. The one with kids who never behave.

This list is not all-inclusive, but you get the idea.

Here’s the thing. If you go into your family gathering this year expecting these people to be different and for the experience to be better, you could be setting yourself up for disappointment.

After all, people rarely change. And you can’t control who they are or what they do.

What you can control are your expectations.

Expect your relatives to be exactly who they are and to act like they always have. Yes, things might be better this year. But they might not. And honestly, it’s fine if things aren’t perfect.

You can also control your behavior and boundaries. 

Avoid certain topics of conversation or certain relatives (if you can). While everyone else is yelling at the TV during the “big game,” read a book somewhere quiet if you want to. Don’t feel obligated to take a turn holding someone else’s baby.

Essentially, if you are realistic about what to expect and plan your behavior and boundaries accordingly, you have a much better chance of surviving the holidays.

Practice mindfulness and self-care during family gatherings

Even if you love every moment of family gatherings, you should take care not to overextend yourself. Traveling or hosting groups of people takes time, energy, and mental stamina.

Sometimes, though, there are relatives who are difficult to spend time with. Or gatherings tend to end up full of drama or tension. Maybe everyone is expected to participate in an activity, and you don’t really enjoy it, but you put on a happy face anyway.

Any of these situations can add to the stress of family gatherings over the holidays.

Practice mindfulness. Be aware of your heart rate rising or if you start to feel hot. Then, take some steps to calm down.

You might try:

• taking a few deep breaths
• stepping outside for a minute or two
• seeking out a relative whose presence is calming
• excusing yourself from an uncomfortable conversation
• drinking water or having a snack

Practice self-care. Just because you are with family over the holidays doesn’t mean you must ignore the things you enjoy. Maintain your familiar routines as much as you can, including exercise or a nighttime beauty routine.

Set and follow through with personal boundaries. Consider setting appropriate boundaries for yourself. Saying no to too many holiday parties or gatherings is completely okay. If you know they will only cause you to feel stressed and overwhelmed say no. You don’t need to have a reason other than you simply cannot make it. Give yourself permission to decline. You know yourself best and how much you can handle. Set boundaries and stick to them during the holidays and year-round.

Prepare your children (and your partner) to survive the holidays

If you have kids, they probably look forward to the holidays. However, children also like routines. When they are in strange places, eating strange food, and hanging around strange people, they might also start to act… strange.

Talk to them about what to expect in advance. Show them photographs of relatives they only see once or twice a year. Let them pack a bag of their favorite snacks, toys, books, or stuffed animals. Give in to screen time, because if watching a video on their tablet keeps them from having a tantrum or oversharing their teenage attitude, it’s a win for everyone. 

Also explain boundaries and expectations, such as “no phone during dinner” or “stay out of Grandma’s bedroom.”

Remember that your kids may not feel completely comfortable around extended family. You can teach them what to do if a relative asks for a hug or kiss and they don’t want to give one: “No, thank you. Can I have a high five instead?”

Don’t neglect to prepare your partner, too, especially if it’s their first time at one of your family gatherings. They should also know what to expect. Are there relatives to avoid if they’ve been drinking? Topics to never bring up? Traditions they’ll be asked to participate in?

When you’re going to your partner’s family gathering for the first time, ask the same questions so you know what you’re getting into and how best to manage.

Try to incorporate positive experiences

You can’t please everyone. Some people seem to want to be miserable. But you can certainly try to please most people. Here are some ways to incorporate positive experiences during family gatherings:

Change your outlook. Aim to notice something nice about each of your family members and compliment them. Looking for the positives can improve your mood, and compliments will help improve everyone else’s. You can also give back this holiday season and make the most of helping others.

Plan games and activities. Consider taking a walk with some relatives, especially since it feels nice to get some exercise outside. Other activities like games can promote family collaboration and fun competition.

Organize a gift exchange. It’s nice to receive gifts, but it’s also rewarding to give them. Gift-giving can create a “warm glow” effect. This feeling might be exactly what your family gathering needs this holiday season.

If you need some tips to keep gift-giving positive for everyone, here are some ideas:

• organize a Secret Santa gift exchange
• set a recommended amount to spend on gifts
• create and use wishlists for gift shopping

Giftster can help you with your gift-giving needs at your upcoming family gatherings. Let us help you survive the holidays with easy wishlists and Secret Santas. We’ll help you get the gifts right so you and your relatives can enjoy time together.

The post A Holiday Survival Guide To Navigating Family Gatherings appeared first on Giftster and was written by Giftster.

Some grandparents don’t know when to stop giving gifts to their grandkids. Maybe they love to make your child smile, or they feel bad they don’t get to visit often. Maybe their motives leave a little to be desired if they’re competing or manipulating your kids to “love them more.”

No matter the reason, it’s important to set appropriate boundaries if the gifting is pushing your limits. Here’s how.

Communicate respectfully and honestly 

Grandparents can have a wonderful relationship with their grandchildren. To preserve this bond and the important role many grandparents have, any discussions about new boundaries should be communicated respectfully and honestly. 

No one wins if you hide your frustrations, but you don’t want to hurt any feelings, either. 

Try this strategy: Openly communicate what you observe, why it has become a problem, and how it can be solved.

For example: “We’ve noticed that Blake has a lot of toys. He doesn’t take very good care of them, and we’re worried he is developing a materialistic attitude. We think it would help if he received fewer things for a while.”

With this type of conversation, you avoid pointing fingers or placing blame on the grandparents. In fact, they may feel like you’re inviting them to collaborate with you about decisions related to your children. 

Set limits on grandparent gifting costs or amounts 

Some people need very clear limits. After all, “fewer gifts” could be open for interpretation. 

You might need to set a clear boundary that discusses grandparent gifting in terms of how much, how many, and when. 

Only birthdays and major holidays? Limit to 2 gifts or $50 per child? You can decide what works best for your family. If you’re mostly worried about clutter, the cost of the gift doesn’t matter as much as the number of gifts, how big they are, or how often they’re given. 

However, if you think grandparents are overspending, you’ll need to set a monetary limit. It might be easiest to propose an annual spending amount per child, and let the grandparents decide how many gifts and how often. 

Suggest alternatives 

Popular gifts include toys, games, clothes, and fun accessories. Of course, growing up quickly and changing hobbies or interests are all a part of childhood. 

Fortunately, there are many alternatives to these types of gifts that can make things easier for you and help you set appropriate boundaries for grandparent gifting.

Experiences: Experience gifts include concert or sporting game tickets, memberships to museums or zoos, or gift certificates to places like a bowling alley or mini golf course. They’re great for minimizing clutter and maximizing fun.

Quality time: Encourage bonding time between grandparents and their grandchildren. Wonderful presents might include a “fancy” dinner out or a trip to a local playground. 

Books: Books are tangible gifts, but unlike other “stuff,” they encourage one of the foundational skills for education: reading. Unless you are worried about clutter, books are a great choice for grandparent gifting.

Education fund: If grandparents want to spend a significant amount of money, ask if they can put it toward your child’s future. College isn’t cheap, and an education fund can help.

Lessons and activities: Instead of purchasing items, grandparents can help pay for a season of sports, dance lessons, learning a musical instrument, or cooking classes.

Consumables: Gifts that are used quickly, such as food or fun bath products, can help minimize clutter. While consumables probably still aren’t the most ideal gift, they might be an easy alternative to agree on. 

Encourage gifts for grandma’s and grandpa’s house

There’s no reason grandparents have to buy gifts for your house. They can just as easily purchase toys, games, and activities that your kids can play with at their house. 

This solution can solve many problems, from cluttering to materialism to an overwhelming number of toys. Plus, your kids will look forward to visiting their grandparents, and this enthusiasm and quality time is beneficial for everyone.

Provide a wishlist 

Sometimes, grandparents don’t know what to get for their grandkids. That’s when you end up with a grandparent gifting problem: they buy a lot, hoping one of the gifts is a good one.

Help your child create a wishlist (or, depending on age, make one for them or let them make their own). Giftster is a family wishlist maker for year-round giving, so it’s perfect for grandparents. They’ll know exactly what to purchase, so you can avoid too many gifts or the wrong ones. 

You can also use a wishlist to discourage overspending. If grandparents ask what your child wants for a holiday or birthday, you can share the list and add that you’re sharing the wishlist with all of the party guests, so they have to leave items for others to purchase, too.

Additional tips for grandparent gifting

Let’s face it. Grandparents love giving gifts to their grandchildren. Even if you’ve done your best to suggest alternatives, provide a wishlist, and set limits, there’s a chance the gifts will keep coming.

If this is the case, here are a few additional tips to help you through grandparent gifting.

Return or exchange gifts when necessary: You don’t have to keep every gift someone gets for your children. If your house is too cluttered or your kids are overwhelmed or you think the gifts are a manipulation tactic, you can return or exchange them. Here’s our guide for How to Handle Gift Returns Gracefully.

Teach your children to be thankful: We often assume that an overabundance of gifts will make our kids too materialistic. They’ll have so much that they’ll forget to be appreciative. However, you can use excessive grandparent gifting to reinforce gratitude. Encourage your kids to write a thank you for each gift they receive. You can also try some of our other tips from How to Teach Children the Art of Being Thankful During the Holidays.

Happy gifting!

The post Grandparent Gifting: How to Set Appropriate Boundaries appeared first on Giftster and was written by Giftster.

Here are the answers to three frequently asked sympathy gift questions.

1. What are thoughtful sympathy gift ideas?

If you think a gift would be appreciated by the family of the deceased, there’s a good chance that it is an appropriate sympathy gift. But if you’re struggling to come up with the best way to show your condolences, here are a few ideas:

• Food: In the days after a death, family members are usually grieving and busy. Cooking meals for the family, sending groceries to their home, or delivering a gift basket of food can help them through this difficult time. 
• Donations: Many times a family asks for donations to a charity or organizations in lieu of flowers or gifts. The deceased may have been an advocate for a particular cause or may have suffered from a disease related to the donation request.
• Keepsakes: Windchimes, garden stones, and jewelry can be personalized as memorial gifts. You might also consider a keepsake such as a stuffed animal for a child who has lost a family member.
• Flowers: Flowers are a very popular sympathy gift. You could choose to send flowers to the funeral home or the family’s home where their beauty serves as a way to remember the deceased.
• Card: You don’t always have to buy a gift to show your sympathy and condolences. Though small and inexpensive, a sincere and thoughtful card can have a big impact for someone who is grieving.

2. When is it appropriate to give a memorial gift?

The best time to give a sympathy gift is usually as close to the funeral as possible. You’ll be able to show your condolences when someone needs it the most.

However, depending on the gift, it may be appropriate to wait a week or two. If, for example, you want to give a customized present or keepsake in memory of the deceased, it may take some time to personalize.

Other presents, such as meals, can be helpful in the weeks following the funeral. And even if a month has passed, a sympathy gift still shows that you are thinking of the family.

3. How should a sympathy gift be wrapped?

Many sympathy gifts, such as food or donations, don’t need to be wrapped at all. However, it’s always a good idea to give a card along with these presents, because it gives you the opportunity to add a personal message.

If you need to use a gift bag or gift wrap for a memorial gift or keepsake, look for tasteful colors and patterns, such as silver or floral. You can also add a simple bow or ribbon.

Your gift, no matter the size, cost, or how it’s wrapped, shows that you care. Your support and thoughtfulness are exactly what a person in mourning needs the most.

The post 3 Frequently Asked Sympathy Gift Questions, Answered appeared first on Giftster and was written by Giftster.

Or does your gift have a little something extra, a creative twist, that makes it stand out and shows you put a lot of thought and effort into it?

Here are 25 creative gift-wrapping ideas for ribbons and bows that will give your present a fun and classy visual appeal.

Tie a unique bow

1. Big bow: You don’t have to be a gift-wrapping professional to top your gift with a large, fluffy bow. Here’s a quick and easy guide for the perfect pom-pom bow that will make a big impression.

2. Curly strings: Do you remember when you first learned how to use scissors to turn ribbons into tight curls? Create curly strings with several ribbons, then tie them together for an eye-catching present topper.

3. Shoelace bow: We call this the shoelace bow because it has two loops and two strings. But if you use this tutorial, the bows on top of your gifts will look beautiful (and nothing like a shoelace).

4. Layered bow: This bow looks like it was bought in a store. You’d never guess that it’s super easy to make on your own with ribbon and some tape.

5. Bow tie: Simply tie a ribbon around a present like you’re tying a necktie, and you’ll have a cleverly wrapped gift for Father’s Day.

Incorporate unconventional ribbon materials

6. Fabric: Use cloth instead of ribbon on your gift. You can find creative and fun patterns, and it’s a unique way to upcycle old clothes or sheets. Consider making a statement with fabric like leather or lace.

7. Chains and Beads: Wrap a nice chain or strain of beads around a gift instead of using ribbon. It adds dimension and texture you won’t get from fabric. You can find these materials at most craft stores.

8. Paper: One of the joys of using paper is that you can decorate it however you want, then use it for a ribbon. Better yet, let a child do some artwork for a sentimental twist on one of these two easy paper bows.

9. Marker: If you’re feeling artsy and witty, don’t add ribbon or a bow at all. Just use some marker to draw one onto your wrapping paper. Dark wrapping paper? No worries, just pick up a white paint marker for a similar effect.

10. String and yarn: You can create a rustic or artsy feel to your gift wrapping by using string, yarn, or twine instead of conventional ribbon. After all, sometimes simple is better.

11. Lights: A strand of battery-powered fairy lights is an unexpected yet illuminating (get it?) material to use for a ribbon around a present. Plus, the gift recipient can reuse the strand as a decoration.

Add items to the ribbon or bow

12. Small gifts: Use your ribbon and bow to tie a small gift, like a holiday ornament or tiny toy, right onto the wrapped gift.

13. Pictures: Memories are a wonderful gift. Tuck or tape photographs onto your ribbon for a beautiful and personalized wrapping job. Use small frames so the pictures will last after the gift is opened.

14. Plants or herbs: Flowers, small pine branches, or even herbs like rosemary can be tied onto a gift for a fragrant and lovely surprise. As a caution, holly is beautiful, but the berries are poisonous to people and animals, so a fake bough of holly is probably best.

15. Jewelry: Rings, bracelets, necklaces, and even some earrings can easily loop through ribbons and bows for an elegant and (maybe) expensive twist. Keep an eye on the gift opening, though, so your purchase doesn’t get lost.

16. Treats: If you’re wrapping presents for a child’s birthday, consider tying a candy bar or lollypop onto the outside of the gift. The birthday boy or girl won’t be able to wait to see what’s inside their neat package.

Create patterns and designs on the gift wrapping

17. Christmas tree: Around the holidays, use a thin green ribbon to make a Christmas tree right on a package. Simply tape it in a zig-zag pattern, wider at the base and narrow at the top.

18. Words: Use ribbon and tape to spell someone’s name right on their present. You won’t even need a gift tag. (We recommend saving this for short names unless you have a lot of time and patience.)

19. Weaving and Plaid: Follow this tutorial to create a beautiful woven design with ribbon. By using ribbons in different colors and sizes, you can turn a wrapped gift into a work of art.

20: Slant, v-shape, and off-cross: If you like the traditional look of using ribbon to bind gifts, try these slight variations. Your gift wrapping will look unique, and you’ll learn a few new techniques for tying ribbons.

Make ribbon useful

21. Tie gifts together: If you have several gifts to give to one person, stack them up and then use a long ribbon to tie them all together. The large stack will look impressive and all your gifts will stay with each other.

22. Create handles: This gift-wrapping hack lets you incorporate some ribbon as a handle. Now your present will be practical and easy to carry.

23. Hide wrapping paper overlap: You know that part of your gift wrap where the two sides of the wrapping paper overlap? It’s completely normal, but if you want to hide it, make your ribbon useful by putting it along the seam.

24: Use as the gift tag: Instead of putting an extra piece of paper or a sticker on your present, let the gift wrapping do the job. Write out your “to” and “from” on any visible area of the ribbon.

25: Use by itself: Sometimes, a gift doesn’t need any gift wrap. All it needs is some ribbon or a bow. A bottle of wine or liquor is the perfect example of a present where the biggest impact is also the simplest.

Struggling to wrap an odd-shaped gift? Check out our handy wrapping guide that just might get you unstuck.

Happy wrapping!

The post Gift Wrapping Ideas: 25 Ways To Wrap Ribbon and Bows on Gifts appeared first on Giftster and was written by Giftster.

Of course, once all the guests arrive, it will all be worth it.

Here’s our guide with all the dos and don’ts of sending party invitations so that you can move on to the fun stuff. 

Do include important details

You’ve put a lot of effort into your party. Make sure the guests know what to expect.

Here is the information you should include:

• Occasion (graduation, baby shower, birthday, anniversary, etc.)
• Date
• Time
• Location
• RSVP
• Dress code 

Kids’ party invite tips

For a children’s party, there are a few other things you should probably include, such as whether it’s a drop-off event if the kids need to wear anything (like sneakers for playing or a shirt that might get dirty), how long the party will last, and whether food will be provided.

Formal party invite tips

If it’s a formal or catered event, you might also include if guests should expect a cash bar.

Do match the invitation to the occasion

There are many ways to invite people to events, from simple text messages to formal printed invitations. When you’re trying to decide how to send invitations, you should think about how casual your party is. The more casual the party, the more casual the invitation can be.

Backyard BBQ? A text message with just the details is acceptable.

Bridal shower? It’s better to mail printed invitations to the guests.

Other invitations fall somewhere in between, like electronic invitations through e-mail or printed invites you can hand to recipients. Try this free birthday invitation maker to create something custom for your upcoming party.

When planning the invitation type, you can also think about design. For example, the invitation can help share your party’s theme with the guests.

Don’t send your party invitations too early or too late

For most parties, aim to send your invitations 3-6 weeks before the event. 

The less formal the celebration, the less time you need to give. These are the events where you plan a party, send invites (maybe just through text or email), and “see who shows up.” 

For more formal parties, like baby showers or wedding showers, you should give guests more time to plan. After all, they would want to prioritize and attend these occasions, and some guests might need to travel from out of town. 

Don’t forget your wish list

If you’re planning a celebration in honor of a bride, mom-to-be, married couple, or birthday, guests are likely to want to bring presents. You can include the registry information on the invitation for most formal parties where a registry is appropriate.

However, for birthday parties, it’s not the best etiquette to include a wish list with the invitation. If someone asks directly you can share it with them.

We still recommend that you make one, especially for kids. Giftster is a great website for creating a web-based wishlist you can share with anyone who asks.

The post The Dos and Don’ts of Sending Party Invitations appeared first on Giftster and was written by Giftster.

If you’ve found yourself in a rut using boxes and bags for everything, you’ve come to the right place. No matter what you find on a friend or loved one’s wish list, we promise there is a way to wrap it and present it with class.

Here is the ultimate guide on how to wrap odd shaped gifts. These versatile wrapping videos will turn you into a gift-wrapping expert in no time.

How to wrap a cylinder

Several types of gifts come in a cylinder or circular shape. But don’t stress about wrapping them. There are a few creative and beautiful tricks to wrapping these types of presents below.

Tall cylinders

This tutorial from @mama_mila_au is perfect for round items or presents that come in cylinder shapes and containers, such as candles, coffee tins, games, and candies.

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A post shared by Chantel Mila Ibbotson (@mama_mila_au)

Round tins

Whether you make your own baked treats or buy them premade, tins of cookies are a popular gift. Here is a simple but beautiful technique from @effectivespaces to wrap these round tins.

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A post shared by Natasha Swingler (@effectivespaces)

Wine bottles

Do you typically just put a bottle of wine into a gift bag? Here are a few creative ways to give the gift of wine using wrapping paper instead. This fun tutorial is courtesy of @effectivespaces.

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A post shared by Natasha Swingler (@effectivespaces)

How to wrap large gifts

Not every gift is perfectly sized for traditional wrapping paper. If you have a large gift to wrap, try one of these unconventional tricks. 

Fabric

The Furoshiki method of gift wrapping uses fabric in a Japanese traditional style. This tutorial from @shihomasuda_giftwrapping shows you how to use fabric for wrapping. You can use larger pieces of fabric for larger gifts.

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A post shared by Shiho Masuda (@shihomasuda_giftwrapping)

Fancy Pleats

Just because the gift is big doesn’t mean you have to skimp on style. Here’s a tutorial from @janemeans for wrapping a large present that looks luxurious. 

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A post shared by Sophie Liard | home | travel | Amazon Finds (@thefoldinglady)

How to wrap toys

Toys come in so many different shapes and sizes. Sometimes it’s tempting to just throw them all in a gift bag. But if you want to learn some ways to wrap toys as gifts, check out these tips and tricks.

Packaged toys

Parents know the difficulties of getting toys out of plastic packaging. Thankfully, @thefoldinglady shares a creative way to wrap them.

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A post shared by Sophie Liard | home | travel | Amazon Finds (@thefoldinglady)

Small objects

Watch this wrapping video from @lenniamc for a versatile way to use wrapping paper. With this trick, you’ll be able to wrap almost anything.

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A post shared by LENNIA (Folding Queen ) (@lenniamc)

Pick a present from your family member’s wishlist on Giftster and start wrapping – no matter how large or oddly shaped it is. Happy gifting!

The post How To Wrap Odd Shaped Gifts appeared first on Giftster and was written by Giftster.