Wrapping paper is really important to me, I know a lot of people don’t care and of course this is perfectly acceptable. I just ask that you also respect my right to want pretty packages. That being said I don’t like to spend a lot of money on wrapping paper. So here is my version of a wrapping presents 101 on how to get the most bang for your buck.

1. Boxes. You have to start with a cute shape. Although stores give out free boxes for gifts, they usually aren’t very interesting shapes {Anthropologie is an exception.} I’m especially partial to tall skinny boxes, round boxes, and square boxes. I like all shapes to be varied so I always throw in a few boring ones from the Gap or wherever. Papermart is my go-to site for this kind of thing. They are fast and have a very user-friendly website. This year I am going to buy a few of the white gloss in varying shapes and the kinds with lids and the red kraft boxes because they don’t need any paper. After I buy those I throw in a few expensiveish boxes from PaperSource.

2. Wrapping Paper After you have an assortment of boxes in different shapes and sizes you need wrapping paper. I like to pick a color scheme to stick to. I go to Walgreens and pick up my solid staples. Those are really basic colors and are super inexpensive. Keep it very simple (just a few solid colors.) I also like to get a roll of plain brown and white kraft butcher paper. Then I buy the more expensive papers as accents. I won’t pay more than $2.50 a sheet because in the end it is just wrapping paper. Places you can buy pretty paper for about $2.50 or less. Papersource, Old Navy {they don’t sell it on line but they started making really great graphic prints this year}, PaperMojo {love them!}, and Flax.


3. Ribbons and Embellishments
This is my favorite part. I have an extensive collection of ribbon ever since I discovered Papermart two years ago. Their double faced satin ribbon is excellent and it is so cheap. I buy my basic satin and grosgrain from them then I hit up craft stores and luxury ribbon sources for bits of the fancier ribbon.

4. Tags and Labels
My older sister Gabby introduced me to using these little round key tags you can get at an office supply store. They are my favorite. I love to get chartpak markers (the real juicy kind) and color them to match the wrapping paper. Other options I’ve used are the cute labels from Chronicle Books. This year I am also going to try the photo copy transfer trick I learned from Martha.

This isn’t comprehensive but its a good start on getting your basic pretty supplies for cheap.