How to Never Buy Gift Wrapping Supplies Again

I don’t know about you, but during the springtime I get slammed with gift-giving obligations, which often require gift wrapping supplies. Mothers’ Day, Fathers’ Day, graduations, birthdays, anniversaries, showers, weddings … it’s too much! Special occasions like these sneak up on me every year. The crazy gift-giving could get out-of-control expensive, if I didn’t avoid buying gift wrapping supplies. But I do. And you can, too. Here’s how:

• Keep a stockpile of brown kraft paper and white ribbon. The ultimate versatile gift wrap! Try to think of a holiday or special occasion where this wrapping combo doesn’t work. I’ll bet you can’t. Brown kraft paper is recycled, so it’s a green alternative to traditional gift wrap. What’s more, it’s easy to buy both items in bulk so you never run out. I bought a large roll of white ribbon in a craft store last fall; after Christmas and birthdays and a bridal shower, I still haven’t made a dent. As for the brown kraft paper, I’ve seen 900′ rolls as cheap as $15 — not bad for a lifetime supply. Try wholesale sewing supply and discount craft stores for the ribbon, paper companies for the paper. Don’t want to buy paper? Just use a brown paper shopping bag.

• Save all gift wrapping supplies that you receive. When you get a gift from someone, open it carefully and save the wrapping, if possible. Why not? Don’t be embarrassed. The present belongs to you and so does the gift wrap! In a previous Metro Cheapo post, Kat suggested saving Christmas wrapping paper, ribbons and gift tags. You could do the same year-round. Keep these supplies on hand, then reuse them whenever gift-giving occasions pop up.

• Get creative with your wrapping. Comic strips, aluminum foil, blank newsprint, pieces of fabric, a colorful newspaper, Chinese food cartons, handmade drawings, magazine pages … all of these items could be delightfully used to wrap or package your gifts. Imagination goes a long way when it comes to gift-giving. Let your mind go wild! For more tips, read this article full of ideas for saving money on gift wrapping supplies.

• Buy a ready-to-give, prewrapped gift. Eliminate the gift wrapping step altogether by purchasing a gift that’s already wrapped. Some gifts come in their own gift boxes with ribbons, etc. Perfume, chocolates, champagne, flowers and gift baskets are just a handful of examples.

• Give gift cards instead of merchandise. As mentioned in an earlier post, gift cards save you money. Not only do you save money on the actual present — $20 on a gift card versus $20-25 plus tax on equivalent merchandise — you’re also spared the gift wrapping expense. Many gift cards even come with their own envelopes. For more about gift cards and reducing your spending, read this article on using gift cards to stay on budget.

Hopefully, these suggestions will help you steer clear of spending your cash on needless fripperies. No more expensive gift wrap! Please comment if you have ideas of your own about gift wrapping supplies — we’d love to hear them.