A week ago today was my Mom’s birthday. Remember the cake I made for her?
Well, I took some pictures of her gift and how I wrapped it, so I thought I’d share that with you today. I love wrapping presents, but I hate the expense of buying wrapping paper just to have it thrown in the trash. When I was at Wal-Mart picking out wrapping paper, I noticed this picnic basket sitting in the clearance isle.
It was from the Better Homes & Garden collection. For about the same price, I could ‘wrap’ her present in this picnic basket instead of using overpriced ribbon and wrapping paper. Sold!
In the bottom of the basket I put a sweater I got her wrapped in the tissue from the store.
I put a layer of tissue paper on top of the sweater. Owning a gift shoppe I always have tissue paper on hand.
I used tissue paper to wrap her other gifts and tied them up with some pink satin ribbon. Again, something I always have on hand.
I used more to the pink satin ribbon to tie up the picnic basket.
To finish off the ends of the ribbon I cut a dovetail. To do this, just fold your ribbon in half, then cut up at a diagonal towards the fold. Its’ that simple! It gives a really finished look to your ribbon.
After tucking the card in, her gift was ready to go!
For the money I would have spent on wrapping paper and ribbon (that would have ended up in the trash), I was able to present her gift in a unique and fun way. Plus, this untraditional wrapping became part of the gift. Love that!
Again, Happy Birthday Mom! Thank for all you do!
Do you guys and gals like wrapping presents? Do you have any fun or unique ideas to share?
Inspired by Charm has been nominated for a Homie!
If you’d like, head on over to Apartment Therapy and check out all the amazing blogs that have been nominated. You can vote for all the blogs you like, but you can only vote for each blog once.
Your vote for IBC would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you!!
Such cute wrapping and an added present with the basket!
I love that John Lennon quote and I love how you put it over the picture. Great post! 
What a lucky mom you’ve got!! I love the way you ‘wrapped’ her gifts!
I always do the same thing…I find a suitable baket or box and layer the items or line them up one behind the other, years ago, I would then use clear wrap to cover it…but now I don’t even do that’
ps…love the quote!
What a great idea and fabulous find! Even the lining of the basket is cute. I’m not always a Walmart fan, but this changes my mind! I bet your mom loved it.
I think I’d like you to hang out with my son and offer him all these lovely ideas on what he can do for me.
This is really lovely! I’ve given gifts in unique clay pots or little trays found at the thrift in order to present a gift. Very fun and unique!
Donna
You are a thoughtful son! I hope I am raising such a man/son!!
What a creative and wonderful idea! Thanks so much for sharing.
recently discovered your site and i love it
http://www.beckspick.com
What a nice presentation – Lucky mom!!
so pretty!! I love that! Great idea
I knew Carrie was going to LOVE that quote! And I’m sure your mom loved her birthday gifts – how could she not? I always love using satin ribbon to tie up a gift – just a nice and elegant touch to finish it off. Well done, Michael!
I love giving gifts like this! It’s always so much more fun to give someone something they can use, and to be resourceful at the same time. Don’t get me wrong, I love wrapping presents (weird, right?) because the end result is pretty, but this kind of gift is so much more creative. You did awesome!
Cute idea! I love to give cookbooks as wedding gifts, wrapping them up in a linen tea towel, tied up with satan ribbon with a whisk or other useful kitchen item. I have been giving Pioneer Woman’s cookbook because it is so simple that a beginning cook can follow it. It’s a hit every time!
That basket was a great find!
I love using music paper for wrapping small items, like gift cards. I even use the sewing machine to make up a little pouch out of them and tie them closed with baker’s twine.
http://www.willworkfordecor.blogspot.com/2012/01/gift-card-wrapping.html
I love wrapping gifts using the unexpected. I think your mom will be thrilled!
It’s been years since I’ve used wrapping paper. When I give a baby gift, I usually put the gifts in a large Rubbermaid container that can be used for storing all the extras that aren’t immediately needed. Older children get their gifts wrapped in t-shirts or the bed of toy trucks or something along those lines. Adults get theirs wrapped in baskets, antique gift tins, ceramic bowls/baking tins, decorative boxes, all of which have been gotten on sale or at resale shops or garage sales or been handmade by me (like wooden box totes). Everything has a storage component or recycle/upcycle intent. I gave up buying gift bags years ago (but have occasionally reused ones I’ve received for gifts) when I started seeing the price of them being nearly as much as a container that would serve double-duty. I’m sure your mother appreciated the beautifully prepped and filled basket. I would have!
Its a great idea.
I loved the message of Jhon Lennon.
Thanks a lot..
There is no need of wrap after your magic.You a awesome job.I found life in the message.
I love that quote from John Lennon. It really hit me.