We're sending our first Christmas gifts out in the world today as we head to my in-laws cottage to celebrate. This year I decided that I was going to dig deep in my stash and buy no new items for gift wrapping. Luckily, my coffers are pretty full, so this isn't a huge challenge. I went through my ribbon and twine bins to devise a plan.
I mentioned last year that I had finally invested in a large roll of kraft paper and a box of kraft colored tissue, so that is the mainstay of my gift wrapping. I decided to pull out every bit of red ribbon and twine, as well as black & white striped ribbon and twine. I wanted a really graphic gift tag, and while my first thought was something very classic and Christmasy like a candy cane or gingerbread man, I ran across these lovely bird tags which Lisa Rupp is offering as a free download and thought that these fit the bill.
For today's gifts, you can see I kep things very simple, using only the red ribbon and twine. In addition to the kraft tissue, I sewed some muslin bags and ice blue wool felt pouches (to hold the photo books), both finished with a pinked edge.
When I wrap the gifts for my family for next week, I think I stick with the black and white striped ribbon and twine for a more graphic and unusual color scheme. I think the bird tags will work nicely with that as well.
We've also stocked up on some boxes of our favorite local treats, Steenstra's Almond St. Claus Cookies for handing out and shipping with gifts sent to faraway places. There is very large Dutch influence in our area, and I love the idea of giving people something that is unique to our area, and completely delicious too. The old school packaging might just be my favorite part. Don't overlook giving regional treats as holiday gifts. They are often much more affordable than gourmet foods, but surely just as special. I'd love to hear about your favorite regional foods to give as gifts.
