11.10.09 UPDATE – scroll to end of this post for a Promotion I just received.  Thx!

It can’t seriously be that time of year!  But when I look at my calendar is says NOVEMBER and last time I checked, the next month is DECEMBER.  And I’m not sure which is more terrifying, that Christmas is a few short weeks away, or that once Christmas is here, it means we will soon have 3 kids, under 2, just 2 1/2 more months…..AGGGGGHH!!!  Where did the time go???

OK, back to the point.

Christmas.  Presents, gifts, shopping galore.  And all those gifts need to be wrapped.  Here are a few favorites for me.  My family is somewhat crazy, we each seem to have a wrapping theme each year.  Some may say we are, “over the top”, I say we “simplify”.  You may think I’m trying to color coordinate the gifts under the tree….but I’m really just lazy. By picking what I feel like wrapping with for that year, it means I know everything will look good and I can whip it out really fast.  It’s like knowing that jeans and a white t-shirt always work, just throw in a great accessory.  Kraft paper, kraft bags, cellophane with a cute label, tissue or ribbon work just the same.  So I stick to the basics.  I also buy in bulk as it’s tons cheaper and then I always have what I need.

You should always keep a roll of Kraft Wrapping Paper in your wrapping closet.  You can use it any time of year for any gift wrap.  It’s a basic you NEED to have!

I have a stock of different size kraft gift bags.  Helpful for a ton of occasions.  I like to stuff the bags with colored tissue, a piece of cellophane and a cute gift label.

Cellophane – Countless uses.  And not just gift wrap.  It makes LOTS of fun noise.  Don’t forget the tip to “wrap” new $1 toys when you are traveling….

Keep a box of different rolls of ribbons.  I love basic satin ribbons as the bows tie beautifully, whether you are making it simple or complicated.  I also have raffia, a few wire ribbons, a few patterns, some thick and some thin ribbons.  It’s fun to get colors that can work together as you can use a few different ones at a time.

Can’t live without my 3M Scotch ATG700 Tape Gun.  My in-laws laugh each Chrismas as the young kids try to open our gifts – it really holds things together! (I’ve since switched to gift bags for them).  This gun is AWESOME to be able to tape edges and maintain a perfectly straight, “invisible seal” (meaning, no tape line).  And it’s not just fabulous for wrapping gifts, it also helps when you’re making invitations, holiday cards, mounting a card to backing.  I actually packed it in my suitcase to help with a project for my sister’s Girls Weekend.  There were a ton of wedding advice cards that our other sister had brought and it was the fastest way for me to assemble eveyrything.  I think I’ve had mine for at least 10 years!

I love For My Party.  Great site. I’ve been using them forever. You can order party coasters, napkins, personlized cellophane bags….and personalized ribbon.  I ordered ribbon rolls similar to the image above 3 years ago when my husband I and were married.  I use it to tie on wine bottles, hostess gifts and my holiday wrap.  Still using it now as I had it printed for the holidays.

Cute gift tags will make your gift wrap.  I made this luggage tag sample up at For Your Party.  All different choices of color and fonts.

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE  Sarah + Abraham!  These are gift labels that I just ordered…there are tons of gift label choices! Lots of color options, different sillouettes so you can make up your own family (note the prego belly above).  SOOO Many fun things to choose from and a great price point.  (Excellant gift too, BTW!)

Erin Condren is another great choice for gift labels. I’ve used these for a while and always received lots of compliments.  Love the different patterns!

Cotton Idea Studio makes a BEAUTIFUL letterpress gift tag!  There are a few different pre-printed holiday options on their site.  Mindy, the owner, can calso help you personalize a nice big stack of luggage style gift tags that you can use year round!!  I love those!  And if you want to make it more economical (as they can be a bit pricey – it is letterpress after all…) design it so you can give to family members.  For instance there are 3 “Love the Coady Family” for my husband’s side, so I could split the stack in 3 between the familes and give as gifts, or we could all go in on the order together.  Just a thought!

So there you have it, a few of my favorite wrapping things!  Remember to keep it simple, don’t complicate matters it’s the thought that counts with a gift (but being kinda cute helps just little!!)

Happy Monday everyone!

11.10.09 UPDATE – I have no affiliation with For Your Party, I just like to shop with them and I just received an email for a Holiday Promotion at For Your Party - 20% off Holiday Purchases!!  Use code Turkey09 – {There Words – Cannot be combined with any other discounts, does not apply to tax, custom art or shipping charges.  Does not apply to previous orders.  No exceptions. Once code per order only.  Valid 11.11.09 – 11.27.09}

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