When wrapped with care, gifts covered in wrapping paper and topped with decorative bows and ribbons look highly appealing. Some are almost too pretty to open, and it is a shame when the paper is torn and crumbled and when ribbons that were once beautiful are tossed into the trash. Instead of wrapping gifts for any occasion with disposable paper that will be quickly ripped away, why not make easy decorative gift boxes that serve more than one purpose? Decorative reusable gift boxes can be wrapped and decorated for any occasion including Hanukkah, Christmas, birthdays, and more. Consider making the following easy decorative gift boxes. They can be used and reused again and again for gift giving or decorative storage.
Necessary Supplies
Gift boxes are as fun to make as they are to give to family and friends. To make reusable decorative gift boxes you will need a sturdy cardboard shoe box with a lid, wrapping paper suitable for the occasion, double-sided tape, and a bow to embellish the top. You will also require a pair of scissors and felt material to line the inside of the lid and bottom of the box. Felt will make the finished gift boxes look much neater, and it will help provide an additional gift besides the one it holds since it can be reused to hold everything from jewelry to sewing supplies.
Procedure
Begin by wrapping the lid of the box. The biggest mistake people make when wrapping gift boxes of any kind is wrapping them too loosely. The paper should be firmly pulled and folded over before taping, especially around the edges and corners. Crease the corners upon folding, and use plenty of double-sided tape to hold it securely in place. After wrapping the lid, wrap the box using the same easy method. Make sure the sides have equal folds that are flat and neat.
Lastly, line the bottom and lid of the box with color-coordinating felt material. The sides of the lid and box do not have to be covered, only the bottom of the box and the largest portion of the lid. For best results, secure the felt with double-sided tape. Glue can be used, but when used in excess it will cause the material to pucker.
Instead of using wrapping paper to cover decorative gift boxes, consider using vinyl wallpaper. This is a fantastic material for covering decorative gift boxes because it can be wiped clean, and it is more durable than wrapping paper. Wrap gift boxes in the same manner as directed above, and line the boxes with coordinating felt for a more decorative and finished look.
Instead of simply topping decorative boxes with ready-made bows or curled ribbons, consider adding something different and far more decorative. In addition to standard bows, top decorative gift boxes with wine glass charms, tie on glass beads, or cover the lid with dozens of inexpensive faux gems. Consider tying sets of dreidels to further embellish decorative Hanukkah gift boxes. Tie a couple of ornaments to a Christmas gift box. The options for further embellishing decorative gift boxes are only limited by the imagination.
