Now there are cards too

If you haven’t visited the section called Sweetheart, take a look, there are ideas for creating your own Valentine theme gift wrapping. Even so, it’s not all about ribbons and bows. Sometimes we get the urge to spin off a little. So here are a few hand picked Valentines. These cards are a little different, with a sort of an arty look, not what you would usually find in a card store.

They are easy to download and print out. Try using something like HP’s 48lb brochure paper for a professional look. If you are into making your own gift cards try matte finish paper, the results are much better for graphics.

Valentine wrap

We couldn’t let the occasion go by without a few wrapping suggestions. Hope you like em. White paper is a natural for Valentine wrap but has a bad feature of being a little transparent. One simply fix for this is just cut an extra square the same size as the top, this way you have opacity without doing a double wrap.

Beyond the red and white wrapping papers there are other possibilities as well as embellishments. Before you start, lay out your wrapping materials and get a feel for what goes together. Pink and light blue work together. So does metallic silver and purple. Even dark metallic green and silver. The trick is to work with three, perhaps four colors. That way you avoid the stark contrast and create a warmer, more “friendly” look. There are many possibilities and once you take up the scissors chances you will create a wrap that expresses your sentiments exactly.

Valentine's Day just around the corner

Where does the time go? Here we are rushing headlong into Valentine’s Day. So much for good intentions. It’s not an occasion we can let pass unnoticed, so it’s time to get moving on this gift wrapping stuff. Time for red and white wrapping paper and pink and red bows, if you are into tradition. There are other color possibilities like purple and gold that can work very nicely. If you want push the envelope a bit you could use black paper with gold stamping and ribbon. Or you could save it for a surprise and use black tissue paper inside. Sprinkle in some brightly colored confetti and a few little red hearts. before you close the box.

Those little candy hearts with the “I love you” on them can be fun also. They would work well for a wrapping decoration. Either white or dark colored wrapping paper will work. Glue the hearts on an overall pattern or arrange them to make a larger heart shape. Here’s another idea that will make a splash: Make a large red crepe paper flower. Glue these little candy hearts on short lengths of wire and insert into the center of the flower.

Gift bags revisited

Well, a quick look back, since we talked about the growing trend in gift bags - a development in gift wrapping, it seems like a good idea to revisit this. Yes, it was hard not to notice the display of gift bags near the checkout at many retailers. Either they subscribe to the same newsletter or they were being very optimistic. Since we are a convenience searching society there may be something to it, but personally I didn’t see much evidence of it except in the usual ways.

For bottles and other hard-to-wrap gifts, bags are an easy way to go. For other types of gift wraps the fact that you made the effort says a lot about what your feeling are for the other person. But just as important, I think, it’s a wonderful opportunity to indulge in a little creative fun. It’s an easy way to be expressive and bring a little extra something to a gift giving occasion.

For those of you who are interested in personalizing your own bags we will add some samples that may inspire you to create your own ideas.

What's with gift bags?

There is a new kid on the block, according to what I’ve read. Retailers are reporting that the sales of gift bags are steadily growing. People who track this sort of thing say that gift bag sales will top 400 million this year, and that doesn’t count Santa’s special year end order - heck, he probably makes his own. The growing popularity is attributed to changing lifestyle. It’s quick and easy and many people just don’t feel they have the time or skill to wrap a gift. Many retailers are geared up at this time of year to make it as easy as possible for shoppers. Free boxes for the asking and wrapping while you wait. But, dropping it in a bag is sure easy.

The gift bag boom may bring about some changes. Will it replace wrapping paper? Well, we’ll just have to wait and see. The ballpoint sure did send the fountain pen to the retirement home. But they said radio was dead when TV came along. One thing is for sure, we all know that wrapping paper costs too much. Is it possible that a little competition will change this? Let’s hope so.

Statistics show that gift bags already surpass wrapping paper for some occasions. Bags for birthdays and wedding showers are the leader in our dash from store to store culture. Perhaps, Tom Cruise would have gotten a my wedding gift if I’d gone that route instead of procrastinating.

Convenience sure has it’s place, but pulling a gift out of a bag isn’t near as thrilling as unwrapping a box that’s been embellished with a personal touch. One pleasant thought though - as you go about your merry shopping way - paper products are recyclable, or at least biodegradable. Happy wrapping.

Breakfast basket idea

What an interesting idea - giving a breakfast gift basket to a friend. I’ve been thinking about it but haven’t put the idea completely together. There is, after all, some very pleasing things that could be done. Starting with coffee, there are many places known for their quality product. Coffee with well known names like Colombia, Jamaican, Viennese and Kona. Some come in miniature packages - enough for at least a couple of cups of tasty brew. And lets not forget exotic teas and gourmet cocoa drinks - all delightful ways to start the day. Certainly some special fruits would be a good addition. And if it was a hand delivered basket, I could make a stop at the German bakery and pick up some scones and croissants. And that would call for a jar of raspberry jam. A little offbeat but I like this idea.

Free holiday card

Looking for something special in the way of a holiday card? What about a do-it-yourself version? Something new - just in time for the holidays. These are 3-D pieces made from paper. All it takes is scissors and glue stick. If you want to cut them out and send them unassembled they could be a holiday card. Fits in a A7 envelope (template ready for download, if needed.) Just write a note and let it be a do-it-yourself holiday card. These were designed with children in mind - sort of a craft project - but anyone can have fun with this easy-to-do project.

Here is another from the 3-D series of gift cards. These are not really cards in the true sense but they can be mailed, unassembled, with a message. They are free standing - put them anywhere you want: On the mantle, window sill or dashboard. Kids can make them, along with snow flakes for tree decorations.