Easy gift wrapping tips

Don't pay for a professional gift wrapping. Anyone can wrap a gift like a pro with a little patience and our creative gift wrapping tips:

• Make it transparent. Wrap odd-shaped items, like a teddy bear, in pretty tulle.

• Go letter-perfect. Cover a large initial (in the scrapbook aisle of craft stores) in glitter and attach to package.

• Opt for bands, not bows. Cut a band of color paper, wrap around box and tape. Cut a second, more narrow band in a contrasting hue, center it on first band, wrap around box and tape.

• Try a brooch. Choose a ribbon about the same width or wider than brooch, wrap it around box and tape. Pin brooch in place. Or top package with an unbreakable ornament.

• Add whimsy. Tie a decorative accessory, like a brass key, to the bow.

If you're wrapping a gift card, try the following:

• Bundle it with a real-world counterpart. Find products to wrap up with your gift certificate―nail polish with a manicure certificate, the current issue of a magazine with a subscription confirmation, a gift basket of cleaning supplies with the maid service.
• Make a Cracker Jack surprise. Place the gift certificate in a plastic bag, then gently open the bottom of a Cracker Jack box and place the bag inside. Reseal the bottom with clear tape and gift-wrap the box.
• Create a "nesting-doll" box. Place the gift certificate inside a small box. Wrap it up and place that box inside a larger one, and so on.
• Present it as a bookmark. Fold up the certificate inside a book―a sexy bodice ripper for a lingerie store, or a DIY book for a home-repair store. (You may have to hint that the recipient take a closer look.)
• Add holiday ornaments. Put a couple of pretty ornaments in a decorative bag along with the certificate to make the present seasonal.
• Slip a rolled certificate into a deflated balloon. Inflate the balloon and attach some pretty holiday ribbon to the end; the certificate will be visible inside.