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1. Giant gift cookies are fun to make and challenge the imagination. Use cookie patterns from a store or design your own. Use ornamental frosting to artfully decorate the cookies. Sprinkle colored sugar and use string licorice, gum-drops, raisins to make faces. Wrap each individually with clear plastic. Everyone loves a gift of cookies.
2. Take a homemade present to someone in need or lonely. A few cookies in a plastic bag tied with a colorful ribbon is all it takes to brighten someone’s day.
3. Use green and red balloons, cookie cutters, decorated pinecones, jump rope or household gadgets instead of bows for a present.
4. Make your own gift cards by gluing scraps of wrapping paper to stiff cardboard or construction paper. Fold over and write your message inside. The gift card can match your wrapping paper.
5. Save old Christmas cards to cut down for this year’s gift tags. Cutting with pinking shears adds a nice effect.
6. Send children inexpensive storybooks instead of cards. Since the cost of a special greeting card can be pricey, this is a more used and appreciated gift/card.
7. Wrap gifts with shelf paper, butcher paper, fabric remnants, newspaper comics, an old calendar, a map or newsprint rubber-stamped with holiday designs. To rubber stamp, cut a clean sponge into the shape of stars, moon, reindeer, Christmas tree, dip it in paint, squeeze out the excess, and press onto surface to imprint.
8. On blank butcher paper or news roll paper, write riddles, jokes and recipes for a unique wrapping paper idea.