No Limits Ladies.com

Wrapping paper pretty much drives me nuts. It’s a hassle to store (those long rolls), there’s paper for every occasion, and it ends up in the recycle bin (or even worse, the garbage).

That’s why I prefer to use alternatives to wrapping paper. My favorite is the tea towel. I always need tea towels. Mine get stained with nasty spills (tomato sauce gets me every time, every time I use some, it ends up on the floor, a reason for easy to clean tile in the kitchen) or… okay, I’ll admit to it, burned (don’t ask). I figure that others, even those less clumsy than I, have the same issue. And tea towels can be found inexpensively at the dollar store.

Other wrapping faves are old calendars (too pretty to simply toss), pages from themed magazines, and even advertising (what else would you expect from a marketing bunny?). Some frugal folks recommend wrapping with newspaper but I don’t like the ink getting on my (and the receiver’s) hands. Too messy.

If I do break down and buy wrapping paper, it is usually at one of those after Christmas sales. I buy the solid colors, red (lucky in the Asian world so I can even use this for weddings), green (I’m half Irish) or that beautiful Hanukkah blue (no reason other than prettiness). That way I can use it all year for all occasions.

I store the wrapping paper underneath a bed (in one of those long plastic containers) along with tape, ribbons, and cards. That way all my present giving supplies are in one place. Saves me time (more valuable than money).