Easy, Chic, Cheap DIY Gift Wrapping

If you're racing to get stuff under the tree and just realized you're out of wrapping paper don't stress. One of my favorite DIY wrapping tricks couldn't be simpler and involves materials I guarantee you've already got lurking around at home.

In lieu of holiday themed paper, use newspaper or cut an old grocery bag and flip it over so the solid side is facing up as you wrap the package. Next, take masking tape (plain off-white is fine, or if you've got blue painter's tape that works well too) and apply it to your parcel cross-wise to mimic the pattern you'd make were you to have tied it up with ribbon. I like the idea of experimenting with the tape to form stripes or plaids too. Another bonus: the tape also doubles as a gift tag/card--just write the name of your recipient and a short message directly on there with a Sharpie. The end result is modern and graphic, plus it's inexpensive and there's a feel-good benefit of recycling paper too.

If you end up getting really into the masking tape idea, you may eventually want to spring for this Japanese set of paper tapes they sell at MoMA in a series of really pretty washed out hues.