Clever Ways Frugal People Save Money On Gift Wrapping

To many consumers, it might seem like the bills from last year's holiday season are barely paid off (by the way, here's how to stay out of holiday debt). Yet here we are, barreling toward Christmas and Hanukkah once again. Or perhaps you've got some friends or family with a birthday coming up? In any case, gift wrap, boxes, bags, and bows can all be a serious budget buster. Sure, there's always the easy solution of heading down to your local dollar store to buy your wrapping paper. While that's a wallet-friendly option, cheap dollar-store gift wrap can also look, well, cheap. But don't fret. We've compiled some pro tips for stylish gift wrapping that'll look like you spent a fortune, but are actually quite thrifty or even free.

A good place to start is your local newsstand. That's because sheets of newspaper can make for excellent gift wrap. To be sure, newspaper is thin and it can easily rip, so experts recommend using several layers, like three, for any gift wrapping to be safe. One of the best aspects of wrapping with newspaper, besides low cost, is the large variety of "designs." There's always the classic choice of using the comics section for gifts to the young or young-at-heart. However, you can also wrap your gift with the travel section for the seasoned vacationer or the business section for recipients who love investing. You can finish off your newspaper wrap with some colorful bakers twine and twigs or sprigs from backyard trees and shrubs.

If you're looking for something with a little more heft than newspaper sheets, also consider kraft paper. Kraft paper is sold in varying colors and weights, though brown is the most common. As far as which weight to purchase, experts recommend a medium toughness, like 40-pound (or 40#). In a pinch, brown paper grocery bags — which among many other items, used to be free but now cost money — can also be substituted for kraft paper. That said, avoiding the creased areas of grocery bags typically makes them suitable for small-size gifts only.

One caveat about wrapping gifts with kraft paper is that even medium grades are stiff to the point that regular scotch tape might not hold the edges together. You can use heavier packaging tape or even double-sided tape, which has the added benefit of remaining completely hidden. As a finishing touch, red and white bakers twine or colorful yarn can be used to tie the parcel — both options are cheap and durable.

If traditional wrapping paper is more to your liking than newspaper pages or kraft paper, consider recycling old wrapping paper. That's especially true if it's good quality paper to begin with. On the other hand, thin dollar-store paper probably isn't worth saving. For a fun twist, you can also mix and match patches of different wrapping paper to create a quilt-like effect. Or take your wrapping to the next level by appropriating old maps, fabric, or anything else around the house you deem shabby chic.

Similarly, gift bags can be a pricey purchase and therefore worth recycling. According to Meredith Bodgas, editorial director at Fidelity Smart Money, "Just check that the little paper gift tag isn't filled out, and if it is, rip it off," adding, "If I accidentally give back a gift bag to the person who gave it to us? Shrug. It's going to get thrown out anyway — or reused if they're smart."

Finally, consider purchasing one quality marking pen, which can be silver, gold, or glittery for an added luxe flair. Use that marker to write directly on wrapping instead of buying gift tags. If you've bought a particularly large gift, don't even bother wrapping it. Let the impressive gift be a showpiece with perhaps just a bow to add a festive touch. For more Yuletide savings tips, check out all five things you can cut from your holiday budget.