4 creative holiday gift wrapping ideas

Handmade modern

A little old-fashioned, a little modern and a lot of style. Lace-like details give style and food editor Tara Ballantyne’s packages a handmade feel, while hits of neon keep the look contemporary and fun – perfect for a season that both embraces tradition and celebrates new endeavours. 1 Neon lights The graphic mix of neon ribbon, matte black paper and embroidered details is Tara’s nod to modern Scandinavian design. 2 Lacey touch A doily layered over solid paper creates a darling lace effect on Tara’s parcels. 3 In stitches Subtle crossstitching lends gift tags and wrap a festive homespun touch. 4 Connect the dots Polka dots are sweet and celebratory, even in black and white. Neon ribbon adds an edgy feel.

Pretty in pink

The combination of dusty rose and dove grey brings a sense of youthfulness to these Christmas presents that’s sweet but not saccharine. Senior style editor Ann Marie Favotskilfully combined patterned papers, string and stickers to create a fun, fresh take on holiday gift wrapping. 1 Wheels of fortune Pinwheels crafted out of patterned papers are delightful present toppers and a twist on the ubiquitous bow. 2 Pattern play Multiple patterns on one gift feels harmonious because of the small-scale prints in subdued hues. 3 Wrap star Ribbon wrapped in a unique way creates decorative interest on basic paper parcels. 4 Playing tag Bits of patterned paper cut into flower shapes make fashionable gift tags.

Rainbow bright

True to her happy-go-lucky style, design assistant Morgan Lindsay created a colourful array of wrapped presentsthat are guaranteed to put a smile on the recipients’ faces. 1 All that glitters A shimmering colour-blocked design was crafted by lining up pieces of double-sided tape, each covered in a different hue of glitter. 2 Colour pop Perfect for kids or young-at-heart types, the spectrum of hues pops against basic brown kraft paper. 3 Dotted line Morgan used a large hole punch to make a ton of coloured dots out of card stock. Whether forming a rainbow stripe or a polka dot pattern, the effect is equally playful. 4 Sparkles and stripes The glitter and double-sided tape technique was used to fashion classic stripes in a technicolour palette.

Time to celebrate

To create this sparkling dipped effect, Morgan used double-sided tape and multicoloured glitter.

Golden girl

Always one to bring on the glamour, design editor Jessica Waksgave her gifts a decorator’s touch. Her signature graphic palette of black and white with hits of gold is sophisticated and a perfect match for the dazzle of the holidays. 1 Buttons & bows A sophisticated black and white cameo button makes for an unexpectedly luxe present topper. 2 Seeing spots Jessica used a black Sharpie marker to draw spots on white paper. The look is reminiscent of her favourite wallpaper, Thibaut’s Tanzania. 3 Rose gold A rosette stamp applied to gold card stock lends this gift baroque flair. 4 Black beauty Shiny black ribbon creates a bold contrast to solid gold gift wrap. The gold and onyx brooch kicks up the glam.