9 creative gift-wrapping ideas that are easy and extra!

If you are one of those people who actually looks forward to wrapping gifts during the holiday season, you're going to love these DIY gift wrap ideas. There are so many ways you can elevate the appearance of your presents, whether it's getting a little crafty with a hot glue gun and art supplies or learning a cloth wrapping technique.

Not sure where to begin? Toronto-based gift stylist, Corinna vanGerwan, explains that many items you already have lying around the house, such as kitchen twine that can double as ribbon or magazines that can be used as wrapping paper, can give your gift a unique element.

Ahead, 9 creative gift-wrapping ideas that will make your gift stand out in any stack or under any tree.

Pretty pom poms

You don't need to be a DIY expert to create homemade gift wrap. This playful idea comes from New Brunswick-based blogger, Jolie Dionne, and is easy to put together for beginner crafters (and kids!).

Au natural

"Snip greenery from your garden for gift toppers," vanGerwan suggests. Foliage, pine cones and feathers can be used in place of traditional bows and ribbons. These natural elements instantly add a touch of personality and warmth. This design by vanGerwan uses jewel tone colours that will pop among the traditional reds and greens.

Light it up

String lights are a staple for decorating your Christmas tree, but did you know that you can also use them to decorate gifts? Bring your presents to life this holiday season by winding a small string of battery-operated lights (available at the dollar store or on Amazon) around gift wrap of your choice.

Bag lady

Forget traditional wrapping paper and gift bags and opt for a reusable fabric bag. This one, made by Yes, please! sewing studio in Kingston, is a beautiful choice. Not only does it reduce waste by eliminating the need for paper and tape, it's also an excellent solution for gifts that are difficult to wrap, like toys and potted plants.

Calligraphy Christmas

If you have a steady hand and some patience, why not experiment with some calligraphed gift wrap? Write a message or the recipient's name on a large sheet of craft paper or on plain brown paper bags to give your present a personal touch.

Kids crafts

For gift wrap that's totally unique, give your kids some paint and paper and let their imaginations run wild. Once dry, you'll have one-of-a-kind gift wrap that's also sentimental. If you want to avoid the mess, reach out to a company like da Kindi who can turn your child's original artwork and drawings into bigger sheets of paper that are perfect for wrapping gifts.

Tie the knot

Try your hand at furoshiki, a traditional Japanese cloth-wrapping technique that's not only beautiful, it's also sustainable. A piece of cloth, like a tea towel, and some basic instructions are all that you need to get the look.

Handmade holidays

Uninspired by the wrapping paper selection at the grocery store? Why not opt for something handmade? Local craft markets and Etsy are a great resource for one-of-a-kind paper, like this minimalist design by Milton-based artisan, Kaitlyn Patience. Patience is the owner of Isa Virtue, a shop that specializes in all sorts of unique stationary and paper products that will help kick your wrapping game up a notch.

It's all in the details

An easy way to elevate your gift wrap is to focus on stand-out accessories, like beautiful ribbon in a bold colour—vanGerwan shares that dark colours like forest green, midnight blue and black are big for 2018—and add-ons like tags and decorations. Plus, these supplies don't cost a lot of money meaning you can spend more on what's inside.