Make Packages Pretty with These 12 Frugal Gift Wrap Ideas

If you search high and low for a good deal on an even better gift, you don’t want to undo the effort of that bargain shopping with expensive gift wrap. The good news is there are ways to cut down on the cost and get cheap gift wrap. Many of those options are through items you may have sitting around your house. Here are a few ways to get cheap gift wrap that will help your gift stand out without putting you out.

Reuse and Repurpose

Do you have leftover gift wrap from last year? Maybe you saved some pretty tissue paper or set aside the end of a roll you purchased but couldn’t make use of. Check your stash and see if you have any gift wrap or gift-wrap-like materials at home. Want more money-saving tricks like this? Here are eight more you should try.

Buying Cheap Gift Wrap In Store

One of the best stores to buy cheap gift wrap from? Dollar Tree. You can shop online or in the store. The best part? Almost everything in the store is $1.25. You can get eight sheets of tissue paper for $1.25, or you can get a 30-piece bag of gift bows for the same price. From gift tags to gift-wrapping ribbons, you can find everything you need at an affordable price. Other dollar stores can have cheap gift wrap, too.

Brown Paper Lunch Bags

If you use the old-school bags for lunch, consider using them to wrap small gifts, too. You can draw on them to make them look special or customized for the recipient. 

Old Cards

The images on old cards could be perfect for tags. And, in some cases, old cards are ideal for wrapping small items. They’re typically made of cardstock, which you can cut and fold into the shape of a box. Add a little tape, and you’re good to go. Looking for another money-saving life hack? These companies give you food and other products for free.

Buy Cheap Gift Wrap Online

Gift wrap can be expensive at higher-end retailers. Fortunately, there are a lot of cheap options online. Amazon is a great place to start as you get going on gift wrapping this holiday season.

Birthday Bags or Old Holiday Gift Bags

If you already have them, you can simply reuse them. If they have names or writing on them, use stickers or add-ons, like the cut-outs from your cards, to cover them up and refresh the look of the bag. If the bag isn’t the right size for the gift, cut the bottom off and down one side to get a long, flat piece of paper to work with.

Buy Cheap Gift Wrap at a Thrift Store

We love a good thrift store find, but did you know you can find gift wrap at thrift stores? It’s often in the area with crafting materials. Sometimes thrift stores will use gift bags for sold merchandise, so you may get a freebie when you check out. Another money hack? Stop spending too much money on these dumb things.

Got a Small Gift? Use Envelopes

If you’re giving someone a gift card or need to wrap a small item like earrings, you might be able to get away with using an envelope. Envelopes have their own sticky glue to seal. This is perfect for saving money on tape, and you can draw on them or use stickers to help them look festive.

Pages from Magazines

Do you have a friend or family member who loves fashion or pop culture? Take a page out of a magazine to wrap up their gift — they’ll love the look.

Newspapers and Mailers

When you get ads in the mail, those flyers could be perfect to use as wrapping paper. Single-sided flyers are great because you can use the blank side if the other side isn’t attractive, but double-sided paper, such as newspaper, can also give a gift a unique look. These options can help you build up a paper stash perfect for cheap gift wrap. You’ll save money and customize the look of your gifts — no standard gift wrap patterns here!

Add Special Touches and Customization

If you’re worried that your cheap gift wrap won’t look very festive, use some add-ons to customize the look. Ribbons, bows, gift labels and other supplies can create the look you’re going for. Even candy canes can work! Need some extra cash this season to fund the holidays? Try one of these 50 ways to make extra money this month.

Have a Lot of Gifts? Buy in Bulk

Buying in bulk is another way to save money, especially if you have a lot of gifts to wrap. Get a few friends in on a group buy to split the cost of your gift wrap among you. If that won’t work, consider shopping on sites like Uline.com, where you can find glossy wrapping paper, organza bags and tissue paper that make for easy and elegant packaging.

Getting Creative for Cheap Gift Wrap

With these ideas, you’ll be able to come up with ways to get cheap gift wrap. That way you’ll have more room in your budget for food, festivities and traveling to friends and family. And remember — wrapping up gifts is a great way to keep them a surprise, but how you wrap them matters much less than the intention behind the gifts. Even if your gift wrap is a little unconventional, the recipient is sure to appreciate the effort!