The only thing more fun than shopping for gifts for loved ones during the holidays is thoughtfully wrapping each present in a unique, unexpected way. When you're using materials that can be easily found at the craft store, gift-wrapping can be less of a chore and more of a handmade labor of love. Crafty gift givers know that when you use butcher paper as a starting point, the possibilities are endless. Here, just a dollop of white tempera paint instantly transforms classic gift-wrap, and when it’s topped with seasonal ribbon, twine and a sprig of faux berries, the final design is both playful and traditional.

By Camille Styles, photography by Molly Winters

To get started, have your present already wrapped in butcher paper. Squeeze a dollop of white paint onto a plate or piece of scrap paper, and use a medium-sized paintbrush to dip and splatter the wrapping paper with a flick of the wrist. Once splattered to your liking, allow to dry, then adorn with ribbons and tags.

Have a loved one who considers the hardware store a second home? Draw inspiration from his or her personality and create a gift-wrapping design that’s unmistakably tailored to the receiver. Both inexpensive and unexpected, washers are a great way to add metallics to patterned wrapping paper, and the gift’s recipient will be thrilled over the thoughtfulness that went into the present and its packaging.

A roll of your favorite wrapping paper (patterned or solid will do), enough jute twine to wrap around your present several times, and a handful of washers are all you’ll need to re-create this design. Wrap the present as you normally would, then tape the end of the twine to the back of the wrapped present, toward the top. Bring the twine around to the front, string on some washers, then wrap the twine around the back again. Repeat until you reach the bottom of the present, tape the twine in place on the back of the box, then slide washers around to adjust.