How to Wrap Everything: Part III!

Clever ways to create the prettiest packaging for gifts of any size and shape.

1. Treasure Hunt: When a present is too large or unwieldy to be wrapped, you can still heighten the suspense by offering a written clue, or even organizing a scavenger hunt.  The recipient of this envelope might think she's getting a gift card - only to discover a shiny new bike in the garage.

2. Transparent Containers: Clear plastic boxes let you design packages that are beautiful inside and out.  One idea: Nestle gifts in a blanket of faux snow; a bauble topper, created with wreath ornaments and sparkly pipe cleaners, adds a modern touch.  For a snow-globe effect, set a tissue-wrapped token in a bed of tiny pinecones.
3. Photo Tags: There's no question whom a gift is for when you put the recipient's photo front and center.  Print the picture on adhesive paper, or adhere with double-sided tape.  For an older recipient, consider choosing a shot from childhood, a prom or a wedding.
   
4. Christmas Cutout: Create a wintry scene on a wrapped present using a paper-dolls technique.  Enlarge the two-tree template on marthastewart.com/holiday-a-to-z to desired size; cut out.  Accordion-fold a piece of paper to the width of the template.  Trace the template onto top fold.  Make "ornaments" with a screw punch.  Cut out and unfurl trees.  Adhere with a glue stick or spray adhesive.
   

{This post is an excerpt from "How to Wrap Everything" as published in Martha Stewart Living magazine}