This wrap and bow were created using extra bits of paper; no ribbons or costly trimmings are necessary. It's best to use patterns and play with directions.

The following instructions are for the box dimensions shown: 6 1/4-by-4 1/2-by-1-inch; 4-by-4-by-2-inch, 1 3/8-by-1 3/8-by-1 3/8-inch. You can replicate these or use them for inspiration.

To begin, wrap each package in the traditional way. Using the same paper, construct "bows"
for the tops, which cascade down the sides of the box. In addition to the paper, you'll need scissors and tape. Each piece of paper is applied using a 1 1/2 to 2-inch tape roll -- a piece of tape secured to itself at both ends. (Double-sided tape can be used, but tape rolls give the best results.)

You will need papers with two different patterns: Cut one pattern (pattern A) into two 10 1/2-by-1 1/4-inch strips; two 8 1/2-by-1/4-inch strips; two 5-by-1/4-inch strips; two 6 1/2-by-1/4-inch strips; one 1 1/2-by-3/4-inch strip; and cut pattern B into: two 12 1/2-by-1/4-inch strips; two 7 1/4-by-1 1/4-inch strips. 

1. Trim the ends of the eight longest strips into V shapes. Tape two 10 1/2-inch strips (pattern A) in crisscross on top of the bottom box. Overlay a crisscross of two 12 1/2-inch strips (pattern B). 

2. Tape the medium-size box to the larger box. Repeat crisscrossing using 7 1/4-inch strips (pattern B) and 8 1/2-inch strips (pattern A). 

3. Tape the smallest box to the top. Crisscross 5-inch strips (pattern A) over the top of the box. Tape the ends of 6 1/2-inch (pattern A) strips together to form two circles; pinch the top and bottom of each together in the center to form two loops. Crisscross over the strips. Tape the ends of 1 1/2-inch (pattern A) strip together to form a circle; tape to the center of the bow.