Wish someone an auspicious new year with a jade plant, Crassula ovata. This easy-care succulent is said to bring prosperity. 

To wrap the pot, place it on a square sheet of decorative paper. Bring up two opposite corners, and secure to the pot with double-sided tape. 

Fold the other two flaps as shown; tape. Tie gold cord around the pot, and add a tag with a message.

If you're looking for a last-minute Valentine's Day present, you can't go wrong with candy.

For an easy-to-make gift, simply fill a cello bag three-quarters full with layers of jelly beans and hard candy. Top it off with a heart-shaped lollipop, stuck directly into the mixture, and tie the whole package together with a beautiful ribbon.

Embellish holiday parcels with mistletoe made from felt leaves.

This Valentine's Day, offer loved ones homemade treats wrapped in paper that echoes your heartfelt sentiments. All you need to transform plain waxed paper into lovely gift wrap is some tissue paper, a heart-shaped craft punch, and an iron. Use the paper to wrap cakes, stacks of cookies, and other goodies. Then finish each package with some waxed twine and a colorful gift tag.

Heart-Covered Waxed Paper How-To

Here's an attractive way to package unusually shaped gifts, such as glassware or bottles: Put them in mailing tubes dressed up as Yule logs.