Bows, Ribbons, and Gift Toppers

With a little scissor work, basic self-adhesive bows are transformed into sumptuous blooms. For each "flower," cut the loops of one small bow and one large bow at an angle. Then affix the small bow to the empty center of the large bow. Coil a short length of matching ribbon; place the coil in the center of the small bow, and secure with double-sided tape. Showcase a single bloom, or pair with more matching ribbon.

Who doesn't love tinsel? Here's another way to use it: Twist wired tinsel into six-pointed stars atop wrapped gifts.

Paper snowflakes aren't quite as delicate as the real things are, but they make perfect toppers for holiday gifts. After kids cut out shapes, help thread ribbons through gaps in the snowflakes and tie around presents. Or glue flakes to plain wrapping paper, then cover with translucent tissue.

A present is two treats in one when you decorate the package with soft handmade ornaments. Pipe cleaners are also easy for young children to work with; make extra decorations to keep for yourself.

How to Make the Pipe-Cleaner Wreath

How to Make the Pipe-Cleaner Candy Cane

How to Make the Pipe-Cleaner Stocking

To make these beautiful rosettes, take a 2-inch strip of paper accordion (folded like a fan). Staple in the center, and then spread open and glue the ends together to make a circle. Glue a Dresden star to the center of the rosette. Then use hot glue to affix the rosette to the front of your gift packaging.

Gift tags are all the sweeter when they happen to be crisp cookies. To make them, cut gingerbread dough into shapes or letters, punch with a small hole for threading with cord, and bake. The cookies can be eaten while the unwrapping takes place, or hung on a tree as ornaments.

The next time you give the gift of an amaryllis or paperwhite bulb, top the package with a silk version of the flower: You'll give the recipient a cheery glimpse of what's to come.

Peonies don't usually bloom in December, but this project allows you to create peony blossoms with simple bows.

No ribbons on hand? No problem! This loopy bow can be created using extra bits of wrapping paper -- no costly trimmings required!

Give holiday gifts unexpected panache by using leftover yarn in place of ribbon. Wind cotton or wool yarn around presents (solid-color paper looks best) -- a few times for thin stripes or several times more for thick ones. Use a fuzzy yarn to give packages a cozy texture. Combine different yarns for colorful striations. Knot strands tightly on the bottom of each box. If desired, tie a bow on top.

With dainty bows on every side, a gift is that much more fun and inviting -- from any angle.

This curly, candy-cane-inspired paper bow adds a whimsical touch to any present.

Wide satin ribbons embellished with festive metallic card stock add cheer to Christmas presents.

Just because you don't have ribbon on hand doesn't mean a package has to go without a bow -- a strip of paper can be cut into a pretty ribbon.

A tall gift box looks even grander wrapped and topped with colorful paper ribbons.

Felt maple leaves and oak leaves add a seasonal touch to wrapped gifts.

Nesting pastel papers in different sizes -- petit four, mini muffin, and cupcake -- creates fluffy blooms that will add a flourish to beribboned presents.

Decorate with a familiar face (or many of them). Print or copy a photo onto heavyweight paper. Then wrap package with a wide band of ribbon. Using double-sided tape, secure photo to ribbon. You can use the photos to identify the giver or the getter, or attach one favorite photo to all your presents.

Re-create the sound of Santa's sleigh with a small bell attached to Christmas parcels. Purchase the bells at crafts stores, and use lengths of thin ribbon or cord to secure to packages. The box shown here is also decorated with a band of velvet ribbon.

Use wrapping paper to create four beautiful curlicues atop your gift box.

Embellish wrapped gifts with crepe-paper poinsettias that look like the real thing.