I think it is cool how in the US Christmas is such a big production, while the New Year’s celebration is not so much. Growing up, we had big parties for both occasions yet I noticed that, like here, my family and friends in Brazil are opting for travel or a quiet evening instead of the blast-off parties into the new year. One thing we all do is to wrap a bunch of gifts. Read on for some ideas on how to wrap Christmas gifts and a giveaway.
[Edited June 6, 2020]
The Christmas craziness is a bit subdued in my house right now. Having Carpal Tunnel Release surgery hardly qualifies as Christmas preparation… but I am happy to report I can type! If you ever have this procedure done, opt for the one with the scope and not the one where they cut into the palm of your hand (as it was done on my left hand a few years ago). That I was typing two days after surgery and am taking no pain medication except Ibuprophen should tell you something!
Our tree is up and beautiful, my Christmas quilts decorate the family room and kitchen, and the Christmas gifts were mailed. I still need to finish wrapping the ones which will go under the tree, which will be a job for my husband at this point. What, with my hand under wraps and all (pardon the pun!).
How about you – are you done with shopping and wrapping gifts? I usually take hours to get them all ready. For the past few years, my husband and I make a ‘date’ out of it and play Christmas music, eat something fun, but still do everything when no one is around. Otherwise, no surprise, right?
By making it a special occasion, we don’t feel it is a chore. We prefer to wrap gifts a few days before Christmas to make sure we are not missing anyone. So, stay with me for some tips on how to wrap Christmas gifts and a giveaway. Here is what you will need for the wrapping session:
Paper. I like to get lots of colorful Christmas-themed paper with images that appeal to children, grown-ups, some with stripes, etc. I prefer the paper that has the grid on the background as it helps with cutting. Brown wrapping paper is awesome for making the decorations stand out, or for when you want a more minimalist look. I like to purchase the paper at my local Costco store.
Tape. Get both the regular tape and the double-sided one. I use the regular tape when adhering paper to the sides of the box, and the double-sided tape on the top, or under trimmings. Get lots of tapes! Don’t underestimate the amount of tape you will need or you will be frustrated and have to continue another day! Ask me how I know. Purchase them at an office store or the department store you go to more often.
Ribbons and Trimmings. I like to have a huge variety of them and match them to the recipient: novelty ribbons for children, ropes and sophisticated ribbons for adults. My stash also includes bows, cords, raffia, and strips of fabrics. Raffia and strips of fabrics are great against brown wrapping paper. I go to JoAnn or Michael’s to get the trims, but I am sure you can find them on Amazon, too.
Tags. Tie them or, my favorite method, use double-sided tape to stick them to the package, usually with part of it under a ribbon. It is also fun to write the names with a permanent marker, particularly for younger children who are just learning how to read. Their eyes shine when they can make out their names! I purchase tags in bulk wherever I find them.
Decide how to wrap the gifts. We like to vary how the boxes are wrapped. The largest ones often have a bow and no ribbon around them. The other boxes will have more trims, but they all have a special feature. If you need help with ideas for ways to wrap a package, I found this video on YouTube. There is also a fun class on Bluprint with advanced tips for gift wrapping. All the textures, colors, and shapes will make the area under the tree look magical!
Display them under the tree. Or Wherever! There was a time when our Christmas tree was in a corner and I could not fit the gifts under it. So, we piled them on the coffee table – that was quite a pile! We do not group them by the recipient, but mix them up and place them where they fit and look best. Also, we place the gifts under the tree after everyone is asleep. Some friends prefer to add them during the month as they purchase and wrap them.
Don’t forget the stockings! Add smaller gifts inside each stocking. I prefer to wrap them, too, although I throw in lots of candy and chocolate for a fun effect when they turn the stockings upside down.
Now you know how to wrap Christmas gifts and the giveaway… This is my gift for one of you: the Puppy Love kit including the pattern by Rachel T. Fellman and everything else you will need to make the wall hanging. It measures 13″ x 15″ and it is a breeze to make. It is a wonderful decor item for that little corner of your family room or a gift for a family member or friend which is sure to become a favorite. It does come together quickly!
This is another of Rachel’s kits that I made and still have it hanging in my studio after all these years. I have a quick post about how I made the wall hanging above. You will be surprised how a little change can speed up the project!
The kit is part one of the giveaway. The second part is a copy of the book Wool, Needle & Thread: The Go-to Guide for Wool Stitchery” by Lisa Bongean, published by Martingale. If you love wool applique’ as much as I do, this is a must-have book! In Wool, Needle & Thread, Lisa provides step-by-step photos and instructions on how to embroider projects just like she does, including her prep techniques, favorite supplies, and five projects you will love.
One of the things I like the most about this book is… the side boxes with tips! We see these beautiful projects and sometimes are not sure which thread weight to use (or why to use), what is the best way to fuse wool applique’ shapes, and how to finish off the edge in a professional way. It is all in this book!
Lisa has over twenty years of experience stitching wool, and we should listen. I, for one, am loving the photographs – I will finally become more confident with the hand-stitched blanket stitch, after my right hand heals, of course.
So, here is what you need to do: leave a comment letting me know what is the favorite gift you received, this Christmas or ever. Be sure to leave your email address (use this format so you will not be spammed: soandsoatinternetdotcom). For an additional entry, let me know that you follow this blog. Since everyone is super busy, the giveaway winner will be announced the day after Christmas – December 26th.
I will ship the kit everywhere, and Martingale will ship the book (once they are back in the office after the holidays) in the US and Canada or will email the eBook everywhere else. I hope these tips on how to wrap Christmas gifts and a giveaway brightened your day!
In the meantime, have a fantastic Holiday!
I like the idea of double sided tape, I will look for it today! And I definitely need more ribbon! I’ve received many nice Christmas gifts over the years, but nothing really stands out as a favorite. My favorite part of Christmas is getting together with family. The grands are getting so big now, but the memories of their shining eyes when they were young is more important to me now than any gift I’ve been given in the past. And the anticipation of the love shining in those older eyes is so far my best gift this year. 🙂
You are right – nothing compares to the light of surprise and anticipation in their eyes!
I follow your blog via blogger. 🙂
My favourite gift ever Is my kenwood kitchen machine. I use it every day since 18 years ?.
Love the kit and book. Would be awesome to win. Thank you so much!
Sammartina(at)bluewin(dot)ch
Cool! Some gifts just keep on giving, right?
I follow by email and I am so glad that I do. Hope your hand heals well and soon!
Thank you!
I think my favorite gifts were the hand made ones made by my children when they were young. The ornaments still hang on my tree.
Yes! I have them all on the tree, too! I am so careful when I store them, even the paper ones…
A few years ago, my SIL stood in line for two hours to get me a mini iPad in a special sale. Not only was it very thoughtful of him, I still love it!
Wow, that was so nice!
I follow your blog via email/newsletter. Hope you have a quick recovery. Merry Christmas!
Thank you! I am on the mend!
Oh, I’ve been looking at this book. It does look like a keeper. Thanks so much for the opportunity in your draw
Best gift I ever received: new clothes when I was about 10. I wore those clothes until I couldn’t fit them anymore and they were falling apart. I had mostly worn hand-me-downs before so new clothes were really exciting.
(And I agree with the carpal tunnel comment-I had a double release done the week before Christmas so both hands were out of action, my mum had to do EVERYTHING for me!! That was not a great present but it was worth it to get rid of the pain)
I remember the thrill of getting new clothes, too! I can’t believe you did them on both hands at once. I am looking forward to being pain-free!
I am an email follower of your blog. Thanks
One very memorable gift from my husband was new furniture for my home office which was a total surprise! I have that wooly sheep kit too but it’s not started yet. I must pull it out in January.
How fun! I love this kit and I do think you should make yours in January! 🙂
As I’ve gotten older, wrapping gifts isn’t so much fun, but maybe if the job was done with a friend (or hubby) and some bubbly, the fun factor would increase! One of my most favorite Christmas gifts was the year I met my husband. I met him in July and he told me he loved me on Christmas Day! Now that was a gift that couldn’t be wrapped! duchick at gmail dot com
What an awesome memory! That gift is tough to top!
I am a happy Bloglovin’ follower of yours!
duchick at gmail dot com
I always love ornaments. A friend used to buy me Snowbabies. I love these ornaments.
They are so sweet… I had a friend who collected them.
I follow on Bloglovin. Jmikebalou (at) aol (dot) com
I’ve been using double sided tape for a few years now and love it. Best present ever are the homemade gifts, whether it be a homemade card or the arts/ceramics gift my son has gifted me through the years, they are all used and displayed proudly in my quilt room. As my son is home for his last semester of college, student teaching in the area we live. So excited to have him home before graduation and a wedding in August In 2020, blessed to have him and love It when he’s home and wants to cook for Mom. Merry Christmas to you and yours! I do follow your blog.
How fun! Enjoy his company before he moves on to the next phase of his life.
My favorite gift ever was the birth of my second daughter. She is now 21!
How time flies! I hope you enjoy her love and company for many years to come!
My favorite Christmas present was a sewing machine one year. But I love the quiet moments of Christmas too – especially when I was teaching….
Yes – i follow your blog. Thanks for the chance to win such a nice wool kit and book.
Warmest regards from Alberta
Quiltmomedm(at)gmail(dot)com
I miss Christmas with my family in Brazil, but you are correct: there is something special about a quiet Christmas!
My favorite Christmas gift was our first child. She arrived a few weeks before Christmas and we had waited almost 3 years for her . She just turned 30 and I can’t be!ive how quickly the years have gone by.
How fantastic, Karen! You will treasure that memory and her company for Christmases to come, I am sure!
I follow you by e-mail.
What a nice giveaway! One of my favorite gifts was a Nativity set that my husband gave me. ?
Cool! I made a nativity scene with wool applique’ and embroidery and keep it out all year long. Crazy, huh?
I think my favorite Christmas gift ever was the first time I found out I was going to be a grandmother. My second favorite happens every year when all our family gets together (after Christmas most years) for our family Christmas. I enjoy wrapping presents with all the extra trimmings too. I used to sit on the floor and wrap, but now I load up the dining room table with wrapping paper and supplies and use it instead. 🙂 Getting older, I guess. Have a very Merry Christmas!
Hurray for the dining room table and pain-free backs and legs!!! Grandchildren are THE best, aren’t they?
I follow your blog via email.
I follow you via Bloglovin.
My favorite Christmas gift ever was really special. Most holidays, my husband and are alone. Our daughter and her family live 2000 miles aways and can’t come for Christmas each year. My son lives in Africa and only gets a month vacation a year, so of course, he plans it in the summer months. One year when I was feeling especially down, they both surprised us with a visit!! We were blown away and I will remember that as being the most special gift I ever received.
How wonderful, Nancy!!! I got goosebumps reading it. I hope you enjoy that memory for many more Christmases to come!
When my daughter was about 8 or 9, she hand quilted a coaster in her closet as my Christmas gift. I had no idea what she was up to! It is something that I treasure ?
micheletimmsatgmaildotcom
Michele, that is so sweet! Did you ever use the coaster? If you still have it, you could put it into a box frame…
I follow your blog, IG, and get your email newsletters.
My best gift was a vest that my brother picked out for me. Usually his wife does all the shopping but I loved that he picked this one out.
Cool! It is fun to find out why things hold a special value to us. Someone’s intention or choice highly qualifies!
I follow you on Bloglovin’.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery! My favorite gift of all time – a live poinsettia plant, my favorite Christmas decoration of all time!
Thank you! I used to get a poinsettia plant every year from a dear girlfriend who is no longer with us. They are so beautiful. I have so many fabrics with them…
I follow you by email newsletter!
Beat wishes for a speedy recovery! My favorite of all time – a live poinsettia plant, my favorite Christmas decoration of all time! spierssusan52atgmaildotcom
I got a baby sister many decades ago 2 days before Christmas, so that would have to be the best gift ever!
The book by Lisa looks great! I love her stuff and would love to win that book :0)
Thanks for the giveaway Denise.
Ah… a sister. How can you beat that gift!!! My only sister is in Brazil and we have been apart for 33 years. Dang. I am so glad for technology which makes it easier (and now, cheaper) to stay in touch!
The year my son got me wooly lined leather moccasins for my perpetually cold feet was the best! I wore them for years and years.
myzbarbatmsndotcom
How awesome! Some gifts just stay etched in our memories forever!
I follow your blog via bloglovin’ myzbarbatmsndotcom
My favorite gift was a round knitting machine… my husband watch as I crocheted 100 hats for the childen’s hospital and he saw me looking at a web site that the lady was talking about her Addi… so he ordered me not only the small one but also the large one.. they both arrived in November and he gave them to me early… that was the last gift he gave me… he ended up in the hospital the day after Thanksgiving.. was supposed to get out on Sunday, he called and said he decided to stay for his dialysis and I could pick him up Monday… a short time later the phone rang and it was a nurse telling me my husband had passed… it was unexpected… his heart just stopped.,, that was the 3rd of December 1917 what a nightmare to live thru… but he made sure my step daughter and I had Christmas that year…
Bonnie, what a bittersweet memory! I can’t even imagine what you went through…
I forgot to say I follow you too.
Love this post; so full of good ideas to freshen up my gifting! Hope you are fully healed soon! I have been blessed with some lovely Christmases; the ones that stand out are those where we went overboard on a present for someone, and enjoyed the surprise and pleasure! Thanks for the chance to win – I’ve been wanting to start wool appliqué!
Quiltnsrepatyahoodotcom
I am much better, thank you! I hope you get to start wool applique’ soon. It is so relaxing and easy. I usually keep the embroidery simple, so the projects go really fast.
I follow you by email!
Quiltnsrepatyahoodotcom
These days my favorite gifts are plates that my grandkids make with their artwork on it. We get a new one every year and it is fun to see how their skills change.
bethdotsebastianatgmaildotcom
Oh, I remember the ones from my boys! The best, right?
I follow you by email
bethdotsebastianatgmaildotcom
I don’t have a favorite gift that I have received, I’ve loved them all even the queen size panty hose from my hubbies grandmother , I wear a small lol .
LOL!!! Growing up, we got one gift from our parents. One Christmas, my mom could only give us one thing, and my sister and I chose a can of condensed milk for each of us. THAT was a sweet gift!
I follow via email,. Take care and hope you heal quickly. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
My favorite Christmas gifts have been the ornaments my children made in school. As I hang them each year on the Christmas tree, they bring back sweet memories ❤️
Merry Christmas and Happy & Healthy New Year to you and your family!
lauriebecker1ATgmailDOTcom
I treasure those ornaments, too! I think the teachers know what will tug at our hearts… Thank you!
I follow you through BlogLovin ❤️
lauriebecker1ATgmailDOTcom
I wish for you very quick healing! My favorite holiday gift was my boys getting an airline ticket so my daughter could fly home her first year away from us!! Being all together is what I wanted and love the most! Happy Holidays! I am off to get some wrapping done!
Lee, that must have been fantastic! You are correct, being together is the best.
I am a very happy follower of your your Blog with Bloglovn!
I take it you had surgery for carpel tunnel on both hands. Hope you heal fast and it sounds like that is happening.
I too make an occasion of the wrapping of the gifts and, like you, I like to do it early enough I can shop for something I may forget.
Little and continuous things/treats are important. Enjoy this special week!
Thank you! I can type easily now, and my husband and sons helped with the Christmas meals, so that was fantastic.