Nicely packaged gifts also can be in bags, boxes

By Chris Oliver
Advertiser Staff Writer

Does this sound familiar?

Wrapping gifts is a great skill if you have it and deeply frustrating if you don't.

No matter what a grand deal the Christmas wrap is at Costco, the laws of physics defy wrapping a football whose sole purpose is to slip away from you, anyway.

If you're all thumbs, forget this approach — think bags and boxes. And invest in some beautiful ribbon, tissue paper and small ornaments to dress them up.

Almost any-shaped gift can be presented in ready-made packaging that not only stands out and looks great under the tree but can save a lot of time. Best of all, quality wrapping can be recycled next year. And who's going to say bah, humbug to that?

Canisters, rattan boxes, fabric bags, organza squares and even our standby lauhala boxes look cheery when packed with colorful items and wrapped in fancy ribbon. Safeway, Longs and Ben Franklin have bags from under $1 to $3.50.

For a fancier selection, try Papyrus at Ala Moana Center or Pier 1 at Ward Center, where you can buy beautiful Christmas bags and containers ranging from easy-to-fold cardboard boxes at $1.75 to velvet canisters, perfect for that special single-malt, for $12. The gift's lucky recipient gets to reuse the container or bag next year.

Or, you can make your own.

If you can use a sewing machine (OK, you do need to put aside an evening for this) you can make bags for whatever you need (just don't try it for the fishing pole). Cotton fabric or velvet works best, and satin is more difficult to work with.

Bags can be as elaborate as you wish.

Here's the drill for sewing your own: Estimate the size of bag you need. Cut two rectangles or squares slightly bigger than your measurements. Place together and sew around three sides. Turn bag right side out and fold the open end inside. Machine or hem a neat opening. Stitch a satin ribbon or tasselled cord at a single point about two inches from the top to tie the bag closed. Incorporate small ornaments or fake berries or simply a pretty label to tie closure as you wish.

If you're mailing gifts, the post office has pretty, poinsettia-decorated padded envelopes this year starting at $2.

If you're still defeated by wrapping, most stores provide a gift-wrap service. A sampling: Macy's service begins at $5.95 for small-size purchases from the store. Neiman Marcus offers a free gift wrap or a more elaborate wrap at $6.77 for items from the store. Sears' gift-wrap service begins at $3 for items purchased at the store.

Several stores — for example, Under a Hula Moon in Kailua — will provide simple fold-your-own Christmas boxes free with purchases.