I was shopping for my friend Kelly’s baby shower gift a few weeks ago and picked out a couple things from her registry. While walking to the gift wrapping aisle I started feeling disgruntled–like I always do–about spending money on something that will soon be thrown away. While frowning at the ridiculous prices charged for decorated paper I kept thinking: I’d much rather put this money toward something for the baby.
And then I decided to revolt! I marched right out of that gift wrap aisle, and headed back toward the baby section. By the time I passed housewares I already had my plan–I would find a cute little baby blanket and wrap the gift in that!
My gift was a little too large for the blanket to be entirely secured by tying it together at the top, so first I brought the two short ends together, sewed some string through, and tied it in a bow for easy undoing:
Then I gathered up the rest of the blanket and tied it together with another easy-to-untie bow. The blanket I chose had a cute little animal applique on one corner, so I made sure to put that corner in front (you can see how that turned out in the bottom picture).
I signed the inside cover of a baby book (instead of spending money on a card–something else I hate doing) and tied it around the gift using grosgrain ribbon that was originally tied around the baby blanket I purchased.
And there you have it–gift wrapping that’s paper-free and 100% reusable, for the same price as a disposable gift bag and card. Hope you consider trying something like this for your next gift-giving event!
Related Posts:
Festive Holiday Packaging
How to Stuff a Duvet Cover
DIY Tufted Upholstered Headboard
I’m floored! It’s adorable. Although for a second, I thought the first photo was the finished product, and I was very confused. I should have known better!
jbhat
I love it! It’s beautiful and there’s no waste! Thanks for the inspiration! I may do the same with a scarf/cell phone for my daughter’s birthday coming up!
This rocks. I love that you aren’t wasting anything! I give it an A!
You are a GENIUS. Has anyone told you that recently?
I love the blanket itself. Plus, the idea of a baby book as a card is brilliant.
LOVES. IT.
I always buy a book instead of a card for baby showers and my friends kids birthdays, cards just go to waste. I am defiantly going to try the blanket next instead of a gift bag.
Look fabulous!!!
Another idea with the blanket is to buy one of those foldable totes and use the blanket as filler around the gifts. I use this to make baby shower gift baskets all the time!!
Not only is this a fabulous idea, but it looks better (to me) than it would if you wrapped it.
I love this idea–especially the book rather than a card.
Oh this is great! I have always wanted to get around buying a card- and I love the book idea. I don’t know how well it will transfer to other situations, but still awesome job! Thanks for sharing.
Fabulous idea, and of course flawlessly classy execution.
Brilliant idea! Now what am I going to do with my stack of wrapping paper, bows, and the like??
That is adorable girl!
It really is lovely, but when you sign a book the person can’t return it – and I have heard that new parents often receive several copies of the same book. Maybe you could have a sheet of blank stickers to sign and put on the wrapping instead?
That’s great!
Oh my gosh, that is WAYYYYY too cute! Starring this idea! THANKS!
I think that’s the perfect wrap for a baby shower. Your gift looks adorable.
This is FABULOUS. Love it. I hate wasting money on wrapping paper- why is it so damn expensive?
What a great idea! How do you come up with these things? I will have to use this from now on.
Very cute! I love doing things like that.
Great idea for a baby gift.
Wow girl!
That is the true meaning of ‘gift wrapping’!!! and I love the blankie you choose…you are too fashionable sometimes for your own good – it makes me so jealous
Absolutely adorable! Now I just need one of my friends to get knocked up!
So cute!! What a great idea and something that I am sure any expectant mom would appreciate.
you are a genius
this is so stinkin’ cute! may have to “borrow” this idea like I did your ornament balls on photo shelves – love your flair for design and creativity! – kellsey
Great idea!
Way to “wrap green”
Sweet!
So creative! Love the idea! The present looked great!
What a great idea! Will have the do this for the next gift.
Awesome Idea!!!!
OK, so reading through your blog I realized you traveled to Columbus for a get together. Can I come next time?
OMG, what an awesome idea!! Going to have to steal that one for sure!
I borrowed some inspiration from you: http://leedawn82.blogspot.com/2009/01/all-wrapped-up.html
Thanks for the great idea!
I just found your blog from This Young House and I love this idea! I too hate wasting money on wrapping paper and cards that both get thrown away the second you’re out the door – I can’t believe I never thought of this! Well done!
Hi Desiree–so happy to have you as a new reader! Glad you liked this post!