Brown paper packages are one of my favorite things! If you are looking to simplify your gift wrapping, consider making the transition to brown wrapping paper. It creates the perfect backdrop for any gift wrapping design. Also, you’ll only need to store one tube of wrapping paper that you use for all seasons. Then, you can just decorate with your favorite ribbons, markers or baubles to match the occasion. Below are three ideas to dress up brown wrapping paper for Christmas.

1. Put a Bow on It

Supplies:

• Brown Wrapping paper
• Sharpies
• Hot Glue
• Scotch Tap
• Wire Ribbon

Wrap your gift box in plain brown paper. Encircle the gift with one, off center ribbon. Overlapping slightly in the back, tack the ribbon with hot glue. Then, make a simple bow and glue to the front. (You can see similar instructions HERE.) Write the recipient’s name in Sharpie marker on the front. Depending on your style, this can be fancy, rustic or whimsical. Your handwriting, marker color and choice of ribbon create limitless options.

2. Color Pop

Supplies

• Brown Paper
• Scotch Tape
• Hemp or Twine
• Used Tissue Paper
• Sharpie marker

Layering gifts by tying them together creates a classic look. It reminds me of old parcels from vintage holiday cards. To start,  wrap the larger present in brown paper. Then, wrap the smaller present in used or leftover tissue paper. Label the brown package with a sharpie marker. To finish, tie the gifts together with some hemp. The overall effect is simple yet, nostalgic. I like how the wrinkles add a carefree, wabi sabi flair. This option can help you organize your wrapping supplies as you use scrap wrapping and tissue paper.

3. Get Dimensional

Supplies

• Brown Wrapping Paper
• Scotch Tape
• Sharpie Marker
• Tissue Paper
• Craft Glue
• Pencil

This option utilizes an old-school crafting technique. Start by wrapping the gift in brown paper. Then, cut used tissue paper into small squares, 1.5″ x 1.5″. Use a round item, like a drinking glass, to trace three, staggered circles onto the front of your gift. Then, draw on the wires and tops for your ornaments. Using craft glue, slowly add your small tissue paper squares to the circle. (Step-by-step instructions for this method are HERE.) Once you fill in each circle, the design is complete. Finish by writing the recipient’s name with a Sharpie marker. The options for this design are limitless! You can trace and fill any Christmas shape.

Simple Gift Wrapping Tips

By cutting your gift wrapping paper back to one color, your storage should go down significantly. It creates a blank slate to design new gift decorations for every occasion. With time, you’ll find this method helps you use up old bows, ribbons, flowers and tags because everything matches the simple background. Then, you can switch up your decorations from season to season using whatever supplies inspire you. Below is a roundup of some of my favorite ways to wrap brown paper packages.

Do you use brown paper to wrap your gifts? Comment with your photos.