Buckets, baskets and boxes are my favorites too. But, as stated, most people end up with the container they never use. Try wrapping a couple of jars in a dish towel, cloth napkins, tablecloth, etc. Furoshiki is a japanese wrapping cloth and if you google it, you get lots of ideas!! The whole gift is then useable and no paper into the landfill. You can still add ribbons or raffia for more "oomph" if you want. It's fun hunting the thrift stores for silk scarves, linens, etc. but you can use cotton fabric too. Hem the edges and it's a table topper afterward (or napkin, depending on the size). Deanna Here is a link that might be useful: furoshiki

Growing up our Christmas tree was always colored lights and a hodge podge of ornaments usually with our names (sister and I) on them. We'd get ornaments every year. Since there was so much going on with the tree we pretty much used whatever wrapping papers we liked. There were always tons to pick from and honestly it all looked good. Now I decorate a small tree with my ornaments the same as when I was growing up and it still makes me smile. Very homey and reminds me of my childhood. BUT, the big tree we have (did our first one last year) since there were only a few ornament colors I picked wrapping paper to match because honestly it would've bugged me. This year we changed the blue ornaments to red so it's red, white, silver, cream and I bought different paper to coordinate. Years from now when we finally have kids I'm sure all this matchy, matchy perfection stuff might go out the window!

Love that victorian lady nite lite. I can't blame you for wanting to have her for your own home. In the event you don't win, (which I think is unlikely because your present is beautifully decorated), I hope she will still be available to purchase another. I just went on the website to order one for my DM. The victorian lady matches my parents MBR/MB decor, and will definitely be a great accent to their MB while providing a bit of light for a late nite trip to the MB. You can't beat the price either. I was wondering if you set a limit on spending for your exchange? We do a Yankee Swap on Christmas day before dinner. There is a $25 limit. It's been a hit, but we keep it to fun and the odd - off the beaten path-type gifts. The gifts have to be suitable for both a man or a woman. My DB is the best at finding the "fun" gifts. I am trying to give him a run for his money this year, lol. One year I wrapped a leopard snuggie, and that present was stolen several times. Why, I've no idea as I think I would trip and kill myself trying to walk in the snuggie. I think my DSIL eventually got the snuggie and she is a mere 5 ft. tall. I have 2 of my 3 swap gifts purchased for this year. Need an idea for the 3rd. Wow, the guys doing a present decorating contest. Now that will be such fun to see. Make sure to take pics of all of the presents before they've been opened. I would love to see the creativity of those you're up against. I think you're not giving yourself enough credit. Your present looks great. Very pretty, and creative with the pretty paper, elegant ribbon and the berries and pic in the middle. Can't wait to hear about your contest results.

As long as I didn't have to clean up the mess of the shredded paper, I didn't mind wrapped. I kind of enjoyed wrapping gifts. But I do think it's a waste of money and other resources. Better to use the comics or something. You can get creative in wrapping. My sister was the first to start using bags and cheapo that I am, I'd save and reuse them. We'd give the same bag back and forth. Now I use the reusable shopping bags more and more for gift bags. It's an extra gift in itself. As far as what I'd prefer to receive? An envelope. Stuffed with cash. Large denominations. As I've said before, THERE'S a thoughtful gift! You may wrap it in money if you want. Or use cash for the tissue too if you like. Christmas is approaching. Feel free to send anytime. It's cheaper to ship too!