I believe I would think this over more carefully. If I recall correctly, the reason for avoiding color and shiney paper in the past was because of the inks involved to make it appear as it does. I believe they contained lead or something. Many of todays newspapers, etc. are now printed with lead-free ink. When it comes to wrapping paper, I do not know what is in the ink they use. If it is made in a foreign country, It is very possible it may contain lead and probably be best to keep it out of compost for edibles etc. Just food for thought, Les

We're planning a closet -- typical hall closet size -- that'll have a lock instead of a doorknob; thus, it'll be accessible only to me and my husband. This closet'll have shelves top to bottom, and maybe basket type shelves on the inside of the door for bows, ribbons and so forth. The closet will serve a couple purposes: - gun safe - purchased-ahead gifts - gift wrap - a small amount of cash that we keep on hand As for buying ahead, I do pretty well with it. It's rare that I buy something that just sits around forever and ends up at Goodwill. When I wrap things, I just do basic wrap and use a sticky note to remind me what the item is. I add the bow at the last minute so that I can stack boxes without messing up th wrappers. I like the idea of putting your gift wrap items near the dining room. Practical and efficient.

Posted by Toomuchglass: Every Christmas I end up giving out a few Gift certificates - but I HATE just handing a plain old envelope to the person. Do you have any creative ways to "wrap" one ? **My one & only creative wrap job was a plastic soda bottle with the certificate & irridized easter grass in it.** I'm just not creative when it comes to wrapping ! Posted by Red_Confetti: I've seen a pop-up card with a hand inside into which you can put money (or a folded up gift certificate). Of course you could make the hand with a man's dress suit sleeve and shirt cuff showing, or a lady's wrist with jeweled bracelet, etc. When you open the card, the hand swivels up (or out, can't remember which) with the 'gift' in it. Posted by Sewbeit: I have used Mylar balloons from the dollar store. Just cut the opening larger to accomodate the gift card, fill with air and seal up with a small rubberband. I have also recycled Mylar balloons for this purpose. Attach a ribbon and Voila' - it's different. Laura Posted by Toomuchglass: I'll tell you the Creative ways I got gift certs --- maybe this can get your creative juices flowing to think of more ways! (1)Certificate Inside a jar of pennies that was glued so tightly shut that I couldn't get it open !! (2) I got money once ... it was $10 worth of quarters rolled up in a strip of masking tape .... (3) A gift certificate really well sealed in saran wrap -- inside a jar of jelly .. (4) A gift certificate inside the biggest wrapped box inside of the Big Box--a Smaller box--and an ever smaller box -- then the tiniest box .. there was the certificate inside ! Posted by Red_Confetti: *Roll up the gift certificate and slide it inside a balloon. Inflate the balloon and tie off (certificate will be visible inside balloon), along with a few other balloons. Use the balloon bouquet to decorate a wrapped box. Inside the box is just a (straight sewing) pin to use to pop the balloon to get the gift certificate. *Carefully open the bottom of a box of Cracker Jacks. Put gift certificate inside plastic bag and place inside with crackerjacks. Reseal bottom. Gift wrap the box. *Slip gift certificate into plastic sandwich bag. Carefully open box of cereal that usually has a surprise or toy. Reseal bottom. Gift wrap the cereal. Posted by chinacat_sunflower: my favorite trick is to use the gift card as a book mark- a Home Despot card in a home repair book, an Icky Vicky's card in a bodice-ripper, one for a restaurant in a cook book... sometimes, they're so thrilled with the book that I get a phone call several days later to the effect of 'I didn't even notice the card until today- it was like getting two birthdays!' Posted by LoganHogan: This isn't as great as the others mentioned but every year I recycle the Christmas cards I've received. I buy the craft bags at Dollar tree, ETC and hot glue the the card front to the bag then I attach a really nice handmade bow that could be put on a wreath etc. I've used small cards on small bags with gift certificates and I usually included a new christmas ornament too. Susan in Bama

Idaclaire, I like the idea of the box offering clues. She'll be getting other things, besides the tickets, so I can use that idea on another gift. Funky, The only presents I give are to 2 friends and then I help my husband wrap the things he gets for his 3 family members, so it's not too many things to wrap. I don't enjoy gift giving, or receiving, but I like trying to jazz up the gifts with creativity. I know you are a very generous and thoughtful gift-giver and I'm sure people are happy to receive any of your gifts, even if presented without a theme. Maddielee, I've never heard of a ticket journal or diary. Not being very sentimental I don't save ticket stubs but my husband does. I wonder if he would like to organize his stubs into something like that. Hmmm. Satine, I happen to have a box of colorful felt, just rediscovered on Sunday as a matter of fact, so creating a ticket holder has some potential. I'm experimenting freezing a mock-up ticket to a hockey game in a block of ice. If it works it will be epic! One thing I do know about myself is my vision is rarely achieved. I'm not nearly as creative as I want to be. Keep the ideas coming!