Gift cards don't have to be a last-resort present.
For some people, one of the greatest gifts you can get is the opportunity to shop for something fun -- so gift cards are some of the best things to receive during the holidays.
Plus, a little creativity can make the experience of unwrapping a gift card just as exciting as unwrapping a huge, elaborate present.
1. Origami Envelope
Materials:
Paper
Scissors (optional)
Tape (optional)
Twine or Ribbon (optional)
Step One:
If your paper is a little too big, cut it down to size. It should fold over four times and still be slightly wider than your gift card. Make sure your paper is a perfect square.
Step Two:
With the color-side of the paper down, fold in half, crease well and unfold again. Then fold the right side and the left side, also making a crease and unfolding again. You should have four equal columns in your paper.
Step Three:
Fold in one corner to meet the first vertical line. Repeat for all four corners.
Step Four:
Fold the right and left sides to meet at the center line.
Step Five:
Fold the top and bottom edges to the center of the paper, until you see the center point of the "V" shape on the other side of the paper. Tuck one edge into the other edge.
Step Six:
At this point, you can place your gift card into your envelope. Fold over the envelope like a wallet and tape in the center (if you prefer).
You can also tie twine or a ribbon in the middle for extra flair.
2. Candy Jar Hideout
Materials:
A jar
Candy
Gift card
Twine or ribbon
Step One:
Fill your jar with your candy of choice. Try not to fill it up too much so you can still get your gift card in.
Step Two:
Hide your gift card in the center of the candy for a classic fake-out.
Step Three:
Close up the jar and add a ribbon for a sweet gift.
3. Paper Towel Roll Pillow Box
Materials:
Paper towel roll
Decorative paper
Tape
Twine or ribbon
Scissors
Decorative buttons or ornaments (optional)
Step One:
If needed, cut your roll down to the appropriate size. It will need to be slightly larger than your gift card plus about an inch for folding. Flatten your roll to make it easier for folding.
Step Two:
To make the pouch, tuck one edge in, making a slight curve shape. Do the same on all sides. You can place your gift card inside your pouch while you're folding.
Step Three:
Measure and cut some decorative paper and wrap it around your roll. Tape if necessary.
Step Four:
As an option, you can string some buttons or ornaments on a string or ribbon and tie it around the pillow box.
4. Felt Envelope
Materials:
Felt
Embroidery thread
Tapestry needle
Button
Sharpie
Hot glue or craft glue
Step One:
Place your gift card on your fabric. Using the Sharpie, trace a pattern that resembles a flattened manila envelope -- with four flaps that will ultimately fold over each other. On the sides, you should have one flap that is nearly as wide as your card and another that is slightly skinnier. On the top and bottom, the flaps should be fairly thin, about half an inch. Make your edges rounded off.
Step Two:
Fold over your side flaps so they overlap. Using a simple stitch, sew a straight seam down the middle. When you reach the end, tie off a knot.
Step Three:
For the bottom flap, use a simple stitch to sew a faux seam. Tie off the end with a knot. Using your craft glue, apply a line to the edge and fold over to close the bottom hole.
Step Four:
For the top flap, sew another faux seam.
Step Five:
Sew a button near the bottom of the envelope. Then, tack some embroidery floss to the top flap, leaving a long tail that can wrap around your button to close the flap.
5. Glitter Box
Materials:
Altoids tin or jewelry box
Glitter
Mod Podge
Glaze
Paintbrush
Ribbon
Step One:
Apply a thin, even coat of Mod Podge to your tin. You can cover as little or as much of the tin as you like, depending on how much glitter you would like to cover the surface.
Step Two:
Pour a pile of glitter onto a safe surface (use a paper plate if necessary) and gently dip your tin into it to get heavy coverage. If you need to, use your brush to add another layer of Mod Podge and glitter.
Step Three:
Let your Mod Podge dry. Then, spray on your glaze. Allow the glaze to dry for at least 24 hours. Once it is completely dry, you can place your gift card and tie a ribbon around the top for a sparkly gift they can keep.