I just want to share two quick ideas for making your wrapping and shipping easier.

For oddly shaped presents, gift bags are a great solution.  Tuck a little colored tissue paper in around the gift and you are good to go.  Gift bags are also a great solution when you are travelling by plane.  You can’t carry wrapped gifts on the plane and they are liable to be opened if they are in checked baggage.  With a gift bag, the TSA can make sure the gift is safe without destroying your wrapping.  To save money, look for gift bags at the dollar store.  You won’t have quite so large a selection, but they do have some lovely seasonal bags.

If you are trying to ship a gift basket, I recommend shrink wrap instead of regular cellophane to package the basket.  It will give a more professional look and will keep your gifts safer.  Shrink wrap is available at any craft store.  You can buy shrink wrap in one of two ways — as a bag or in a roll.  You can get one or more bags in a single package.  A roll will wrap six medium baskets.  If you are using a bag, put the basket in the bag and tape it down. I recommend putting the top of the basket into the closed end so that you can tape the bag down underneath. You use the roll of shrink wrap the same way you use regular gift wrap, except not quite as tight.  Once the shrink wrap is taped in place, turn a blow dryer on low heat and slowly pass it over the surface of the shrink wrap. As it is heated, the top layer of the shrink wrap contracts and holds everything in place.  Each basket takes less than five minutes.  It’s easy and it makes your baskets look very professional.  Add a bow and you’re good to go.