That's a Wrap

Hi. My name is Amanda, and I'm addicted to wrapping gifts.

Ok, I feel better now.

I just finished wrapping my first few Christmas gifts and I am very excited about it! I like wrapping other people's gifts almost more than I like opening my own. There's something about the idea of transforming a plain box into a thing of beauty. The paper, the ribbon... It's like a work of art. I've even been guilty of wrapping empty boxes just to put under the tree.

Anyway, here's a look. I used some iridescent craft ribbon I already had on hand to tie a couple of pretty bows. Simple enough. But then I glammed them up by adding a dangly "charm" in the form of a mini, mega-sparkly star ornament from Crate & Barrel. I think I may wince in silent pain just a little when it comes time for the recipients to tear their gift open.

I can't help but give a little sigh of satisfaction every time I look under the tree. These little packages are so purty, I thought they each deserved their own glamour shot. (Sorry the pics are a little washed out... my camera sucks.)

I love how the ornaments add a little extra embellishment, but also double as another mini-gift. And if it's sparkly, that's even better in my book. There are so many cute ornaments out there, it's such an easy (and inexpensive) way to add some personality to each present. I also really like these colorful light bulbs from Crate & Barrel (just under $1 each!), which would make perfect gift charms, too.

And just for fun, here's another picture of the presents... with our cat Phoebe peeking out from behind them. One of her favorite places to lounge during the holidays is under the tree, especially when there are presents to hide behind! I'm sure this will be the first of many Phoebe-sightings on my blog. 

Wrapping gifts: do you love it or hate it? How do you accessorize them? And most importantly, am I a total dork for being more excited about what's on the outside than on the inside?