It doesn't have to be. You know people who in a pinch used newspaper of tin foil to wrap a gift. While I don't suggest you do that, I do want you to think outside the box.
Have you ever considered using a silk scarf for giftwrap? How about using some fabric or fur? Gift wrap doesn't have to look like gift wrap anymore. How about making one mini quilt for one of each of the kids presents. If you do this each year, the quilt will grow. It can be a new year's tradition to attach all of them to the previous quilts.
What about giving your crafter some scrapbook paper or fabric and wrap it with part of the gift? Have you ever recieved a gift in a fancy box? You keep the box. The same applies when the wrap is valued. We just traditionally use paper and throw it away.
Have you ever made someone a scrapbook? You know they are going to want to take it from place to place and show off their wedding or babies pictures. Why not make the wrap as a special box or tote that allows them to do this while protecting the book?
Wrap isn't just to discard anymore. Make it part of the gift.
"Copyright 2006, Mary Welling-Bonney & Suite 101. All rights reserved. Any unauthorized use will constitute an infringement of copyright."
related articles:
Embossing with Stencil and stylus
History of Christmas Ornaments
Chair decorations for the holiday
Ornaments to use or give as gifts
gift bags for the kids to make