How Not to Make a Bow

It Doesn't Have to be Ribbon

Dec 24, 2007 Mary Welling-Bonney

So many people struggle to make a beautiful bow for the top of their package to make it look stunning.

People spend so much money and time on the bow. But did you ever think that maybe it doesn't need to be a bow?

We can top our presents with anything we want. There are no bow police that are going to arrest you for not using a traditional bow. You can intrigue someone even more by attaching something less traditional to the top of the present.

Here is a list of some ideas you can use. Make your own or use any on the list.

If you are giving someone a new cooking pan, why not tie a new spatula and ladle in the center on top of the package.
If you are giving someone a DVD, why not add a gift card to allow them to purchase another on the top? Or how about a box or package of microwave popcorn?
If you are giving someone a sweater, use a pin or brooch as a bow.
If you are giving a book as a gift, use a bookmark or a gift card to their favorite bookstore.
If you are giving someone a robe, use the coordinating slippers for a bow.
If you are giving tools, use a couple of screw drivers or a measuring tape for a bow.
If you are giving a baby outfit, use a rattle or booties on top of the package.
In giving an IPod, use an ITune card or accessory as a bow.
If giving an electronic game system like Wii or Playstation, use a gift card to the store where they could buy their favorite game.
If giving a scarf, boots or hat, use gloves or mittens as the bow.
If you are giving a to a crafter, use stampers or a crafting tool as a bow regardless of what is in the package.
If you are giving a tackle box, use lures as a bow.
If your gift is to someone whose pet is very important to them, add a treat for the pet as a bow.
If you are giving a stereo, add a CD they would enjoy or Christmas music.
If you are giving sports equipment, put trading cards on the top as a bow.
If you are giving shoes, use a nice or festive pair of socks.

For any gift you can either use a related item as a teaser as to what is in the package or use an ornament that celebrates something special that happened for that person within the past year. You can even use an unrelated item to surprise someone even more. Make the bow so the recipient thinks he knows exactly what is in the package only to have the present different. Imagine giving your son a gift with a pair of socks on the top. Imagine his surprise when he opens the game system he has been begging for. Just have fun. That's supposed to be what Christmas is for.

The copyright of the article How Not to Make a Bow in Crafts is owned by Mary Welling-Bonney. Permission to republish How Not to Make a Bow in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.