DIY Stamped Christmas Wrapping Paper

When it comes to gift giving, the thought behind the gift is what people remember most. When handed a gift, people notice how it's presented. A gift that goes a step further with handmade, DIY-stamped gift wrap turns heads and makes the receiver feel a little more special.

This project is easy enough for a beginner, although it will require some whittling with a carving knife or crafting blade. Depending on how elaborate you want to get with your stamp design, it can take an hour or two. A young child can't do that part, but you can enlist a child to assist with the next part: the stamping, which children of all ages love to do.

Whether you like getting your DIY on or find yourself with a gift but no wrapping paper, this project is a fun and creative way to package your holiday presents. The hand-carved stamps create a unique pattern on simple kraft paper, a technique you can use repeatedly. You can customize this idea for any celebration or season, even after the holidays.

Before You Begin

Carving stamps is an art, but don't let that intimidate or discourage you from trying it. You can make stamps by carving erasers or even potatoes.

Children are often taught to start with potatoes cut in half; you can substitute potatoes, carrots, or even pieces of orange peel cut into the desired shape if you don't have erasers. You can conveniently source kraft paper in brown or white from crafting stores, office supply retailers, and online sites. And, if you don't have a stamp pad handy, you can also use acrylic, water-based, or finger paints as the inking medium.

With some basic materials that you may already have, along with a few simple techniques, you can dip a toe into the art of hand-carved stamps to test your skill.