Last holiday season was our first out of college - in other words, we were broke. We didn't bring any leftover wrapping materials when we moved to North Carolina so rather than shelling out the cash for multiple types of wrapping paper, matching bows, and assorted bags, I bought a big roll of brown kraft paper for five bucks. I used it with leftover craft materials like twine, glitter, velvet ribbon, and a glue pen for all our gifts last year (see here). It held up great when we traveled and it had a sort of rustic and traditional feel to it.
Considering I still have yards of that stuff, I'll be re-using it this year, but I want to incorporate a few different elements. Here are some of my favorite ideas I've found. If you need more wrapping inspiration, check out my 'That's a wrap.' Board on my Pinterest.
Tiny white polka dots. source Bakers string and a button. source Doodle with Sharpies and white out pens. source Super-cool reversible silver and kraft paper. source