Creative Gift Wrap Tips

Cleveland, Ohio (November 2007) – Whether you have time on your side this holiday season or you’re time-starved, the gift wrap experts at American Greetings have a few ideas for prettying up your packages. Start by thinking beyond the box (literally) this Christmas.

Early-bird Ideas - When you have the time to wrap packages with a special touch, use it to dress up your gifts to ensure that they express the thoughtfulness that went into choosing them. H ere are some ways to add warmth, texture and color to gifts with extra special meaning:

Christmas coziness – Ribbon and bows are redefined when you turn trendy scarves and mittens into package decorations. New or gently used scarves can act like “ribbon” while mittens and gloves continue the cozy theme as “bows.” The little extras not only make packages special; when combined with recyclable gift wrap from American Greetings, your gift is earth-friendly as well.
Using gifts as gift wrap – How can you turn a kitchen or entertaining standard like a set of wine glasses or a small appliance into the most intriguing gift under the tree? Wrap it up in a festive tablecloth (affixed with fabric tape) and accessorize with a set of napkins on top. Handmade napkin rings can be easily created from craft materials around your home.

Last-Minute Wrapping Tips – Even when the holidays are fast approaching, there are plenty of last-minute gift wrap solutions that will make it look like your shopping was done with plenty of time to spare.

Grab a bag, for goodness sake – Gift bags are an easy option for adding style to any present thanks to the finishings and details that make them much more than just a glorified shopping bag. American Greetings gift bags come in every size, shape and color to perfectly fit any gift. Look for extra special touches, like fabric attachments and 3D features, for extra special gifts and recipients, and don’t forget the tissue.
Fabric and fuzzy fun – If you prefer a less crafty option, an easy way to make your presents look and feel special is to incorporate fabric or textured ribbon. While shopping for wrap this season, stop by the fabric department and pick up a spool of complimentary ribbon. You can also find fun, fuzzy, pipe cleaner-style ribbon, which is easy to work into bows and other creations thanks to its wire core, in the gift wrap aisle.
When all else fails, reach for plastic – Whether a gift card was carefully selected to reflect the recipient’s favorite store or activity or it was simply the easiest, last-minute option, American Greetings gift card holders couple these popular plastic gifts with more than just “To” and “From” by adding style and a personal message.

Look for American Greetings gift wrap and gift card products at drug stores, grocery stores and super centers nationwide as well as American Greetings and Carlton Cards retail stores.

About American Greetings Corporation
American Greetings Corporation (NYSE: AM) is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of social expressions products and greeting cards. Its product lines include gift wrap, party goods, stationery, calendars, ornaments and electronic greetings. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, American Greetings generates annual net sales of approximately $1.7 billion. For more information on the company, visit http://corporate.americangreetings.com.