The Ultimate Wrap for Every Occasion! Word Search Universal Wrapping Paper

While my dream home will always include a healthy gift wrap stash, if I had to stock it with just one wrap, it would most definitely be this one.

Created by Italian designers Fabio Milito and Francesca Guidotti, Wordless Wrap is a whimsical word search wrapping paper that has you covered for every occasion. The pair dreamt up the idea shortly after Christmas when they found themselves wrapping a birthday gift, with only holiday wrap on hand.

They were quite thorough, and quite clever, with their creation too. The underside of the wrap (the inside) includes the word search solutions so you can easily spot the 20 different greetings and occasions on the wrap. There’s everything from “Happy Birthday” to “I Miss You” to “It is not a tie”. (ha!)

The wrap ships from Italy and is sold in sheets. Stock up now so you’re prepared for every celebration the year brings!

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Wordless Universal Wrapping Paper - Word Search Solutions

Wordless Universal Wrapping Paper - Merry Christmas

Wordless Universal Word Search Wrapping Paper - Two-Sided Solutions

Give & Tell

Give & Tell with Chris Gardner of ManMadeDIY

Writer and maker Chris Gardner is is the main man at ManMadeDIY, a crafting blog for guys (though this gal really digs it too). He’s also the editor at Curbly.com, a community of people who make things for their homes. As Chris explains, “ManMade recognizes that all sorts of creative outlets can be realized by, for, and with men. Rosie can rivet, Chris can craft, and all demographics can DIY!”

I’m been a big fan of Chris’s creative how-tos and crafty finds from around the web. In the spirit of the holidays, a couple posts of his you’ll want to checkout are Why You Have to Make Egg Nog… and How to Do It, How to Make Modern Perforated Tabletop Christmas Trees, and How to: Turn a Tacky Glitter Reindeer into an AWESOME Glitter Reindeer.

Oh and while you’re at it, don’t miss Curbly’s mega set of holiday roundups like 10 Other Places to Hang Your Christmas Stockings, or their rad gift guides like 30 Hip Design Gifts Under $25. Here he is sharing gifting tips and tales as only Chris can—thanks so much Chris!

Have you ever done any sneaky research to determine the right gift for someone?

Oh my, yes. I’m a total trickster when figuring out preferences or sizes for gifts. My masterpiece was giving someone a hug while secretly holding a tape measure. I also made up an elaborate story to snag my sweetheart’s fingerprint to make some original art for Valentine’s Day last year, and have managed to use calipers to figure out her exact finger size while she was taking a nap.

Could you share a wrapping secret with us?

I think brown kraft paper will never get old. It looks amazing simply tied up with string, but can be customized in all sorts of fun ways. Last year, I cut out the recipient’s name from old books I got for ten cents at the thrift store and simply glued them on. I also figured out a way to make custom gift “envelopes” by sandwiching the gift between two layers of craft paper and stitching it shut with a zig-zag stitch on my sewing machine.

Plus, it matches regular brown paper sandwich bags for those small or bulk gifts, which can look amazing with a simple stamp or hand-printed gift tag.
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Gift it

Make Their Day All Year Long: 15 Calendars for 2012!

2012 tea towel calendar

2012 Tea Towel Calendar from Flytrap

Well friends, another year is quickly coming to a close. This is a time for reflection, examination, and resolution; time to take stock of all we did, said, hoped for and achieved in 2011. But it’s also time to plan and pave the way for a new year and what better way to kick that off than with a brand new 2012 calendar? Not only are they great items to treat yourself with and keep you organized, they also make great gifts. Here is our 2012 calendar round-up for just about everyone on your list!

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2012 Rustic Letterpress Calendar by Yeehaw Industries

Wrap it

How to Make DIY Gift Bows from Recycled Magazines!

DIY Recycled Magazine Bows

DIY Recycled Magazine Bows, photo from Whole Living

From newspapers to paper grocery bags, there are plenty of ways to wrap your gift in recycled materials–but recycled magazine bows?? That’s pure genius, people! The crafty folks over at Martha Stewart-owned Whole Living created this clever tutorial for turning your old glossies into colorful, hand-made gift toppers. You’ll need about one page per bow and some double-sided tape. Grab those then head over to Whole Living to see how this eco-friendly craft comes together!

(h/t 100 Layer Cake)

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Wrap it

12 Pretty Packages to Inspire Your Holiday Gift-Wrapping!

Pretty packages galore! Tied up with everything from string to bows, pompoms to lace, and even recycled produce bags, these clever gift wrapping ideas are sure to get your creative juices flowing. Happy gift giving!

12 Pretty Packages to Inspire Your Holiday Gift-Wrapping!

1. Braided Yarn and Felt Leaves from Danielle Thompson

2. Colorful Packaging and DIY Embellishments from Oh, Hello Friend

3. Miu Miu-Inspired Glitter and Velvet Gift Wrap from Ambrosia Creative

4. Re-purposed Produce Packaging as Ribbon from Tokketok

12 Pretty Packages to Inspire Your Holiday Gift-Wrapping!

5. Calligraphy-Inspired News Years Gifts from Shim Tokk

6. Paper Snowflake Gift Wrap from How About Orange

7. Hand-Drawn Gift Wrap from Mini-Eco

8. Creative Hardware Store Embellishments from Lowes Creative

12 Pretty Packages to Inspire Your Holiday Gift-Wrapping!

9. Feather and String Packaging from In Haus Press (h/t Oh, Hello Friend)

10. Pompoms and Jingle Bells Gift Wrap from Danielle Thompson

11. Beautiful Color Combo Ideas from The Purl Bee

12. Re-purposed Trader Joe’s Grocery Bags from A Creative Mint

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Apple & Cherry & Pumpkin – OH MY – It’s the Holidays, Let’s Make Pie!

Pies made with the Breville Personal Pie Maker

Ever hear the term “all the rage?” It’s often used to refer to current trending items or topics. Lucky for us, pies are “all the rage” every year. Fall is in full swing, and winter is creeping just around the corner and what better way to ward off those harsh cold nights than with pie? Particularly with the holidays in full swing, pies are more popular than ever this time of year and whether you’re a natural Martha Stewart in the kitchen or deathly afraid of baking, we’ve got you covered!

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