Of course, it’s what’s inside that counts the most, but how much lovelier is the gift of a holiday treat when it’s presented in one of these DIY packages? Follow our easy step-by-step directions for six different gift-wrap.

Reindeer Bag

 

1. Cut the sides out of a paper bag. (The bag will now lie flat.)

2. Using white paper, cut out 2 egg shapes, roughly 1½ x ¾ inches (4 x 2 cm) each, for the eyes.

3. Using black paper, cut out 2 ovals, roughly ½ x ¼ inch (1 cm x 5 mm) each, for the pupils.

4. Using brown paper or corrugated cardboard, cut out 1 oval, roughly 2½ x 1¼ inches (6 x 3 cm), for the nose.

5. Using hot glue, affix a red pompom to the nose.

6. Using hot glue, affix the eyes to the nose, then affix the nose halfway up the bag.

7. Fill a cellophane bag (the same size as the paper bag) with “reindeer droppings.”

8. Slide the cellophane bag inside the paper bag. Holding the tops of both bags together, fold down twice. Press the folds closed, using a drop of hot glue in the centre of the bag.

9. Hot glue a twig to the back of each side of the bag (or inside the fold on each side) for the antlers.

Slide filled cellophane bag inside paper bag.

Brownie Bag

 

 

Illustration: Alanna Cavanagh

1. Insert the brownie into a decorative paper cup. Cut a paper straw to the desired length; insert it as close to the centre as possible.

2. Place a 9- x 6-inch (23 x 15 cm) piece of cellophane on a work surface with 1 long side facing you. Lay the brownie on its side with the bottom facing you, leaving 1 inch (2.5 cm) of cellophane at the bottom. Using double-sided tape, affix 1 short end of the cellophane to the seam of the cup. Roll up and affix the other short end with tape. Fold the underhang under the cup, affix to the bottom with tape. Gather the cellophane halfway up the straw; using tape, affix it to the straw.

3. Tie a bow around the top of the cellophane to secure.

Phyllo Cigar Cone

 

Illustration: Alanna Cavanagh

1. Cut an 8- to 10-inch (20 to 25 cm) square sheet of medium-weight decorative paper into a circle, then cut the circle into 3 equal wedges.

2. Working with 1 wedge at a time, hold the tip of the wedge and roll the paper into a cone. Secure using double-sided tape.

3. Line the cone with plastic wrap, if desired, and fill with phyllo cigars.

4. Decorate with ribbon and affix a gift tag.

Cookie Tray

 

Illustration: Alanna Cavanagh

1. Place 3 cookies in a row on a piece of corrugated cardboard. Trace a rectangle around the cookies; cut along the outline. Trim both of the short ends to create rounded edges.

2. Cut cellophane into a rectangle wide enough to wrap around the cookies and long enough to leave a 1-inch (2.5 cm) overhang on each end of the row.

3. Affix 1 long side of the cellophane to the underside of the cardboard.

4. Place the cookies on top of the cardboard. Wrap the cellophane around the cookies; affix the other long side of the cellophane to the underside of the cardboard using double-sided tape.

5. Pinch the ends of the cellophane closed. Tie each end with ribbon or coloured wire.

Bonbon Cone

 

Illustration: Alanna Cavanagh

1. Cut light- or medium-weight decorative paper into 8 1/2-inch (21 cm) squares.
2. Working with 1 square at a time, hold the bottom left corner and roll it into a cone. (You'll end up with a flap at the top.) Secure the flap using double-sided tape.
3. Line the cone with plastic wrap, if desired. Fill with bonbons.
4. Fold the top flap over and affix with double-sided tape.
5. Decorate with a ribbon or a cord and affix a gift tag.

Truffle Box

 

Illustration: Alanna Cavanagh

1. Cut the box templates out of heavy kraft paper or card stock.
2. To decorate, working on what will be the inside and outside walls, place double-sided tape, pinked double-sided tape or glue dots in the desired pattern.
3. Place silver leaf over the sticky areas (it will adhere immediately). Using a small paintbrush or sponge applicator, remove excess silver leaf. (Alternatively, cover with sparkles.)
4. Fold the boxes and, using double-sided tape, affix the tabs inside the appropriate folds.
5. Using the same kraft paper or card stock, cut out a 9- x 2 1/2-inch (23 x 5 cm) rectangle and place it in the bottom of the box.
6. Fill the box with truffles. Decorate with ribbon and ornaments of your choice.