Tuck a small gift into an envelope you can make yourself in five minutes. Just cut four circles out of card stock, fold each one over, and glue them together in an overlapping pattern. Wrap the envelope with a ribbon, and voilà — simple elegance.

Paper grocery bags can take on a new life as beautiful handmade gift wrap. Cut them to size, decorate them with stickers or stamps, use a little yarn to make an appealing, appropriate bow, and you'll have the satisfaction of giving the Earth a gift too.

Slip a bottle of wine into the sleeve of an old sweater. Stitch the cut end closed, leaving the cuff for the top. Tie it with a ribbon, and it’ll be the classiest gift bag at the party.

Cover a coffee can or oatmeal canister in construction paper or felt. Decorate it with any bits and pieces you have around, and top it with a bow to create the perfect gift box for baked goods, small toys, or a homemade game.

Put your origami skills to work with this easy DIY gift bag. All you need are two sheets of newspaper, glue, card stock, and a ribbon or string for a handle. Cut, cut, fold, fold, glue — and you’re good to go.

Reuse a tissue box for a quick, uncomplicated gift wrap. Many of the square decorator boxes are pretty enough to use without being covered. Just attach a large bow or other adornment over the hole in the top, and the gift will be as easy to open as it was to wrap.

Stretch colorful rubber bands over plain kraft or butcher paper for a unique and fun-to-open present. No two gifts will look the same, and who couldn’t use more rubber bands?

Put those fabric remnants to good use. You need only a small bit of fabric and the most basic sewing skills to stitch together a few one-of-a-kind fabric gifts bags. Use up your leftover ribbon for the drawstrings, bedeck the bags with buttons, and bring on good cheer.

Customize an old tin with a personal message. An appropriate tin—easy to find in thrift shops—and a can of chalkboard spray paint are all you need to accomplish this makeover. Endlessly reuseable, the package is a gift in itself.

Dress up the classic lunch bag to make a rustic and handsome little pouch. Some twine or ribbon and a sprig of greenery (either fresh or painted) make this ubiquitous staple special — and superb for gift giving.

If you're interested in more DIY projects, consider: 

5 Things to Do with... Bottle Caps

25 Insanely Easy-to-Make Holiday Ornaments

5 Things to Do with... Mason Jars