Giving is a joy, no matter the season. The following applies: the eye is happy too. No matter what's inside: creative packaging is twice as much fun. It doesn't always have to be a bow and pre-bought wrapping paper. Here we'll tell you simple tricks that will transform packages into small and large works of art in no time.

Gifts are wonderful things that don't really need a reason. Even beyond Christmas, birthdays and anniversaries, loved ones deserve attention. And what counts most is the gesture itself: “Look, I was thinking of you” – we send this message with every gift.

And of course the optics also count. What wrapping paper was used, are there any cute details like bows or ribbons or small folded works of art? Speaking of which: nowhere is gift packaging more important than in Japan. No matter what you buy there, it will be packed and handed over with dedication. Let's let it inspire us!

With these simple tricks, your gifts will also be an eye-catcher!

1. We usually wrap the gift in a suitable piece of wrapping paper, following the principle: fold it towards the middle - fix it - fold the remaining ends into a triangle - fix it. New folding techniques bring variety. It doesn't have to be Japanese origami... Homemade folding boxes are also a nice alternative to ready-made ones.

2. Instead of using gift ribbon, packages can also be decorated in other ways. With feathers, for example, or confetti, pine cones, tinsel... be creative!

3. It's all about the money? Then please don't just put it in an envelope. Instead, fill a screw-top jar with sand, paper umbrellas and shells, roll up the banknotes and the Happy Beach is ready!

4. Even boring wrapping paper makes its grand appearance with a white lace dress. To do this, cut the lace and carefully attach it with craft glue. So cute!

5. It doesn't always have to be store-bought wrapping paper. Take a look at what else you can find at home. The pages of an old atlas, for example, can be wonderfully converted into a gift for globetrotters. Flower lovers will be happy about the pages from a plant identification book, children will be happy about animal posters...

6. Instead of wrapping paper, most things can just as easily be wrapped with fabric. A piece of yarn in a matching color around it – and you’re done!

7. A gift tag ensures that nothing gets mixed up and your aunt doesn't end up with the toy car that was intended for the little brother. Instead of just writing the name on a tag, you can print out a photo of the recipient and attach it to the package. Small effort – but big impact!

8. An original idea for little and big boys: stick a piece of black cardboard on the package, draw lines with a white felt-tip pen and stick a toy car on the resulting “road”.

9. A rose in 3D? It's very easy. To do this, roll up several colored Post-Its on a round object and secure the ends with glue. A dear person will be happy about it, and not just on Valentine’s Day!

10. How about a tie for dad? Then simply loop it around the package - instead of gift ribbon. By the way, it also works with suspenders and ensures a guaranteed wow effect.

And one more tip at the end: If the recipient doesn't tear the paper out of sheer impatience, it can easily be used several times. Save the planet!