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Busy families looking for unique and creative gift wrap ideas, this one’s for you. Discover how to transform everyday containers like cans, pots, and jars into stunning, personalized gifts.
🥫 Cans
Types: Recycled popcorn can, large juice can, galvanized buckets, vegetable cans, potato chip cans, or new empty paint cans
- Using paint designed for metal, paint on a base coat. When dry, paint on a design or use a stencil
- Crackle-finish a can
- Wrap with strips of fabric or ribbon
- Glue on wooden cutouts
- Decoupage on a picture
- Wrapping paper. Measure the size of can and add 1/2″ to width. Cut out wrapping paper to the measured size. Apply spray adhesive to the wrong side of paper. Apply to can.
- Create a label using a computer or hand-drawn. Glue to can.
- Draw a simple design on the can. Using a nail, punch the design shape.
- Glue long cinnamon sticks or candy canes around the can. Tie with a red bow
See the basket section for fill-ins for your container
🪴 Clay Pots
- Gild. Paint on a dark basecoat and let dry. Dry brush metallic gold or silver paint over.
- Gild rim only
- Weathered look. Basecoat in a dark color. Let dry. Paint lighter color over. Let dry. Gently scrub the pot to remove some of the light paint. Seal with spray sealer.
- Sponge paint. Apply base coat and let dry. For the second color, choose a paint that is lighter or darker. Dip a dampened sponge into the paint, and remove excess paint on paper towels. Use a light stamping motion to paint with.
- Stencil a design on the pot
- Decoupage a picture to the pot.
- Paint a picture on the pot.
- Splatter paint. Apply sealer and let dry. Apply a base coat of paint. Let dry. Thin accent paint. Splatter on colors. Occasionally splattering some basecoat paint.
See the basket section for fill-ins for your container
To make a lid for your pot: Glue a knob to the bottom of the pot’s saucer. Paint knob and saucer the same as the pot.
For more creative ways to decorate and present your gifts, check out our gift wrapping baskets tips and our party planner checklist for a stress-free celebration.
Links in this article may be affiliate links.
🍯 Jars
- Fabric-covered jar lids: Draw around the lid. Cut a fabric circle 1 1/2″ to 3 1/2″ from the drawn line. Center fabric over the lid and secure with a rubber band.
- Ribbon. Cut a 9″ piece of wired ribbon. Notch ends. Center over a mason jar and screw-on lid.
- Solid lid, e.g., pickle jar. Draw around the lid on the wrong side of the fabric. Cut a circle 1/4″ inside the drawn line. Glue to top.
Other Jar Toppers
- Paper doilies
- Lace handkerchief
- Batten burg lace square
- Paper from a brown sack
- Wrapping paper
- Tissue paper
Decorate Fabric Or Paper Toppers
- Cross stitch
- Applique
- Rubber stamp
Tie Around The Top With
- Twine
- Raffia
- Yarn
- Lace
- 2 or 3 colors 1/8 or 1/4″ wide ribbon
- Wired stars
- Cording
Decorate Tie With
- Dried apple slices
- Fake greenery
- Buttons
- Silk flowers
- Jingle bells
- Shells
- Ornaments
- Wooden cut-outs
Wrap the jar with paper or fabric.
Measure around the jar and cut fabric or paper 2 1/2″ x determined measurement + 1/2″. Hot glue onto the jar.
Decorate The Jar
- Paint on a design using glass paint
- Etch on a design
- Stencil on a design using clear fingernail polish. Sprinkle while wet with glitter
🛒 More Picks From This Guide
🎁 More Ideas Worth A Look
- 🎨 Decorative Ribbon – Perfect for adding a pop of color to any jar or can.
- 🖌️ Acrylic Paint – Great for painting designs on jars and pots.
- 📏 Measuring Tape – Essential for accurate measurements when wrapping jars.
- 🖋️ Stencils – Useful for creating patterns on jars and pots.
- 🛠️ Hot Glue Gun – Handy for attaching decorations to jars and cans.
- 🎀 Bow Maker – Ideal for creating perfect bows for jar lids.
- 🌿 Fake Greenery – Perfect for adding a natural touch to any gift wrap.
- 🎁 Gift Tags – Essential for personalizing your gifts.
- 📜 Wrapping Paper – Great for adding an extra layer of decoration to jars and cans.
- 🖼️ Decoupage Glue – Perfect for attaching pictures or fabric to jars and pots.
- 🎨 Sponge Paint – Great for creating unique textures on jars and pots.
- 🔨 Hammer – Useful for creating a weathered look on pots.
- 🌟 Glitter – Perfect for adding a sparkling touch to any gift wrap.
- 📏 Ruler – Essential for precise measurements when decorating jars and cans.
- 🎨 Crayons – Great for drawing designs on jars and pots.
- 🖋️ Markers – Perfect for adding details to your gift wrap designs.
- 🎨 Clear Sealer – Essential for protecting your painted or decorated jars and pots.
📌 Jar mixes make easy homemade gifts; this seven grain porridge mix is a good one to start with.
❓ Questions People Ask
What’s The Best Way To Seal A Painted Jar?
Use a clear spray sealer for a durable, professional finish.
Can I Use Regular Paint On Metal Cans?
It’s best to use paint specifically designed for metal to ensure it adheres properly and lasts longer.
Are These Gift Wrap Ideas Suitable For All Occasions?
Absolutely! These creative container ideas can be tailored to fit any holiday or special occasion.
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