A gift-wrapped box is nice, but a ribbon and bow make it special.
You can buy cheap bows by the bag at the dollar store or spend more money on fancy ones. However, in the same amount of time and for no money, you can make a bow that matches the package and is much nicer.
I’m not kidding about the time needed. These bows take just a couple of minutes once you learn how to do it, and there are no special tools needed. I learned to make these from my personal librarian, Amy. She teaches a bow-making workshop at our public library around Christmastime, but they are useful year-round.
These are some of the ones I’ve made at the library.
Any colorful paper can be used. I find that the pictures from old calendars are the perfect weight and length. Save your 2019 calendars, and you will have year-round bow making material.
Here are the instructions to make your own bows. I’ve taught young and old friends how to make these, and they all mastered them. I’ll gladly teach you if you live nearby. Give them a try, and you may not want to stop.