That's a wrap

Have a special gift you want to wrap?

Here are some tips from the experts:

Wrapping Odd-Shaped Gifts

Courtesy of 3M Scotch brand:

1. Measure the item first to make sure you'll have enough paper.

2. Carefully fold paper to accommodate awkward angles without stressing the wrapping paper.

3. Use strips of cardboard, cushion wrap or cloth on sharp points to prevent paper tears.

4. Once you're ready to tape, trim off excess paper to contour the gift.

Stamp it on

From Real Simple:

1. Give inexpensive Kraft or butcher paper an artistic update with a woodblock stamp and white ink. Add the recipient's name with a white paint pen and tuck a bit of fresh greenery under the bow for a woodsy scent.

2. Velvet ribbon looks luxurious on plain white paper.

3. Secure a gift with an embellished ponytail holder a lucky little girl can use later.

Wrapping a bike

How to wrap a bike from Tikes Bikes:

Leave a Hint Under the Christmas Tree

1. Create a 'treasure map' and place it inside a new helmet wrapped under the tree. When the helmet is opened, send the child on a hunt to find the hidden bicycle.

2. Wrap Individual Pieces of the Bike

If you have an older child who might be expecting a bicycle for Christmas, you can always be sneaky and wrap the pieces of the bike individually. This gives the perception that he or she has more presents under the tree instead of one large gift. In addition, assembling the bicycle later in the day can provide a good activity for a teenager or as a task for the parent and child to do together.

3. Use A Bicycle Gift Bag

When you are running short on time or if you are looking for a simple way to wrap a bicycle, they do make gift bags designed for bicycles. Although this might give away the surprise for a child who has been asking for a bicycle, finding such a large gift bag next to the tree might create some great anticipation for the child who is not expecting a bicycle.

4. Wrap A Christmas Bicycle Ornament

Another fun idea is to purchase and wrap up a bicycle Christmas ornament. This gift not only is a fun representation of the gift the child is receiving, but also serves as a memento of this Christmas that can be used to decorate the Christmas tree year after year.

Santa Forgot the Bike on the Roof

While the kids are unwrapping presents, act as if you hear something coming from the roof outside. When the family goes out to investigate, they discover the bicycle that was left by Santa on the roof ("it must not have fit down the chimney"). This is definitely not an idea for the faint of heart, but will sure make for a magical Christmas memory.

Roll Out the Bike After All The Presents Have Been Opened

Once all of the Christmas morning unwrapping chaos has finally finished, mention that you think a present might have been forgotten. You can then head out to the garage or another room to retrieve the assembled bicycle for your child.

This approach of waiting until the end to surprise the child can work especially well for younger children who may be so entranced by a new bike that otherwise they would lose interest in opening any more gifts once they receive such an exciting gift as a new bike.