10 Minute Chalkboard Inspired Gift Wrap Ideas

Santa isn't the only one with a list this Christmas. Every year, I create quite the list myself. It's a laundry list of crafts, recipes, and things I want to get done. The holidays are fleeting, and year after year...{sigh} very little gets crossed off that list. Anyone else?

Let's change that and simplify things a bit. How about some fantastic Christmas ideas that take a mere 10 minutes? That's right! Cook that dish, make that ornament, and complete that craft in only minutes! A few of my fellow bloggers and I have collaborated to bring you 10 Minute Christmas--a series of ideas that take only 10 minutes each.

One of my favorite things to do during the holidays is to wrap presents. I pull everything together, shut the door, turn on the Christmas music, and make a party out of it! That's why I decided to contribute some gift wrap ideas to our 10 Minute Christmas Series. I love finding simple ways to make the gift look special.

Don't enjoy wrapping? Need some inspiration to create stunning packages with very little time or effort? Boy, do I have some fun ideas for you! Whether you love the classic appeal of brown paper packages tied up with string or the nostalgic look of chalkboards and chalk, you're sure to find some fantastic gift wrapping inspiration below. Join me for a gift wrapping party! Let's get that wrapping done, and have a little fun while we're at it...

Chalkboard Inspired Gift Wrap

Suggested Materials:

• rolls of black wrapping paper or black gift bags
• rolls of brown Kraft paper
• tape
• scissors
• chalkboard paint
• chalkboard paper
• ribbon
• cardstock
• hole punch
• twine
• Washi tape
• embellishments (twigs, bells...)
• wood slices and hooks

Writing Tools:

• chalk
• white crayon
• chalk pen
• slate pencil
• other: white colored pencil, white gel pen...

1. Wrap a package in black paper. Matte paper works best with the chalk. School supply stores are a great source for rolls of colored banner paper. Add a ribbon to your wrapped package, and decorate it with chalk or a chalk pen. You can also use a black gift bag and give it a few chalk embellishments.

2. Brown paper packages tied up with string are simple and lovely. Add a splash of chalk paint to one section of the box. It will be the perfect spot to add your chalk doodles.

3. Make chalk tags that can be attached to any package. Use a punch and chalk paper (found in most craft stores). Prime the chalk paper by rubbing a piece of chalk on it and wiping it clean. Now it's ready to write on. Punch a hole in one corner of the tag and thread it through twine that's been wrapped around your package.

4. Use a site like PicMonkey to make printable chalkboard tags. Just a bow and a simple tag are all you need to have a lovely package.

Here are two designs that I made. Feel free to save and print a few copies on cardstock for yourself.

5. Here's a fun idea in which the gift wrap doubles as a gift itself. Make wood slice ornaments to adorn your packages. Simply paint the center of a slice of wood with chalkboard paint. It's best to apply two coats of paint. Let the paint dry. Prime it by rubbing chalk over the surface of the paint and wiping it clean. Once it's primed, you can use chalk or chalk pens to decorate your ornament. Add a small metal hook in the top of the wood.  Thread can be strung through the hook for hanging.

Attach the ornament to the outside of a package with a strip of Washi tape. I just used an unwrapped box for this gift. How quick and easy is that?! I love the look of the glitzy, gold striped tape paired with the rustic quality of the wood ornament.

Ready to tackle the gift wrapping? With these ideas, it will certainly be more fun and less of a chore. Which idea is your favorite? Do you have some gift wrap tips to share? I'd love to hear about them.

And I'd love for you to visit my friends linked below for more lovely Christmas ideas that take only minutes to complete. Let's check everything off that list this year!

Tablescape  |  Kristy @ The Starfish Cottage

Recipe  |  Carol @ Bluesky Kitchen

Pay It Forward  |  Diane @ Diane & Dean DIY

Ornament  |  Christine @ Let’s Get Crafty

Wreath  |  Gloria @ Potentially Chic

Gift  |  Holly @ McCall Manor

Gift Wrap  |  Jennifer @ You're here!

Happy Christmas!