Try this festive and fun Christmas gift wrapping idea! Use kraft paper, twine, and cut-out light bulbs to make a charming DIY holiday package.
Kraft paper is one of my favorite choices for holiday wrapping. It’s affordable, versatile, and provides a neutral background that highlights handcrafted details perfectly. When you combine kraft paper with simple materials like twine and paper embellishments, the result feels warm, handmade, and thoughtful.
Twine is a staple for rustic, minimalist wrapping. It’s inexpensive, easy to work with, and gives packages a cozy, homespun look. Pairing twine with little paper decorations—like tiny light bulbs—adds personality and a festive touch without much cost or effort.
This DIY wrapping concept grew out of a desire to test a cutting machine’s print-and-cut feature, but the idea translates easily to a completely manual process. If you have a cutting machine, you can use it to cut many identical bulbs quickly. If you don’t, you can draw and cut the bulbs by hand on cardstock; they look charming either way.
The small brown packages in the photos show just how effective simple elements can be when combined thoughtfully. The contrast of white cardstock bulbs against the warm kraft paper and natural twine creates a classic holiday aesthetic that works for any recipient.
If you prefer to cut the bulbs by hand, sketch a bulb shape on white card stock and color it with markers, colored pencils, or water-based paints. Cut two identical bulb shapes for each decoration and glue them back-to-back for a double-sided look. For a cleaner finish, fold each bulb in half so the fold sits on top of the twine, which helps them stay upright on the package.
This wrapping approach is also scalable. Make tiny bulbs for small gifts and larger bulbs for bigger boxes. You can vary the colors, add metallic accents, or write the recipient’s name on a bulb for a personalized touch. The basic idea remains the same: kraft paper base, twine, and paper bulbs arranged like a string of lights.
DIY Christmas Light Gift Wrap
Supplies: A simple list of what you’ll need to recreate this look at home.
- Cutting machine (optional) such as Cricut Explore Air — helpful for precise, repeatable shapes
- Twine or natural string
- White card stock for bulbs (or colored card stock for variety)
- Kraft paper or butcher paper roll for wrapping
- Tape and scissors
- Glue pen or white glue for attaching bulbs to the twine
Step 1: Print and cut the bulb shapes if you are using a cutting machine. Upload your bulb design as a print-and-cut file and scale the bulbs to suit the size of your packages. If you’re cutting by hand, draw the bulb shape on card stock and cut out as many as you need.
Step 2: Fold each bulb in half so it will sit neatly on the twine and show on both sides of the package. Folding also creates a small edge that helps the bulb stand up and look three-dimensional.
Step 3: Use a glue pen or a small dab of white glue to attach each folded bulb to the twine. Place bulbs at regular intervals or cluster them for a playful look. Stop attaching bulbs once the garland reaches the length you want for the package.
Step 4: Wrap the gift in kraft paper. Position the twine garland across the package, wrapping the twine around the gift and securing the ends with a small piece of tape underneath the twine or on the back of the package so the front remains tidy.
Step 5: Finish with a simple knot or bow and adjust the bulbs so they face outward. The end result is a festive, handmade presentation that adds charm and personality to any holiday gift.
This DIY wrapping idea is flexible and forgiving. Experiment with color, bulb size, and spacing to create looks that range from rustic and minimalist to bright and playful. Each package becomes a small gift in itself when wrapped with care and creativity.