5 ways to use ribbons on your gifts to make them extra special

Giving gifts isn't just about how much money you've spent, it's also about how much thought you've put into it. One smart way to wrap is to use ribbons, so here are five ways to use them to wrap gifts in a way that demonstrates your care and effort.

• Instead of just tying a regular bow, use three or four pieces of ribbon, each one an inch longer than the last, to make a stylish layered bow.
• Form each ribbon into a loop, sticking the centre down with double-sided tape to make a bow shape, and then stick the bows on top of each other, layering them largest to smallest.
• Wrap a longer piece of ribbon around the layered bow, going through the centre of the ribbons, and you have a bow that looks amazing.

• You can make a regular bow look extra special by tying a treat into it.
• Think candy canes, liquorice sticks and lollipops for an edible treat, or for added decoration try a sprig of mistletoe, tiny glittery baubles or miniature bells.

• Top your gift with a ribbon rose for an elegant look.
• You can make a piece of ribbon into lots of loops, using sewing thread along the length of the ribbon to make it into a zig-zag pattern and then loop it to make circular layers of "petals".

• Loop a length of ribbon around your hand to about four inches in diameter, then flatten the loop and make a diagonal cut at each corner with scissors.
• Tie a thin piece of ribbon round the middle of the flattened bow and start pulling out the inside loops, twisting as you pull to make a delightful pom-pom.
• Once you've finished the pom-pom you can arrange it to make sure it looks perfect.

You can use lots of other materials as ribbon when you're wrapping gifts to make them really stand out. How about twine, velvet, coloured string or lace?

When it comes to using ribbon to wrap your gifts, let your imagination take hold and you can turn any plainly wrapped present into a work of art.