This one, I thought, was going to be a toughie. But alas, I’ve managed to round up a few reallllly cute gift ideas all on the general theme of mail and brown paper packages, as we continue on our quest to find gift ideas tied into the classic tune, My Favourite Things.
Thoughtful Gifts in Tiny Packages – $11 @ Leafcutter designs (+$7 shipping)
If, like me, you simply squee in delight at the prospect of all things tiny, then you’ll definitely get a kick out of this first idea. Choose from one of sixteen pre-spec’d mini messages & prizes – like ‘You put a bounce in my step’ to be delivered alongside a rubber ball, or a tiny pear ornament with a sweet congratulatory message ‘You two are a perfect pair’ – or create your own combo. The wizards at Leafcutter Designs will take craft your custom package and mail it out to the special someone of your choosing. Not only will they get ‘fun’ mail, they’ll get gosh darn ‘cute’ mail. Who knew such a thing existed?
Through The Post Clutch ($29.99) & Keep You Posted Wallet ($37.99) @ ModCloth
Sure it’s not ‘brown paper packages’ per se, but given that I’m only trying to channel the general vibe of the lyric – hello romantic snail mail – I felt these beautiful little bags were completely apropos. Both bags are by design outfit Disaster Designs, and both harken back to a simpler, sweeter time when it was commonplace to get lightly scented love letters or desperate bids via the mailbox. Go for a slightly girlier, gentle take with the pretty Through The Post clutch for a night out with the girls, or show off your globetrotter sense of style when you haul out this slightly Parisian wallet to pay for those cosmos.
Handprinted Gift Wrap – $3.95 @ Handmade and Heritage
And the literal take again. I love the idea of one-of-a-kind wrapping paper, the type that speaks to your giftee’s persona. Talented artist Amiee Bowker actually sells a dozen varieties, each featuring a different animal motif for a truly rustic, artisanal feel. Use it to wrap up a box of your best friend’s favourite gourmet treats from the Farmer’s Market, or to deliver a box of cookies to a friend that’s under the weather. See if you can save the paper and frame it for an abstract tiled print.
Custom Return Address Stamp – $31.67 @ MyStamp
Truth be told there are dozens of custom return address stamp makers on Etsy, just do a search for ‘em. I was drawn to the simplicity of this one because it also reminded me of a vintage postmark. What’s particularly cool about this one is it’s already prefilled with ink, meaning you can (with proper care) get thousands of imprints before needing to replace it. When is this a perfect gift? For your newly engaged pals that’ll soon be sending out invites and thank you cards galore, for your crafty scrapbooking mom that loves to send out her own handmade greeting cards at Christmas and other holidays, or simply for that friend that’s picked up a beautiful set of stationery and needs a perfect bit of polish to finish things off.
Brown Paper Party Bags (set of 10) – $10.67 @ Not On The High Street
A package can most certainly be the thing you walk away with when attending a fete for a friend – after all, who doesn’t love a goodie bag? If you’re throwing a shower with a DIY theme or a kid’s birthday party, go old school with these petite snack sacks, accented with a grosgrain ribbon and a gift tag (both of which are available through the same seller). Leave some crayons or markers out so guests can decorate their bag beforehand, and let them stock up from a candy bar or trinket box for a 2-in-1 activity.
My gift to you today? The chance to win 1 of 2 Tiny Packages for you (or someone you love) sent anywhere in the world. To enter:
1) Leave a comment by April 1st with your favourite ‘Brown Paper Packages’ gift idea featured in this post.
2) Entries are limited to one per person / per email address / per household (or more if you score bonus entries). A random draw will be conducted on or around April 1st to select the winners, who will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen in their place.
3) Entries are limited to Canadians that have reached the age of majority in their province. Quebec is not eligible to participate in this promotion.
4) Bonus Entry: The Leafcutter Designs FB Page & Twitter feed are amazing sources for DIY inspiration and craftiness. Like ‘em both, leave a comment / send a Tweet, and leave a comment back here linking to your Tweet / Comment (and / or include your username) to earn two bonus entries.
