1) Comic Crimbo

Old comic books are a cool way to style presents for kids. From a retro Care Bear album to a modern Marvel, simply use the pages as you would ordinary wrapping paper - but don't be surprised if the child you've bought for spends longer reading the wrap than playing with his or her new gift!

2) Carry on Carolling

Been carol singing this year? Why not re-use the sheet music by fashioning it into a decorative bow? For other creative carol book ideas, find some inspiration on pinterest.

3) Natural Beauty

Holly leaves or a sprig of mistletoe can make a refreshing - and festive - change from plastic adornments on the outside of presents. Get scouring your nearest forest floor...

4) Plant an Idea

Sticking with the great outdoors, check out this web tutorial on how to make seed-embedded plantable paper. That's right - rather than throwing it away after ripping it off, your recipient can grow a garden from the gift wrap!

5) Have Fun with Fabric

If you've unwanted scraps of material hanging around the house, why not put them to good use by using them instead of paper around your presents? You could even swap sticky tape for needle and thread for a thoroughly professional - and thoughtful - finishing touch.

6) The Oldest Trick in the Book

Pages from old paperbacks make great gift tags. Even better if the tome you've ripped them from has a seasonal theme. Dickens' Christmas Carol? Hans Christian Andersen's Snow Queen?

7) Brown Doesn't Have to be Boring

Brown parcel paper can be given a festive twist by investing in a seasonal stamping set or simply writing out a Christmas recipe on the front. Or keep the paper plain and opt for fancy ribboning or white lacearound it instead. The options are endless.

8) Personalise Your Presents

With the help of your trusty PC, there's no reason why white A4 paper can't be up to the job this Christmas. Write individual greetings, poems or even apologies for belatedness on a Word doc and, hey presto, you'll have ready-made personalised paper from your printer!

9) Pasta Pressie

Is there a foodie in your life? Inject some fun into their gift wrap with a cute farfalle pasta bow, cinched with some brown string. A small wooden spoon makes a similarly creative accent.

10) Tea (Towel) Time

On BBC Radio 4 a few days ago a promotion for DAB radios, by Clive Anderson, suggested gifting tea-towels was a dull idea. Gift wrapping with tea towels, however, is a fantastically novel concept. Thanks to this quirky blog post for the idea.

Happy wrapping!