Holiday Gift Wrap with Food52

In these fast times which we live, when being overly busy is a burden we all seem to bear, gift cards have become commonplace. They're at the end of every aisle, above every checkout register, a godsend in those moments when you don't have a second to spare thinking about a gift. And while they're a convenient fail-safe, especially when you're en route to a party and forgot to pick up a gift, I still believe most folks would prefer a thoughtful, hand-selected gift.

Taking that notion further, stashing an item in a gift bag is yet another convenient option for the time-pressed individual. Just fill a bag with colorful tissue paper and call it a day -- no cutting, wrapping, taping, or ribbon-tying involved. But you know how every now and then you'll receive a gift packaged so prettily that you almost don't want to open it, so as to not disturb the gift wrap? It makes you feel special, appreciated, celebrated, and seen, right? That's the feeling I think most people would like to experience when receiving a gift.

So while I admit I don't always have time to personalize every single gift that I wrap, and gift bags have been known to be my BFF at times, too, I teamed up with Food52 to share five different ways you can add a personal touch to your holiday gift wrap. Each idea is simple (the key to elegant gift-giving), time-friendly, and guaranteed to spread all the warm and fuzzy feels to the gift recipients in your life. Happy holidays!