RICHARD WALKER / RWALKER@STARBULLETIN.COM
DREAM WEAVER: Lau hala boxes instantly say "Mele Kalikimaka." The checkered gift bag ($4.49) with a poinsettia accent (69 cents) and 8 1/2-inch-by-8 1/2-inch box ($3.95) are from Craft Supply of Honolulu. Also available at East Asian Basket Co. in assorted sizes and shapes, including a tube ($2.50 for 11 inches by 4 inches by 4 inches) and flat box ($2 for 9 inches by 9 inches by 2 inches), both with lids. Prices are competitive because the company specializes in baskets.
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Outside the box
By Ruby Mata-Viti
ruby@starbulletin.com
It's just a box with wrapping and ribbon, but within its four corners is mystery -- a manifestation of caring in the form of a gift. And oh, what an expenditure of energy it represents. First there's the list and the labor of checking it twice. To cross things off the list requires maneuvering through holiday traffic, circling the lot for parking, then braving the crowds to scavenge for the right present.
Amid the paradox of cheer and chaos -- and wondering why, as you incessantly honk the horn while another guy swoops into a stall you've patiently waited for, a supposedly civilized culture puts itself through this every year -- is an unseen force driving you; it's worth the trouble to show someone you care. Especially if you get to witness the smile on that person's face as the gift is opened.
Before the climax of Christmas day comes that one last thing to do, the tedious task of wrapping the jumble of objects you've collected.
RICHARD WALKER / RWALKER@STARBULLETIN.COM
BRAND NEW BAGS: Faux fur and sequins add a new twist to simply bagging a gift. The clear vinyl bags even can be used as a fun and funky purse after the precious contents are emptied. From left are specimens with pink fur handles ($2.95) and green fur trim ($4.95) from Paper Roses at Ward Centre, and a green-and-red spotted bag ($4.95) and purple sequined bag ($2.95) from Papyrus at Ala Moana.
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All gifts deserve a snappy presentation, one that can actually be a snap. After the sweat it took to secure the gift, this part can be easy. You may even end the annual search for tape and scissors.
While there's nothing wrong with the traditionally wrapped box, here are a few quick ways to make a present stand out from the mass of square shapes under the tree.
Though they may cost more than a roll of wrapping paper, some are pretty enough to have other uses, and you may even get one of them back next Christmas, holding a present for you.
QUICK TAKE OUT: The Chinese food takeout box is cleverly brought outside its element. Clockwise from top, in forest green satin ($4.95) from Paper Roses, Ward Centre; those with Christmas tree ($2.95), star ($1.95) and holly ($2.95) designs are from Papyrus. Find plain white ones at GBC Boxes and Packaging in Salt Lake. A 1-quart size sells for 50 cents, one pint runs 30 cents. It costs less to buy in bulk, for example, $15 for 50 1-quart boxes.
GAUZY WRAP\: Self-tie organza bags from Paper Roses at Ward Centre can come with forest green bead trim ($6.95) or in plain purple ($3.50).
ACCESSORIZE: Even a plain bag or box, like the ones shown below left, or a plain white Chinese take-out food box (above), can be transformed to dazzle with a few appliqué or stick-on accents. Simply plop them randomly or form a pattern as desired. Most have adhesive backing. Others, such as the drummer boy drums and miniature Christmas lights can be attached to ribbons on boxed gifts for extra pizzazz. Shown clockwise from top: 3/4-inch drums ($2.99 for 12) and 1-inch bulbs ($2.99 for 24) from Craft Supply of Honolulu. "Do-Jiggies" in snowman and Santa hats ($5.25) and stars and Christmas trees ($4.95) are at Papyrus in Ala Moana Center.
MERRY MAIL: For the easiest gift-wrapping solution yet, these mailing envelopes are already dressed for Christmas. Made with self-sticking flaps and lined with foam, each comes with its own matching mailing label. They're available at Sedona at Ward Centre. Shown from right are a tartan plaid envelope measuring 15 inches by 11 1/2 inches ($3.50), a merry design measuring 16 1/2 inches by 13 inches ($4.95) and starry envelope measuring 10 inches by 8 inches ($1.75).
HATS OFF: A gift within a gift, you may not want to give these boxes up once you get them home. They can be decorated but look fine as is, attractive enough for storage on an open shelf; papier-mâché boxes from Craft Supply of Honolulu include an 11-inch star ($6) and 10-inch round box ($4.88) topped with a festive bow.
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