I use paper bags as well. I wrap, then have kids decorate with stamps/stickers/original artwork.

dh is an enigneer and gets large rolls of paper from the drafters when they change the roll of paper. Its thick and white. I use it just like the paper bags.

newsprint is available also. I know they donate to school. not sure if it can be purchased.

allgirls

__________________
allgirls, mom to 3 girls

I like to use wallpaper samples. Go to your local wall paper supply store and ask for their old sample books. Most places will just give them to you. You can only wrap small packages in it, but it's thick paper. Most of pages have 3-4 sheets that coordinate so you can layer your wrapping too. Everytime I've used these, people think it's so pretty and want to know where I bought my "wrapping paper".

You can purchase newsprint from your local printer. They have the ends of the rolls that are too small to print on. I think they sell it by the pound. Then, let your kids color on it or you can stamp it. Tare off the paper as you need it.

Go to your local newspaper and ask if they have any endrolls of paper. They can't use the paper once it gets so low and usually are willing to give away the ends. It's just plain off-white news paper. Wrap your gifts and then stamp something on them, use crayons, markers, etc.

__________________

I always buy after Christmas to get good deals for the next year, but if that's not an option...how about letting the kids draw on paper and put it together to make a wrap...If it's a big package it might get a little tricky, but small ones...who wouldn't love personalized gift wrap from the kids?!

__________________

I saw a cute idea in Family Fun magazine.. Take 2 flat sheets and sew them together and have kids decorate.. Leave under trr for santa to fill!!! They can be reused each year.. and can add decoration on every year..

Very cute and inexpensive!!!!

I also use fabric bags. Five years ago I had an upfront cost of $35 dollars for the fabric and the string. They paid themselves off after two years and now we don't pay anything for wrap and when everyone else has bags of garbage filled with wrap on Christmas week, we have nothing. We just fold the bags back up and keep them in the closet ready to use for the next birthday or Christmas. :D

__________________

I've used aluminum foil in a pinch! :D

I buy clearance paper- especially solids that can be used for multiple events. Brown paper bags with pretty bows, old outdated or not going to use again maps I found in the glove box (worked well for a world traveller). Also - yes, you can call me cheap- I save tissue paper and wrapping paper scraps. I neatly fold all the tissue paper and put in ziploc bag. The wrapping paper I usually trim off frayed/taped edges and fold into 10 x 10ish squares if possible (I don't mess with really small scraps, but especially off huge boxes I always do) Its better than tossing it in the garbage and only takes a few minutes for me to do. I keep it in a plastic storage tub until needed - great for wrapping small items or making gift tags.

When I was little my mom always bought plain brown wrapping paper. We painted on it, or used stamps to make more "pretty". I recall being so proud of my handywork when I saw it round the tree, and it kept us busy for ages.