How to create a Christmas DIY ribbon…
I am ON my Christmas wrapping A-game this year, guys. Granted, when your starting point is something like…taping the Gap bag you purchased the gift in closed, throwing a recycled and mostly smooshed plastic-y type bow ala 1987 on top, and calling it officially “wrapped”, there isn’t much room to go except up.
Perhaps that’s why I am super duper jazzed about this DIY lighted Christmas ribbon.
And not only is it super fun, but it’s also EXTREMELY easy to do. Which makes this adorable project even better, if you ask me.
Here’s a quick video on using your lights as Christmas ribbon:
Lighted Christmas Ribbon Video Tutorial
**When purchasing your lights, I’d recommend using strands that are at least 6′ in length, but it’s better to have an even longer strand (like 10′ or even a bit more).
Here’s what you’ll need to get wrapping…
Lighted Christmas Wrapping Supplies
- gift (obviously)
- battery operated lights: usually known as either fairy lights, or Christmas lights/string lights. Here are some that I would suggest:
- I like the fairy lights with copper-wiring best. They are easy to work with and look gorgeous!
- These fairy lights have a silver wire (also pretty)
- I got the star-shaped lights HERE (must purchase by the case online, but individually at the store…also, they will ONLY work for very small packages)
- Here are some colored string lights (one color only)
- Multi-colored strands
- Here is a great source for buying them in BULK
- brown craft wrapping paper (but you don’t have to use this kind of paper…use whatever twinkles your Christmas tree)
- packing tape
- batteries
How to Wrap a Gift with DIY Lighted Christmas Ribbon
We are simply using a battery-operated string of fairy lights as a Christmas ribbon. So all you will need to do is to insert batteries into the battery pack that comes with your fairy lights.
No one has tons of time on their hands around the holidays! Make your life easier (and prettier, too) with your VIP access to our seasonal free printables! Click the pic below to get instant access now ⤵️!
With batteries installed, simply wrap your Christmas ribbon as you otherwise would, taking care that your battery pack at the end of your lights will end up on the backside of your gift.
I’d recommend using clear packing tape to adhere the string lights to your gift. I tried using regular tape at first, but it wasn’t heavy-duty enough.
Use a few pieces of the packing tape in inconspicuous spots to make sure the Christmas ribbon stays put (like on the sides of the box, and a few spots in the back of the box). The packing tape works like a charm.
Fairy Light Christmas Ribbon Tips
Adhere the battery pack to the package with the packing tape as well, making sure that you’ll have access to the ON-OFF switch once the battery pack is secured.
I played around with adhering the battery pack in different spots. I tried the side of the packages, as well as the back.
The “best” location will simply depend upon the dimensions of the gift box you’re working with. For flat packages, taping the battery pack to the back of the gift works well.
Initially, I didn’t think I’d like it on the back because the package would have a bump in the back and not lie flat. But I realized that I was always standing the packages up under the tree anyhow so that they were more visible (since they’re so blasted cute).
So having the battery pack strapped to the bottom of the package actually was helpful to make them look nice under the tree…it helps prop them up a bit!
And that’s all there is to it! A Christmas ribbon that is decidedly different. AND massive bonus…wait till you see how gorgeous they look under your tree at night. Happy, happy holidays!!
On the hunt for more holiday fun, Christmas crafts, or gift wrapping ideas? Be sure to check out these ideas, too!
Pin this post for later! And if you make one, leave a comment (or better yet, a photo) on the pin! That helps others know whether they want to try this project, too!
Pssst…before you go, I sure would love to hang out with you again really soon! Sign up now and get a FREE copy of “Builder-Grade To Beautiful: 10 Totally Transformative Home Decorating Solutions, All Under $100!” Click here to enter your email or on the image below. Your copy will be sent right away!
Leave a Reply