I've always been kind of terrible at gift wrapping. I'd like to be one of those people who consistently folds perfect corners and doesn't resort to pre-printed bags every time a gift is oddly shaped and can wrap one medium-sized box without using, like, an entire roll of tape. But sometimes you just have to acknowledge your weaknesses along with your strengths, you know?

That said, I feel like I have been doing a somewhat better job during the last couple years, and that's because I stopped buying themed wrapping paper. It seems like wrapping paper mainly comes in two varieties: cheap and flimsy and tears whenever you look at it, or gorgeous and durable and just $57 per roll.

There are so many creative ways to make gifts pretty without using traditional holiday paper (not that I have a thing against wrapping paper -- that would be a really weird thing to have). Here's a quick rundown of some of the easiest, least expensive, most awesomest gift-wrapping ideas I've come across:

It's so hard for me to commit to one style of Christmas decor because I know the next year, there will be something new that catches my eye. That's probably why our ornament collection is a random mix, from traditional to eclectic. Instead of fully investing in one style, I like the idea of buying inexpensive clear glass bulbs and customizing them to your mood.

Feeling glam? Try these pretty gold ones made by Jennie by using washi tape and tinsel. See four more perfectly festive ideas below.

When it comes to Thanksgiving, you want to save your cash for gas, tolls, heirloom turkey, and Klonopin (or maybe that’s just my family). The so-simple Pilgrims wouldn’t approve of overspending on décor. Of course, they probably wouldn’t be too pleased with marshmallows in the sweet potatoes, either, but let’s not split hairs.
 
If you’ve done all you can with the stuff in your backyard and you’re hoping for a little autumn cheer (without endangering the Christmas budget), here are some not-too-spendy options for Thanksgiving decorations on the cheap.

All right, everyone, let’s do a self-esteem exercise: Wrap your arms around yourself and say, “I like me!” Did that make you feel better? Or just a bit ridiculous? I know. There’s a fine line between healthy self-esteem and, uh, being conceited.

I can’t decide which side of that line many popular décor items fall on. On the one hand, I love homemade things, I love original art, and I love when people creatively take charge of their own environments.
 
On the other hand… well, see what you think of these home-decorating elements that require just a bit too much owner input for my taste.

Paging Linus! The Great Pumpkin is in serious trouble this year, because as you may have heard, there’s apparently a pumpkin shortage looming over the East Coast! What does this mean for Halloween décor? What if there aren’t enough jack-o’-lanterns to go around? Will Jack Pumpkinhead have to spend this season as the Headless Horseman?

The short answer is: No! All sorts of other items can be pressed into service. I went to my local Safeway and bought up everything that looked carve-worthy, and so can you! Of course, you already thought of acorn squash and dried apple dolls, right? So I took it a step further.

Now, I live in California, where we have pumpkins aplenty and a wider assortment of local winter fruit ... so this is a little unfair. But maybe I can inspire you. Or make you jealous. Or make you laugh! Either way, feast your eyes on the spoooookiest fruits you can carve faces into this Halloween.  

Size isn’t everything, ladies. Oh, get your mind out of the gutter! I just mean that there’s something so compelling about big knick knacks that are shrunken to adorably minuscule proportions. Admit it: Your fondest desire is to walk out into your backyard to find a miniature horse and elephant, wearing matching outfits.
 
I know it’s not just me. Because you can actually go out and buy a teeny tiny horse. And in my neighborhood, someone has placed several itsy bitsy, fanciful fairy doors in random spots just for giggles. Yes, storage is at a premium, and my lack of counter space is well documented, but someday, I’d love to have a shelf just for all the teeny-tiny, so-cute items I’ve found.
 
Here are my favorites ...

If you're not thrilled with the idea of your kids hacking away at a pumpkin with a sharp tool, how about arming them with paints and a brush this year? If you want to go a step further, pull out the stencils, glitter, and tape and just wait and see how their creations come out.

Here are 5 different takes on the painted pumpkin that will have you thinking this year is the time to retire the traditional jack o'lantern. 

Autumn has officially arrived and I can't think of a better way to welcome it than with a mug of hot cider and a seasonal wreath hung on the front door. Danielle made one out of yarn and felt with these lovely accents of white and red roses. I'm eating up the mustard yellow color. 

Here are four more great ideas ...