Wrap your presents in simple brown wrapping paper, or whatever you think would be a good canvas for your creativity. I like to use IKEA's because it's cheap and comes in a huge roll that lasts forever. Plus, I can use it for any occasion. It's the only wrapping paper I've owned for years, which my closets love.

Fold up some strips of construction paper in a fan-like accordion, then cut paper-doll style into any shapes you like. Glue these on your package with some hot glue or paste. I made a little forest. Glue on pink peppercorns for ornaments, anise stars, or anything you like. Wrap the twine around several times like a forest floor, then tie in a pretty bow.

Cut out little circles of construction paper, then cut them into an inward-leading spiral. Take the center and end of the spiral and tighten them towards each other to get the spiral to form a little flower cup. Squeeze a dollop of hot glue onto the package, then press the flower on. Glue a star anise in the middle. Wrap the twine around several times, then tie in a pretty bow. Add embellishments like cedar sprays from your garland or tree and pink peppercorns from your pantry.

Get creative with other materials like felt, cranberries, and popcorn. I am going to make a big cranberry garland out of these tiny presents for my mother-in-law, Allis.