To create a lid for the box, do the same as above, only instead of folding the edges to the point of the cross, fold them slightly outward so the lid will be larger than the bottom.

• Tape together colourful pages from glossies. Cut out letters from the glossy and paste them on top. (For example, letters that join to form messages like "Season’s greetings" or "Happy Divali").

• If you have some small cane baskets lying unused in the house, dress them up in leftover wrapping paper or stick colourful satin or lacy cloth around them. Tie a ribbon or some lace around the rim and you have a fancy gift basket ready!

• Use brown paper bag and stamp it with interesting patterns! Cut one of the seams of a brown paper bag, then cut around the bottom to form a flap. Turn it inside out and prepare to paint!

Simple items at home can be converted into imaginative wrappings for Divali or wedding gifts

Put poster colour in a dish, cut a kitchen sponge (with a pair of scissors) into a fun shape (a star, tree, flower, etc.)

Dip the sponge in the paint, wipe off excess and dab it on the brown paper bag to make wrapping paper!

You can clean out the sponge and use another colour of paint... what about two different shapes? You can use a piece of coloured yarn for a ribbon! Or you can sprinkle glitter over the wet painted paper for extra pizzazz.

• Instead of painting patterns on brown paper bags, you can use brown sheets or butter paper. Repeat the process of making imprints with sponge cut into various shapes. You can involve kids in the creative process and use innovations. Make them dip pieces of ladyfinger (cut from the top) in paint and form patterns on the brown paper. Or they can simply dip their hands into the paint and you can have wrapping paper with tiny hands embossed on it.

• If you want something more solid to wrap your festival gifts in, convert old tins or coke cans into gift packs. For this you’ll need an old tin or can, wrapping or coloured glazed paper, tape or fevicol.

Wash the can/tin and dry it thoroughly. Wrap can in wrapping/glazed paper and tuck excess down into can and tape or stick the excess inside. Cover the lid also with coloured paper, stick edges and top with a bow or satin ribbon.

• Another excellent idea is to convert your cardboard shoe boxes into gift boxes. For this you’ll need: a shoe box, paint, used greeting cards and glue.

Paint the outside of the shoe box with the desired colour. Let the paint dry. Cut out the picture or scene on the front of several greeting cards. Arrange the pictures or scenes on the sides and top of the shoe box to cover as much of it as possible. You can also try to create scenes with the pictures. Glue them into place and let the glue dry completely.

Using watered-down glue, paint over the box to seal it. You should use approximately 1 part glue to 1 part water. Apply two to three coats, making sure each coat dries completely before adding the next.

• There is another way to reuse brown paper bags for giving gifts. take a brown paper bag and fold the top down twice (inside), making it like a hem. Punch two holes on each side in the hem for the handles. Some bags have store names on them. Cover that area by cutting old wrapping papers into geometric patterns or in the shape of diyas. Paste them on different areas of the bag. So, remember, don't throw away paper, even after opening gifts. You can recycle it in so many ways.

(Compiled by Chetna Banerjee)