There’s nothing quite like the familiar and festive “POP!” of a holiday cracker to bring cheer around the Christmas or Hanukkah dinner table. Make these joyful decorations in a snap with seven simple steps and completely customize them with personal messages and tasty treats to delight your loved ones.

Materials Required:

• Paper rolls
• Wrapping paper
• Scissors
• Tape
• Ribbon or string
• Cracker snaps
• Confetti
• Treats and goodies

Related: 12 Last-Minute Gifts for Everyone in Every Price Range

Step 1: Cut Wrapping Paper

Cut out a few pieces of bright wrapping paper approximately 14 inches wide and 8 inches long. Look for wrapping paper that features grid lines along the back for easy measuring and cutting.

Step 2: Wrap Paper Rolls

Line three cardboard paper rolls side by side and carefully wrap them by rolling along the paper. Secure the paper with a piece of regular tape, double-sided tape, or a bead of hot glue.

Step 3: Insert Cracker Snap

Slide a bon bon snap or cracker snap through the paper rolls from one end to the other. Secure one end with a small piece of tape. This will keep the snap in place when you fill the cracker and close the ends.

Step 4: Gently Crush Ends

Grab hold of the wrapped cracker with both hands and find the break beneath the surface where the paper rolls meet. Gently twist the rolls apart to form a groove in the paper.

Related: Transform Your Staircase With This Easy Pool Noodle Garland

Step 5: Close One End

Make sure the cracker snap is easily accessible on either end of your cracker. Carefully tie a ribbon or string to close one end of the cracker. Work the ribbon along the groove of paper to gently seal it shut. Once the ribbon is in place, trim the paper ends and lightly fluff them into shape.

Step 6: Fill Cracker

Now the fun part! Fill your cracker with items like personalized jokes or meaningful messages, paper crowns, balloons, candy, small trinkets or toys, and – of course – confetti!

Step 7: Close Other End

Repeat step five to close the other end of the cracker. Leave the ends tied simply with a ribbon or string, or dress them up with some jingle bells, small ornaments or colourful pom poms.

Set the Holiday Table

Make your holiday table pop with these fun and festive crackers!

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Images courtesy of Denise Dias

Professional-quality gift wrapping requires a combination of the right tools, attention to detail and creativity. From selecting the perfect wrapping paper to perfecting the art of crisp folds and finishing touches, all it takes is some practice to become a true “wrap star.” Whether you’re a seasoned wrapper or a beginner, here are some tips on how to gift wrap even odd-shaped gifts like a pro this holiday season and say goodbye to store-bought gift bags.

 

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Related: All About Furoshiki: The Japanese Art of Gift Wrapping

Materials Required:

Before you begin wrapping your gifts, it’s important to have the right tools and materials at the ready. Here’s a list of essential items along with a few things that will elevate your gift wrapping if you’re looking for more of a challenge.

• An assortment of wrapping paper (different patterns and colours)
• A sharp pair of scissors (or a paper dispenser)
• Clear cellophane tape (go for a higher quality option so the gift doesn’t pop open early)
• Gift boxes
• Tissue paper
• Bows and ribbon
• Tags (store-bought or handmade)
• A hot glue gun (this can be used instead of tape when wrapping gifts)
• Small pine cones, bells or other decorative items

How to Gift Wrap Boxed Items

To wrap a boxed item or any other square or rectangular-shaped object with straight edges, here is a step-by-step guide:

1. If your item requires a box (like clothing), first wrap the item in a sheet or two of tissue paper, and then place it in a gift box. Secure each side of the lid with a small piece of tape so that it doesn’t open while you’re wrapping it.
2. Next, measure and cut the wrapping paper. For most gifts, you’ll want to cut the width to match the width of the gift and the height should be twice the height of the gift.
3. Lay the paper on a flat surface with the patterned side down and centre the gift with the bottom of the box facing up.
4. Centre the gift and fold over one half of the paper, making sure that it’s as tight to the box as possible. Fasten with a piece of tape. Then fold over the other half so that it partially covers the half that is already fastened to the box, again making sure that it’s snug against the box. Fasten it with a piece of tape. If the edge wasn’t cut completely evenly, you can fold it under to create a straighter edge before fastening it with tape.
5. Neatly fold each end of the gift, keeping the paper as tight to the box as possible. Fasten with enough tape to hold it in place but don’t overdo it. Two or three small pieces will usually do the trick. If the paper was measured correctly, you shouldn’t have to trim any excess. If any trims are required, use sharp scissors and trim as neatly as possible. (For more experienced wrappers, a hot glue gun can be used in place of tape for the previous two steps.)
6. Flip the gift over and attach a tag, bow, ribbon and other decorative items.

Related: How to Make a Needle-Felted Gingerbread House Ornament

How to Gift Wrap Awkwardly-Shaped Items

To wrap items with more challenging shapes, watch the video above or follow these tips:

For something like a stuffed toy, cut a piece of wrapping paper big enough to cover the item. Fold each side into each other with a bit of overlap and tape it. Form two triangles and tape it to form the bottom. Place your item inside the bag and fold the top down. Make two hole punches in the top and fasten with ribbon to close the bag.

For a bottle, take a new, reusable napkin or dish towel and wrap it around the bottle. Tie the top — around the neck of the bottle — with ribbon.

For an item like a tumbler or a travel mug, you’ll also want to create a gift bag out of wrapping paper. Follow the same steps as the first example, but make sure you have lots of paper at the top. Accordion fold the top of the bag until you’re close to the item, tie it with string or ribbon, and fan out the top, taping both accordioned sides together in the centre.

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Christmas Day is drawing near — and the missing-presents panic has now set in. You’ve realized you’re still a few short but are totally tapped out of creative gift ideas. Take a beat and browse through this bevy of last-minute gift ideas for everyone on your list. With the option of higher or lower price points, these last-minute gifts will get the job done without sacrificing your sanity (or savings).

Child’s Play

Splurge: Imaginative play is the pinnacle of fun for little campers. Spark some new campfire memories with plush marshmallows and hot dogs (without the risk of open flames).

Plush Campfire Kids Playset, Crate & Barrel, $99.

Save: This egg stuffed full of strange, waterproof silicone creatures is begging to be cracked open. Their sticky suction-cup feet cling to bathtubs, airplane windows and any other solid, flat surface. Line them up by colour, then pull them off with a satisfying “pop”.

Suction Toy Set, Amazon, $23.

Related: How to Make Your Own Grinch Christmas Tree for Under $10

Pet Me

Splurge: This blue-floral dog bed would not only look good in front of the living-room fireplace, it will also stand up to sharp doggy nails. Manufactured in the US and made from thick cotton, brass zippers and water-resistant, eco-friendly poly fill, this bed will last for dog’s years.

Foggy Dog Plush Dog Bed, Anthropologie, $165-$295.

Save: Not be left out, beloved (and discerning) cats may also be in need of last-minute gifts. Programmed to move in unpredictable patterns that mimic the real thing, this USB-rechargeable mouse toy will have your furry housebound hunter turn into a tracking and trouncing machine.

Cheerble Wicked Mouse Cat Toy, Amazon, $30.

Friends Forever

Splurge: The 100-per-cent-natural alpaca fibre used in these handwoven throws is sourced directly from generational alpaca breeders in the Peruvian Andes. So not only are these blankets as warm as a hug but they come with a heartwarming story of sustainability and substance — something any friend of yours would appreciate.

Bristol Alpaca Wool Throw, Silk & Snow, $295.

Save: Looking for last-minute gifts for a friend (or even as a hostess gift) can have us looking in unusual places. While hitting up IKEA for festive Swedish wrapping paper and paper napkins, swing by the lighting section to snag a couple of these chic LED candlestick lights.

BJÖRKSPIREA LED Decorative Light, IKEA, $15.

Happy Host

Splurge: Invited to family or friends over the holidays? Give them the gift of peace of mind with a smart meat thermometer, so they never have to worry about undercooked meat. When turkey time arrives, simply insert one probe into the breast and one into the leg and voilà — they’ll know exactly when it’s time to serve the food.

MEATER Pro Duo, MEATER, $270.

Save: Those who love hosting will appreciate the elegant translucence of these hand made glasses. They’re perfect for serving hot toddies, eggnog or even special desserts. The beauty of these mugs is that they maintain the ideal temperature of hot beverages while staying cool to the touch on the outside, something we think all hosts will appreciate for their guests.

450ml Latte Glass Set (2 Piece), Zwilling, $45.

Partner Up

Splurge: OK, so maybe this last-minute gift for your “partner” may actually be a gift to yourself? Whether you cohabitate or are in the sleepover stage, there’s no shame in wanting to slumber in sheets that get softer with every wash. A natural linen duvet cover and pillow set is levelling up, no matter how you look at it.

Linen King Duvet Cover Set, H&M Home, $179.

Save: You care about your partner‘s health and hydration. You care about the impact of single-use plastic on the environment. And you care that they’re always stealing your own reusable water bottle. This oak-topped glass vessel — with measuring marks on the side — is a multifaceted last-minute gift idea solution.

Oak Borosilicate Bottle, Zara Home, $46.

Related: 15 Gifts for the Men in Your Life

Parent Trap

Splurge: If teatime and morning coffee are sacrosanct in your childhood home, then a next-level kettle might be just the parent-pleasing ticket. Partnering with Canada’s urban-fashion icon October’s Very Own (OVO), Smeg created a line of small stainless-steel appliances featuring the hip brand’s owl logo in an eye-catching matte gold.

Smeg x OVO Electric Kettle, Hudson’s Bay, $329.

Related: 10 New Home Appliances Trends You’ll Soon See Everywhere

Save: Spark heated conversations over turkey and cranberry sauce with the new, widely acclaimed book from Indigenous scientist (and best-selling author of Braiding Sweetgrass) Robin Wall Kimmerer. In it she explores the ethics of gifting and reciprocity in the modern economy, set against the abundance and interconnectedness of the natural world. Let the dinnertime debates about commerce and consumption commence!

The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World, Indigo, $25.

As many people worldwide prepare for Christmas, let’s not forget that it isn’t the only holiday to celebrate heading into the New Year. Canada boasts the world’s fourth-largest Jewish community, making Hanukkah a pretty big deal.

One of the most popular parts of the holiday, which runs this year from Dec. 25 to Jan. 2, is the lighting of the menorah. Whether you want to learn more about the significance of a menorah or your curiosity is peaked thanks to a certain hot rabbi in Netflix’s Nobody Wants This, read on for more details on the notable tradition.

What’s the Story Behind the Menorah?

The menorah, a word that means “lamp” in Hebrew, goes back to the second century BCE. It was a candelabra with seven branches, each representing a day of creation. The menorah was initially found in the wilderness sanctuary and later in the Temple in Jerusalem, reports Britannica.

God initially revealed the design of the menorah to Moses on Mount Sinai. It was to be made from a single piece of gold, with three branches on one side, three on the other, and one in the middle. Thus, it also looks like the tree of life. Oil filled the tops of the branches, which were lit and never supposed to go out in a symbol of light.

When conflicts arose between the Egyptian and the Greek-Assyrian Empires, Judaism was outlawed and the Temple was destroyed. According to legends, a group known as the Maccabees kept the religion alive, and eventually, they took back the Temple and relit the menorah. Miraculously, one day’s worth of oil lasted for eight days.

What Is the Difference Between a Menorah and a Hanukkah Menorah?

The traditional menorah, which lived in the Temple, had seven branches. However, because of the story, the Hanukkah menorah (also called a Hanukkiyah) has four branches on each side and one in the middle. That represents the eight nights the Temple menorah burned, plus one to light them all. The Hanukka menorah is lit during Hanukkah, while the initial menorah is used in temples and seen as an overall symbol of Judaism and faith.

What do the Menorah Candles Represent?

The candles on the Hanukkah menorah represent the number of days that the Temple lantern stayed lit on that one day’s worth of oil. The ninth candle, also known as a shamash, is the candle that’s used to light the others.

Families light one candle on the first day of Hanukkah after sundown, two on the second day, three on the third day, and so on until all eight candles and the shamash are lit.

Why is Lighting the Menorah Important?

There are many personal reasons that people light the menorah each Hanukkah, including the renewal of faith and the celebration of people looking after one another. It can also remind you to do what’s right, symbolizing an eternal flame of hope and perseverance.

When celebrated with families, lighting the menorah can symbolize the renewal of Judaism and faith from generation to generation and the ability to do so with an open heart and without fear of persecution.

If you’re anything like us, you’ll understand when we say our love language is gift giving and gift wrapping. It’s an art form that we get to fully express on special occasions.

With the holiday season upon us, it’s time to flex our craft and try a new, sustainable approach: furoshiki Japanese gift wrapping.

What is furoshiki wrapping? We’re so happy you asked! Furoshiki gift wrapping is a tradition that originated in Japan 1,200 years ago that utilizes fabric to wrap and protect objects. Instead of using wrapping paper that ends up in landfills, furoshiki Japanese gift wrapping is a beautiful, eco-friendly and cost-effective way to wrap presents.

Now you may be thinking, how do I furoshiki gift wrap? Well there are many ways to furoshiki gift wrap but everyone has to start somewhere so we’ll start with wrapping simple objects. In Japaneses gift wrapping tradition, this is called otsukai tsutsumi.

Related: How to Gift Wrap Like a Pro

Step 1: Gather Material for Your Furoshiki Gift Wrap

Since we’re starting with the otsukai tsutsumi method, find yourself a square furoshiki gift wrapping cloth. This can be any cotton, silk, polyester or even chiffon cloth as long as there is some stretch to afford you flexibility when it comes time to wrap. Repurposing or thrifting vintage scarves or table cloths (depending on the size of your gift) for your furoshiki gift wrapping is a great first step and you’re guaranteed to find one of a kind patterns.

Step 2: Check the Size of Your Fabric

Once you’ve found the right cloth, lay it down on a flat surface diagonally and place the item in the center. Make sure to double check the size of the cloth, by pulling up the corners to meet, to ensure it covers the item!

Related: Try This Eco-Friendly Gift Wrap For a Zero-Waste Christmas

Step 3: Cross Opposing Corners Over Your Gift

Once you’re sure the furoshiki gift wrapping cloth is the right size, position the item so the flat edges correspond to the cloth’s corners. Take the corner closest to you and lay it over the gift, tucking the extra fabric under the gift. Do the same with the corner across from you (don’t worry about tucking in the extra fabric on this side).

Step 4: Tie the Remaining Corners of Fabric Into a Decorative Knot

You’ll notice most of the gift is covered at this point, leaving two ends of fabric on either side, which is perfect — you’re in the home stretch! Take those pieces and narrow them to line up with the gift. Hold the corners and pull them over to the middle and tie them in a knot. Now tie it again in either another knot or a lovely bow.

And that’s it! It’s that simple. You can recreate this technique easily with any size square or rectangular gift. It can even be applied to tricky-to-wrap round objects.

So before you reach for paper gift wrap, look around your home for fabric or scarves to repurpose and try furoshiki Japanese gift wrap this holiday season!

Related: Make Gift Wrapping a Breeze with Tiffany Pratt’s DIY Takeout Containers

It’s easy to add some festive cheer to your home with little more than a string of lights. Whether you’re a fan of minimalist holiday decor or like going all out (think pop culture decoration and more), it’s guaranteed that your festive decor includes a string or two. Here are the five places inside your house where you can string up those fairy lights for a holiday twinkle.

On Your Christmas Tree

The most obvious choice for where to string up holiday lights is a tree. Whether real or artificial, nothing makes a Christmas tree shine like string lights.

See More: The Best Artificial Christmas Trees You Can Buy

On Your Garland-Wrapped Banister

Another spot to add sparkle to your home with holiday lights is staircase banisters. Wrap both garland and Christmas lights around a banister and light up the way. It’s the perfect look for any entryway that features a stylish-looking staircase.

Shop Them Here: PREXTEX Christmas Lights (60 Feet, 300 Lights), Amazon, $45.

On Your Garland

Trees aren’t the only thing that deserves some holiday sparkle by lighting them up with twinkle string lights. Add some shine to all the greenery inside your home, from wreaths to garland. One tip is to get battery-powered lights so that you can hang your garland and wreaths all around the home, not just close to the nearest outlet.

See More: How to Make Easy Dried Citrus Christmas Ornaments

In Lanterns

A great way to decorate your home for the holidays, indoors or out, is by swapping the standard bulb or candle for small LED lights inside a lantern. Tiny battery-powered lights give a magical feeling that’s full of holiday cheer. They’ll look great on a mantel, by the tree or lining a staircase. You can even try them inside a glass bookcase, like in this great TikTok hack:

Related: How to Gift Wrap Like a Pro

As a Warm and Cozy Tablescape

You don’t just need to wrap string lights around greenery; they also look great as a tablescape. It adds a warm glow to the table, without needing to light up the candles. It’s an especially great idea for a kids’ holiday table, where you don’t want little ones in danger from real flames.

Shop Them Here: 3-Colour String Lights, Indigo, $35.

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