I bet if you go look in your holiday wrapping stash right now you have a few of those pre-made gift bows left over, don’t you? You know…the ones that have a sticky backing on them and you just match the bow to the paper and smack it on the gift? I save mine, do you? I figure why not recycle them just like I recycle the gift bags . Well, the other night I got to thinking. How about I up-cycle some of those pretty gift bows for a wreath makeover for my “Thrifty Style Team” series. I wasn’t sure how it was going to look, but I did it anyway. Welcome to December’s Thrifty Style Team post which I am calling “Gift Bow Wreath & Last Minute Gift Guide”. So yes, there’s also a Christmas gift guide included (how ironic!) that is dedicated to the last minute shoppers (like me). I found some really cool things for $10 and even less! Oh, and don’t forget to visit the full Thrifty Style Team at the end of this post. I saw some really nice ideas from my fabulous blog friends.
This is how the wreath looked when I pulled it out of the crypt.
It doesn’t look that bad, but it definitely has seen better days. In fact, I made 2 of these about 10 years ago and I was quite proud of them. You can see that the paint is chipping off of the ornaments and the bow has faded to a dingy off white. It also needed a serious fluff job.
Look what a little fluffing and a few gift bows can do…
At first, I asked my husband if it looked tacky. His exact words, “Absolutely not!”
Then I tried it on the front door and it almost looked magical. Maybe festive is a better word.
*** Some of the links in this post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. Read full disclosure policy here.
It really was super easy, guys. I just added the bows with a little green wire. If you peel off the sticky thing on the back of the bow, and slide the wire in you’ll see how easy it is. I’m not much of a “gluer”, but I suppose that would work, too. The little gift box is also just wired on.
If you skip over this source list below, you’ll see my cute “Last Minute $10 or Less Gift Guide”. I can’t get over how cheap that watch & scarf are. I would love both. Wait, I have that scarf.
This is the very first time I have created a “Christmas Gift Guide” and I must say I really enjoyed it, however it does take some time. I really searched hard for the best reviews and prices and I think I found a great collection for women, of all ages. Maybe even some guys may like a few of these items. Just picture your BFF sitting on the sofa next to the “love” pillows and lit candle, wearing the scarf, watch, and earnings, and she’s reaching into her rose gold credit card holder to pay for the pizza that you just ordered. HA!
Gold Crystal Beaded Candle Holder
Black & White Scarf (this is a steal!)
Black Vintage Enamel Bangle Watch (my favorite!)
“LOVE” Pillow Covers (another steal & Valentine’s Day is next!)
Tags: Christmas, gift bows, gift guide, wreath Posted by

I will be looking at those bags of bows differently now! The update is a fun and festive win.
Thank you, my friend! Merry Christmas!!
Lookin good, love to all, Dad
Love this wreath and the gift idea list!!
Thank you, Deborah! Merry Christmas, friend!!
Thanks for the gift ideas!
You are welcome, Maureen! Merry Christmas!
This is so cute Julie! What a fun way to update that wreath! Merry Christmas to you my friend. xoxo
Thank you, Vanessa! Merry Christmas, girl!
You are co talented! Love the wreath! It truly is something I can even make!
Oh, I hope you make one, Nancy! It was a cinch!! And the bows won’t chip like my ornaments did out there.
I think your wreath is darling, Julie! The addition of the little package is just right! A betty Merry Christmas to you!
Thank you!! I thought of that last minute. My husband was laughing at me, lol.
Great way to refresh an old wreath Julie! I have a few of these somewhere in my donate pile. I’ll have to pull them out and try this. Happy Holidays to you!
Merry Christmas, Kristi!!
You never fail to inspire me!
Love all your projects. Thank you.
Thank you, for that sweet comment. Made my morning ?
[…] (Click here to view Julie’s gift guide.) […]
What a great inspiration you bring to us all.
I love your wreath and looks so very festive on your door.
The bow package really makes a nice addition.
Amazing something so simple can give it a whole new look.
I will buy old wreaths at Goodwill Store, bring them home and redo the whole thing; giving it a whole new make-over.
oh great….now you show us what to do with all those bows that I don’t even use anymore! what a clever and sweet idea . merry christmas to you, rick and the girls.