Funny Wrap-Up
My grandfather was a true Mainer: a kind, generous and funny man. To him, my brother was always a “long drink o’ watta”. And my grandfather could “ay-uh” with the best of ‘em. Like you and I “yeah.”
He was also a resourceful man. He and my Grammy could stretch a dollar around the block.
They often frequented yard sales, thrift stores and flea markets to find unusual treasures for our birthday presents. I don’t know which they loved more: saving money or the thrill of the hunt. (I think that gene landed on me.)
We grandkids always loved their unique gifts. And perhaps as much as the gifts, we loved the festive wrapping. Because they often wrapped with “the funnies”, the comics section from Sunday morning’s paper. It was fun, free and cheerful. And as a bonus, when excitement from the gifts and party subsided, we’d often chuckle over the “wrapping paper”. By then, the comics were weeks or even months old, the punch lines long forgotten and funny again.
It might be a fun tradition in your family to use a Funny Wrap-Up. Perfect for kids and kids at heart. Economical. Cute for birthdays and other occasions … think Valentine’s, April Fool’s… or even Christmas morning.
I often use festive red gros-grain ribbon when wrapping with the funnies. But almost any color ribbon works. The comics are versatile that way. Like a great pair of jeans, everything matches, it’s hard to go wrong. Twine and raffia look great too.
So when Sunday morning’s paper is old news, and that final swig of coffee is downed, save the funnies! Yes. “Save the Funnies!” I can’t think of a cheerier upcycling campaign. (I know I’m doing my part!)
Leslie says
Allie – Love your site and love you. Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful stories with us! Leslie
Allie Taylor says
Thanks so much Leslie! Love you back…:)
Amy says
Allie, I too love the FUNnies as gift wrap. I like your gross-grain ribbon idea. will definitely try that. 🙂
Allie Taylor says
Thanks Amy!
Carolyn V says
Allie, great writing. Thanks for letting me know about your blog – have enjoyed the content & I expect we’ll see some funny paper wrapping at Christmas (since we have recently subscribed to the Sunday paper 🙂 Thanks for the idea.
Love to you & yours!
Carolyn
Allie Taylor says
Thnx. Carolyn! Love to all XO
Kathy says
Hey Allie,
Beautifully written! I’m looking forward to reading more stories on your blog.
Kathy
Amy says
What a “fun” way to recycle AND save a dollar! The red ribbon is the perfect touch.
Madeleine says
Love the site and love this idea. Cute and very fun! xo
Allie Taylor says
Thnx. MADS! 🙂
Lori says
Your site looks great! Looking forward to getting your posts in my inbox! 🙂
Allie Taylor says
Thnx. Lori, you might see an idea or two of yours along the way. Miss you. XO
Amie says
Great job! Your new site looks wonderful!
Allie Taylor says
Thanks so much Amie. XO
nancy mcmahan says
I am going to really enjoy your blog. Love the way you write. Wish my comics were in color.
Allie Taylor says
I’m so glad Nancy! 🙂 I think black and white would be really cute for wrapping too! Especially with a red ribbon!
Laura Cook says
My Mom used the funnies too! Not a New-Englander, but a frugal gal none-the-less. (Combine growing up in the Mid-West just post depression with a daddy who worked the coal mines.) Fabulous idea AND I ADORE I can listen to your stories in your very own voice!!! OXOXOXOX
Allie Taylor says
I could absolutely see your mom using the funnies! Miss you girlfriend. XO
Aunt Margie says
Dear Allie,
So happy to tune in! I have used comics for years, too, but love your added festive ribbon idea. Your stories are the best, and you are a veritable bubbling fountain of ideas. May God bless your bits and pieces! Love you, Aunt Margie
Allie Taylor says
YOU MADE IT!!!! YAY! Many thanks Auntie M! Love you back. XO
Gerry says
My wife and I use the comics paper for wrapping at times – especially when its for young people or when the present is so big that using purchased wrapping paper would be overly expensive.
Aside from that, liked your blog and thank you for writing it.
Mercie Beaucoups!
A New Hampshire native.
Allie Taylor says
Gerry, thanks for visiting the site. I hope it’s warm(er) where you are. You got out of dodge just in time! 🙂 Hello to your bride!
Jen says
Dearest Allie,
LOVE that glimpse into the character of your Grampy and Grammy and absolutely LOVE the idea of the red ribbon, too! Can’t lose with using RED for almost ANYTHING! Love you, Sweet Cousin!