8 gorgeous gift wrapped store-bought goodies

Before: Sweet treats

8 gorgeous gift wrapped store-bought goodies

After: Sweet treats

A dash of candy cane-striped tissue paper here, a sprinkle of fun grosgrain ribbon there – that’s all it takes to make these sweet gifts, packaged in simple white boxes lined with parchment paper, look as good as they taste. Gift tagsin the same red and white scheme add an element of holiday cheer. Holiday Elves tag, Illustrated Goods, prices vary; Striped tissue paper, ribbon, michaels.com, prices vary.

8 gorgeous gift wrapped store-bought goodies

Before: Mini powdered sugar doughnuts

8 gorgeous gift wrapped store-bought goodies

After: Mini powdered sugar doughnuts

A childhood favourite, mini powdered sugar doughnutsmake the perfect winter treat. Place a few in a pink paper bag adorned with pretty heart stickers. Fold the top of the bag, punch two holes in the middle and secure with silver braided ribbon. Pink paper bags, stickers, michaels.com, prices vary; Petite glass bottle, striped paper straw in Bubblegum Pink, shopsweetlulu.com, prices vary.

8 gorgeous gift wrapped store-bought goodies

Before: Nut-covered brownies

8 gorgeous gift wrapped store-bought goodies

After: Nut-covered brownies

Special deliveries are the best kind to receive at Christmastime, so why not make these nut-covered brownies extra-fetching by dressing them up like an old-fashioned parcel. Wrap about four brownie squares (enough the satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth) in brown kraft paper lined with parchment paper and embellish with decorative twine and a collection of vintage stamps.

8 gorgeous gift wrapped store-bought goodies

Before: Pistachios

8 gorgeous gift wrapped store-bought goodies

After: Pistachios

Making an appearance in almost every delectable holiday dessert, pistachios are a joyful sign of the season. Package the nuts in these seasonally appropriate gingerbread house boxes (from Martha Stewart Crafts) and adorn with red ribbon and name labels for the perfect take-home party favour.

8 gorgeous gift wrapped store-bought goodies

Before: Sweet and salty popcorn

8 gorgeous gift wrapped store-bought goodies

After: Sweet and salty popcorn

Popcorn is not only ideal for Christmas tree garland, it’s also the perfect party snack. Instead of serving it in a large bowl, create individual helpings by placing handfuls in brown paper bags. Close the bags with mini-clothespins and affix chalkboardlabels – inscribed with fun, festive sayings – to the front. Brown paper bags, wooden mini-clothespins, michaels.com, prices vary.

8 gorgeous gift wrapped store-bought goodies

Before: Tasty Turkish delight

8 gorgeous gift wrapped store-bought goodies

After: Tasty Turkish delight

It’s difficult to decide which is more irresistible – the beautiful packaging or the tempting candy confection that is Turkish delight. Either way, it makes an enchanting host or hostess gift. Nestle the squares in a rectangular box lined with patterned paper. For gift giving, cover the top with cellophane, then finish with a satin ribbon and a pretty name tag. Martha Stewart Crafts Cherish labels, patterned paper, michaels.com, prices vary.

8 gorgeous gift wrapped store-bought goodies

Before: Sugar cookies

8 gorgeous gift wrapped store-bought goodies

After: Sugar cookies

Who doesn’t have a weakness for cookies? Even Santa is guilty of devouring one too many during Christmas. Present cookies in a basic glass Mason jar (available at grocery and craft supply stores) and, for a festive touch, attach a length of grosgrain ribbon to the lid with double-sided tape. Remember to pick a jar that has a large enough opening so you can easily stack the cookies inside – and get them out again!

8 gorgeous gift wrapped store-bought goodies

Before: Lovely loaf cake

8 gorgeous gift wrapped store-bought goodies

After: Lovely loaf cake

A hearty loaf or pound cakeis always a welcome gift, even more so when it comes packaged in a reusable silicone-coated loaf pan decorated with a strip of rustic white burlap and red satin ribbon (remember to wrap the baked good in cellophane first). It’s a piece of cake! PC Bake & Gift Set loaf pan, Real Canadian Superstores, prices vary.