Gift wrapping is one of the easiest ways to personalize a gift. In Japan, the art is known as tsutsumi. In Kunio Ekiguchi's book Gift Wrapping: Creative Ideas from Japan, tsutsumi is described as the "gentle concealment" of the object.

"Just as one helps a friend into a coat carefully and courteously, a gift should be wrapped tenderly and conscientiously." In that spirit, we offer up these simple but thoughtful ideas for presenting your present.

Above: A feather adds a flourish to a package; image via In Haus Press. Wrap with White Butcher Paper ($27.50 for a 200-foot roll at Amazon) and Grey Cotton Cord ($1.98 for 10 meters at Sight Green World on Etsy), and attach a Kraft Paper Envelope ($6 for 25 at Jam Paper) and a feather from your nearest coop.

Above: Fresh foliage strikes a festive note; image via Sunday Suppers. Tie up a brown cardboard box with braided jute twine (Natural Twine, $8.27 for a 325-foot spool at Amazon) and add cypress leaves or acacia florets.

Above: Keep it simple with a reusable cloth bag; image via In Haus Press. Charming and affordable, Cotton Drawstring Muslin Bags are $4.95 for 25 from Amazon.

Above: Brown paper packages tied up with string; image via Cox and Cox. Paper Twines are $27 for a set of coils in 6 colors at PaperPhine.

Above: A little bit of glitter can go a long way; image via Fabulissime, Start with Kraft Paper ($29.45 for a 720-foot roll at Amazon) and embellish with Silver Curling Ribbon ($5.20 for a 500-yard spool at Amazon).