Nothing excites during the holidays like gorgeously wrapped gifts that dazzle your friends and family. Unique packaging designed with a personal touch can add a punch of panache to any gift, no matter how ordinary it may seem. Here are a few ways to make your gifts shine this holiday season.

What better way to personalize a gift than to design your own wrapping paper? Using just a few simple supplies and techniques, you can create a canvas for your gift that is sure to awe and inspire family and friends. To start, all you need is solid color wrapping paper or a gift bag. You can also use plain brown packing paper for a rustic, woodsy feel.

• Rubber stamps - One way to add some flair to your package is to use rubber stamps. Visit your local craft store to find holiday-themed stamps such as snowflakes, stars, Christmas trees and Menorahs. Then purchase colored ink pads and create your own pattern by stamping the ink directly on the wrapping paper or gift bag.
• Paint pens - Incorporate your own personal message on gifts using paint pens. Consider writing your favorite holiday song lyrics, quotes or other messaging in calligraphy on the wrapping paper or gift bag instead of using cards or gift tags.
• Dye-cuts - Create your own holiday collage using seasonal dye-cut images. These paper cutouts can be found at any craft or scrapbooking store and can make a bold statement on a blank background. No cutting is required - just glue them to your package.

Before wrapping your gift, consider the contents. The wrapping you use could become a secondary surprise. For example, if you're giving a gift for baby's first Christmas, consider wrapping it in a receiving blanket and fastening it with diaper pins. Or, if you're giving a camera or camera accessories, consider placing the gift in a photo box with a bow on top. Hats can be placed in already-adorned hat boxes, and accessories such as earrings, broaches or other jewelry can be cinched in beautiful matching scarves.

One simple way to add distinction to a gift is to top off the package with a little something special. Choose items that are aesthetically pleasing (a holly sprig, poinsettia bloom or pinecone), or even functional (a Christmas ornament or charm for a necklace or bracelet).

Nothing says personalization like a gift wrapped in a collage of family photos. All you need is a printer, scanner and 11"x17" paper. Using old (or new) family photos, create a collage with the photos and scan them into your computer. Print the collage out on plain or colored 11"x17" paper. The result is a unique, homemade wrapping paper that is sure to bring back old memories and create new ones.