I like parcel paper too One. It look very cool and modern. Or I use plain bright coloured Kraft paper tied with Butchers twine. I have bought Gingerbread Man patterned ribbon from V W Rouleaux for some gifts- bit indulgent I know. Otherwise it's the red Butchers twine.
This is what I've bought for some people-
DH -a snowboarding Coatigan type thing from winter sports shop and an acoustic bass guitar plus various luxe bottles of liquor-English Whisky Co whisky for DH, Slamsey's Blackberry gin and Marmalade gin plus Old Salt White rum.
DD- Purple metallic leather Zatchel, loads of baking books and equipment for her Patissiere course.
Son and his GF -a dressing table that matches their new bed. Navy mini Zatchel for GF, Leopard print bedding for son (a joke-he likes the Austin Powers irony) and a new Gecko house.
Plus stockings for all with foodie stuff for DD, good coffee and teas for DH, We all have bottles of Christmas bubbles to blow too. They get socks, boxers, lipbalms, bottles of chile sauce, luminous glow stars for ceilings and other fripperies.
Grand Theft Auto, skate shoes and chili products for DD's BF.
Books for my two nieces-fashion ones for the older and baby ones for the younger. Plus Stella McCartney scarves and mittens on sale for them both. They live in cold mountainous Germany so get loads of wear.
Slate Tray with antler handles for Mother and enormous hamper of chocolate for StepF- he adores chocolate.
Hamper of food products for close friend and husband.
Good aftershave (Sel Marin by Heeley) for nephew.
Third niece has some Caran D'Ache drawing pencils (doing design based PHD and likes to hand draw) and a cashmere scarf and beanie as Scotland is super cold!).