Bonnie and Sue with just a smattering of supplies.

The best defense is a good offense. I’m not talking football here— I’m talking about the holidays. All that giving and sharing and jolly spirit is a whole lot easier if you are prepared. We’re pretty good on the cooking end of it, but when it comes to presentation we went to a pro. We went to Bonnie, AKA Boot Camp Bonnie (because of her dedication to early morning sweating).

Bonnie is not only incredibly generous, but also creative, which is a killer combo this time of year. She doesn’t just show up with cookies for the group—she shows up with a candy-striped hat box brimming with individually wrapped packages of peppermint meringues. Starting with a paper bag she ends up with something that could grace the cover of Martha Stewart magazine (if Martha ever shared the stage, that is). Bonnie was kind enough to share some of her tricks, and the arsenal of staples she keeps on hand to turn humble mason jars, paper bags and boxes into gift-worthy pieces of art. Everything can be found at party stores, craft stores, department stores, pharmacies and even grocery stores. Bonnie looks out for deals year round and stocks up when the getting is good. Here are some things to look out for:

Daunting, yes, but your friendly neighborhood craft or dollar store has plenty to offer.

The Basics: Containers in a variety of shapes and sizes–these can range from cardboard boxes, wire-handled takeout containers, fancy embellished boxes and hat boxes to coffee mugs, decorative bowls, paper bags and metal pails or buckets; lots of ribbon, bows, raffia and raffia wrap; festive plastic bags and twist ties; washed and repurposed bottles or jars and the never fail mason jars.

 Accent materials: Sparkly stuff like leaves, stars and snowflakes; silk flowers and greenery; fancy ribbon like moss ribbon, textured or stretchy ribbon; stray jewels, bling and beads.

Natural materials: Boxwood and evergreen sprigs; hardy fresh herbs like rosemary and bay leaves; flowers in season like hydrangeas and sunflowers; dried flowers; shells and sand dollars; feathers; pinecones, acorns, seeds, pods and whole nuts; whole spices like cinnamon sticks and star anise.

Ornaments and decorations: miniature bells, toys, figures, props; clip on birds and mini stuffed animals; seasonal cookie cutters or small kitchen novelties.

One word–Clearance!

Stamps (rubber and stick-on), seals and stickers: These are great to close up takeout containers or to write gift messages on. Get them at stationery and sundry stores.

Tools: If you have but one tool, make it the small but mighty glue gun. Use it to affix or join ribbons, put pine cones and shells on packaging. Gold and silver metallic sharpies in wide and fine tips. Scissors and both single side and double stick tape.

Gift tags and labels: You can never have enough! If you keep them on the plain side you can use them year round.

Wrapping and Tissue Paper: Again, be an opportunist and keep a good supply, especially of tissue paper which does everything from adding a decorative touch to a gift bag to protecting a stack of fresh baked cookies. Also, keep a stash of heavy duty paper for the good stuff and for gifts that need to stand up to transport.

This is just a partial list. As Bonnie reminds us, the main thing is to be creative and have fun with it. If you need a little inspiration on what to wrap here’s the recipe for some killer Christmas cookies, courtesy Bonnie our Good Gifting Goddess.