Here's a list of clever solutions for tricky presents to wrap:

1: Medicine Ball

Cover a medicine ball by creating a large circle on the floor of clear plastic giftwrap and then sheets of colourful tissue paper, red is always a winner at Christmas. Put the ball in the centre and pull all the sides up to create a gathering, let the edges fan out and tie a ribbon to secure the wrapping at the top of the ball. The clear wrap will stop the paper from tearing underneath.

2: The Skipping Rope

Thoughtful packaging can give a useful gift a real sense of luxury, so for smaller items put them into a circular gift box with some tissue paper and finish off with a gift tag and beautiful ribbon. Spotlight has a great variety of Paper Mache boxes that are cheap as chips and can be customised if you fancy getting creative.

3: The bicycle

Bikes are large objects so you want inexpensive wrapping paper, the most stylish is a large roll of brown paper available from post offices. If the bike doesn't come boxed, cover it with paper, but first secure any moving parts on the bike with string then bubble-wrap any bits that could potentially tear the paper (pedals and handles mainly). Use the paper to create a huge envelope for the bike to fit in then finish off with a wide red ribbon from top to bottom with a huge bow.

If you're buying a surf board as a gift it's worth going the whole hog and buying a board cover too. Tie an over-sized gift tag onto the cover with some show-stopping ribbon. Spotlight have large plain tags or you can make your own using a piece of card and spray mount an image or patterned paper onto one side. Finish with a big bow tied with a wide colourful ribbon.

These are just my suggestions but if you want more expert tips speak to Pheobe Gazal at Papier D'amour www.papierdamour.com.au