Do you suffer from wrap rage during the holidays? You know, the tendency to package everything in wrapping paper, bows and string. It’s important to keep in mind that the packaging is all for show, and it's a quick show. People really want what is underneath all of that sparkly paper. Below are some tips to help you reduce your wrap rage this season.

• Reuse paper from other gifts you have received in the past. It’s beneficial to keep those old gift bags, because it takes a few seconds to fill them and arrange the tissue paper.
• Purchase presents that are, in a sense, already wrapped. If lotions and perfumes already come in a bag, basket or tin, can’t you consider your work done?
• Avoid gifts that will require plastic surgery. The last thing your friend or family member wants to do is spend three minutes ripping into those clamshell packages. So choose products that are easy to open and that can be arranged elegantly in a basket or cellophane bag that you might have lying around.
• Wrap your gifts more creatively. For example, use extra foil, newspaper, hair ribbon, faux flowers, etc.
• Keep in mind that simple is elegant. Overpackaging is a waste of paper and your time.
• If you must package your gifts, choose recycled paper and ones that are biodegradable.
• Forego the wrapping process all together and hand your friend or family member their gift. If you hate wrapping, your excuse can be that you’re going eco-friendly.

Did you know that 10 percent of the average product’s cost is for the packaging? This year when you go holiday shopping, take a hard look at the types of items you want to purchase. For example, if you want to get an American Idol Barbie for your child, you will have to go through 55 pieces of packaging just to get to the doll! Although packaging is important to prevent shoplifting, some companies have downsized their packages. Hershey’s Special Dark chocolate bar has 15 percent less packaging, and even a Breyer’s ice cream tub is made from 14 percent fewer materials. It’s easy to get caught up in the shiny, glittery wrapping paper, but don’t let yourself be a victim of wrap rage this year.