Be quirky, creative when wrapping it up.(Knight Ridder Newspapers)

Byline: Madeleine Marr

They say it's better to give than receive. Whoever "they" were probably didn't factor in one element of the whole present generosity thing that always can add a wee bit of stress: wrapping it up.

Kamitha Sloan and Monica Pennachio, co-owners of Star Bag Creations in Miami Beach, give five ways to make the process a little easier.

1. Get those juices flowing: Think back to those accolades from your 10th-grade art teacher. "I encourage creativity," says Sloan. "Look for unusual receptacles to place your gifts in."

"You're your own artist," adds Pennachio.

So instead of the standard cardboard brown jobbie, say from "tres" unglam Mail Boxes, Etc., look in places you wouldn't ordinarily. Sniff around vintage stores, festivals, flea markets and consignment shops, where quirky objects lurk.

"They may seem like a funny resource idea," says Sloan, "but you can get so much eclectic stuff an old jewelry box, a strip of funky wallpaper, or swatches of fabric you can wrap something in."