My current favorite wrapping paper, stored down in the basement, next to my snake, is a dinosaur print with polka dots.

General awesomeness score: 10.

Versatility score: 8 (Having used it to wrap for young and semi-old. Um, apologies to Mr. Bag Lady.)

However, it has an Achilles heel.

Festive score: 0.

This holiday season, regretfully, a stegosaurus in a party hat will not cut it.

So began a quest. And as with any decent pursuit there were setbacks (Justin Bieber). Squeals (classic Superman). And success … but at a price.

Hoo-hoo has my heart? Shop on.

* Justin Bieber wrapping paper, 20 square feet, Dollar Tree, $1

The pop star’s face, in different poses, surrounded by white snowflakes.

General awesomeness score: 4 (that’s me trying to be generous)

Festive score: 10

Versatility score: 2 (comes in either blue or green background colors)

Potential wrinkles: It’s Justin Bieber’s face. Surrounded by snowflakes. There’s a very limited demographic for potential enjoyment; maybe three people on Bag Lady’s Christmas list.

* “No Peeking,” 130 square feet, CVS, $7.99*

Red wrapping paper with that phrase over and over in different sizes, fonts and colors (green, white and dark red).

GAS: 4

FS: 5 (Nothing about it says, specifically, holidays)

VS: 2 (Nothing says use me at Easter or for your next birthday party, either.)

Potential wrinkles: No matter how you cut it, you’re going to end up with “No Pee” somewhere.

* Red metallic, 12 square feet, Victor News, $3.99

GAS: 5

FS: 5

VS: 10

Potential wrinkles: It’s a vibrant parquet-floor-style pattern, but a little safe. Almost says I’ve been sitting on this mug/snow globe/underthing waiting to give it to the right Peter or Paula.

* Four-pack of Santa, holly berries, cardinals and plaid, 120 square feet, CVS, $7.99

GAS: 4

FS: 10

VS: 1 (the plaid can maybe be used on a St. Andrew’s Day gift for your favorite Scot)

Potential wrinkles: Two-fold, unfortunately. The colors are already muted, as if it’s hung out in the basement with my snake for too long. It also looks like something a great-aunt used in 1973 because she did. Tired or timeless? Well, in 30 years, someone will still be merrily using this whilst sucking on a Werther’s Original and watching “It’s A Wonderful Life IV” and they will not be using Justin Bieber wrap, so there is that.

* Peanuts, 20 square feet, Dollar Tree, $1

White background with slightly muted colors with Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the whole gang. Old-school done right.

GAS: 9

FS: 10

VS: 2

Potential wrinkles: Do kids today know Peanuts? Hmm. Might be for the 35-and-over set.

* Family scene, 100 square feet, Victor News, $6.99

There’s a grandma in a rocker, a mom laying out a meal, a dad coming home, dated but Rockwellesque.

GAS: 6

FS: 10

VS: 4 (for young and old, but nothing beyond the holidays)

Potential wrinkles: 100 square feet is A LOT of wrapping paper in one print. Can you use that much? Do you mind everyone’s gifts looking the same? Always question and shop.

* Superman, 20 square feet, Dollar Tree, $1

Classic cartoon Supes in huge prints, both of the man and the iconic “S.” It’s on a green background but there’s nothing overtly Christmasy in the print.

GAS: 10

FS: 5 (the background is green, his big “S” is red …)

VS: 10

Potential wrinkles: The lack of yuletide joy has to be balanced out. I vote adorning it with a net of dark chocolate coins.

* Owls, cardinals and snowmen holographic over a blue metallic background, 40 square feet, CVS, $6.99

Simply darling, there’s just no other word. Whimsical without being too cartoony. My new go-to when dinosaurs won’t do.

GAS: 10 (I did mention the owls, right?)

FS: 10

VS: 4 (again, all-ages, but not beyond Dec. 31)

Potential wrinkles: For the price, it’s not going to go very far, so best make these gifts count.

* None of these prices reflect current sales or any Black Friday deals.

Bag Lady’s true identity is protected by a pair of stylish, sweater-wearing Doberman pinschers (who like to walk on unrolled sheets of wrapping paper, poking holes in them with their toenails, until Bag Lady yells, “Stop! Don’t!” and they move along, but they dog laugh about it later) and the Customer Service counter at the Sun Journal. You can reach her at baglady@sunjournal.com.

Copy the Story Link