We asked a Party store if they would consider donating or giving us the clear cellophane at cost. They donated many rolls of wrap, but it had stars and holly as it was left over from Christmas. We are able to use this and it dresses things up a little. But, we don't wrap all the baskets, just ones where we are afraid things may "walk" or dislodge, and we always put a detailed list on the outside. Gift cards are often just a card stock place holder and when they pay patrons are given their actual cards from the cashier. We mark the bid sheet with GC in the corner to alert the cashiers. We also got a roll of saran wrap donated from a shipper that tightly wraps things in a clear manner. We buy ribbon after the holidays when they are clearance priced as well as that donated from the party store. We gather plain gift bags for our surprise gift bags (pay $25 and get a $30-$100 surprise inside). Sometimes a store bag may be plain with just a small logo so we cover that with a ribbon. We also buy the tissue after holidays for discounts. You just have to be organized enough to buy ahead of time.
We actually do not wrap our baskets. We have found that while it makes it look attractive it also makes it difficult to see the items that are in the basket. We have never had a problem with any items going missing although gift cards are all mounted to cardstock and secured to the baskets. If you feel you like the look of the wrapped baskets then I would encourage you to make lists of what is included and put a tag on the outside. People won't bid on items they don't notice and this could impact your bid amounts.
We purchases a very LARGE roll from a local florist. It cost us approximately $150.00 but it lasted us thru almost 3 years of our Penny Parties wrapping approximatelt 400 baskets for us and we shared with school events and a few local fundraisers. The dollar store and local paper product stores can be costly. If possible ask them to donate it to offet your expenses.
Check out the Dollar Stores. They have a gift basket bag set which has two big cello bags that can be used to wrap baskets in. I've also been collecting medium sized boxes which I will use if I can't get donated baskets to use to wrap gifts in. I'll wrap the box in decorative gift wrap paper and then use cello bag from Dollar store.
Costco also had rolls of ribbon on sale at Xmas time that I'll use for the bows on the baskets.
For the filler in the baskets, I've used brown grocery bags which I put through the shredder to give that shredded look. Or wait until after Easter sales and buy up the marked down paper grass.
