Stock up on paper — this is one big gift

Figuring out how to wrap unwieldy gifts is a time-honored tradition in households that like to give big. Big as in a plasma-screen TV, big as in a bicycle, big as in a canoe.

But some of us are new to big, or not so good at it.

So we asked some gift-wrapping experts for their help on some cumbersome gifts.

For these massive gifts, Andie Wurster, assistant manager at Paper Source in Bellevue (700 Bellevue Way N.E., Suite 105, 425-646-0100), suggests:

Canoe: For the most ambitious, connect several boxes to cover the entire canoe, then wrap it in traditional paper and add a bow. For those with less time, find some cheap fabric in a good pattern to cover up the canoe, and add a bow.

Dollhouses : For an innovative wrap job, find or sew a red Santa bag to cover the dollhouse. It might actually disguise the present.

Recliner : Swaddle the chair in glossy metallic fabric, then add a huge bow.

If you don't care about the element of surprise, just add a generous bow. Try burlap bows if you can't find wide ribbon.

Ann Conway, of Swee Swee Paperie & Studio (4218 S.W. Alaska St., Seattle, 206-937-7933), offered these additional suggestions:

Television: Keep it in the box, and wrap that. For another twist, make the gift into a treasure hunt. Wrap related items separately, like popcorn, a DVD, a television guide and the remote control, making sure they open the remote control last. Keep the TV out of sight until the last moment.

Sleds: Pop a sled in one of the brown bags sold for leaves and other yard waste. The bags can be found at hardware stores. Let the sled stick out the top with a bow on top.

Bicycles: Buy some inexpensive fabric in a good pattern, drape it over the bicycle and add a bow. Alternatives: Buy lightweight painter's canvas at an art store, paint on a bow and wrap the present, or try bubble wrap or paint tarps with large red bows on top.

Nicole Tsong: 206-464-2150 or ntsong@seattletimes.com