Don't think soggy pressies are a good idea...

[Tatiana]

Okay so I want to have a tree outside with presents...but since I live in Ireland, weather is a major issue. It rains here most of the time...even our Summer is a wet affair. So simply wrapping cardboard boxes is not going to do the trick. How can I weather-proof my presents?
Maybe if cover the boxes with duct tape and I laminate the wrapping paper before I wrap it'll work out...any other ideas?
Will have to fill the boxes with something heavy enough that the weight alone is a deterrent to would-be Grinches i.e. nasty teens who live round here.

[Sickie Ickie]

perhaps a vinyl/plastic christmas table cover for wrapping?

[Just Whisper]

http://melissawatts.webs.com/giftboxes2.jpg
These are some boxes (ones on far left and far right) I made from styrofoam, then covered in fabric. I used one inch thick styrofoam and cut 5 squares then glued them together to make a cube with bottom open. Not sure how to keep kids from stealing them. I would probably try my Smith and Wesson first. If that didn't work then i would get out my AR15.

[Sickie Ickie]

I suppose you could hook up an alarm...

[RookieElf]

If your feeling crafty enough, a lot of dollar stores carry vinyl Christmas-themed table cloths during the season. Just wrap 'em up like you normally would.

[Ugly Joe]

How about just wrapping some cinder blocks?
No worries about them loosing shape if they get rained on, snowed on, sat on, stepped on...any rotten children who try to give them a kick will be most surprised!

As for waterproofing, perhaps some polyurethane?
Or clear spray paint?
Or, wrap them in colored paper, and then wrap them in cellophane-type wrap? Kind of like shrink wrap, perhaps?

[Warrant2000]

I used to wrap the outside display in plastic wrap (we here in the US call it Saran Wrap). I would also use a wire coat hanger at a sort of leash anchored to something heavy to keep things in place.

Maybe attach a cow-bell or two to it.

[Sickie Ickie]

The cinder blocks sound very feasible.

[Tatiana]

All very good ideas, guys. I think I'll go with wrapping bricks and covering them with paper, followed by cling-film (saran wrap).

Thanks!!!

[Just Whisper]

If that doesn't work you might try throwing bricks, and then wrapping the little hoodlums in cling wrap after you nail them with the brick. Who knows, it could become our next new Olympic sport.

[putrid]

Might just try lacquering or use polyurethane on the paper after you wrap a box. Get every corner, nook and cranny. The lacquer will stay clear. Urethane will eventually turn yellow.

[pyro]

http://melissawatts.webs.com/giftboxes2.jpg
These are some boxes (ones on far left and far right) I made from styrofoam, then covered in fabric. I used one inch thick styrofoam and cut 5 squares then glued them together to make a cube with bottom open. Not sure how to keep kids from stealing them. I would probably try my Smith and Wesson first. If that didn't work then i would get out my AR15. using s&w 0r a AR15---sounds like halloween props in the future