There are few things more joyful than giving and receiving gifts among friends and loved ones. A beautifully wrapped gift is a feast for the eyes and a signifier of love and appreciation. However, we’re not all gift-wrapping experts; some find the whole ordeal exceptionally frustrating. If you want to learn how to wrap like an expert, consider these nine simple tips to ensure beautifully presented presents for any occasion.
Remove The Price Tags
We are often told, “it’s the thought that counts”, and the specific amount spent is irrelevant. Nevertheless, a cardinal gift-giving rule is to always remove the price tags. Many consider indicating the price of a gift unnecessary and potentially inappropriate. To avoid any awkwardness, inspect your product thoroughly for any sneakily hidden price tags, and be sure to keep the receipt safe in case your recipient wishes to exchange their present.
Quality Wrapping Paper
The use of quality wrapping paper will make the gift-wrapping process a lot easier. Poor-quality paper is prone to tearing, whereas needlessly thick paper can be a nightmare to fold and manipulate. Robust, attractive wrapping paper will give your offerings an element of luxury and show that effort has been made. The ideal wrapping paper is around 80 GSM (grams per square metre).
Sharp Scissors
Blunt scissors are notorious for snagging and tearing wrapping paper, wasting your time and valuable resources. Sharp scissors will glide across your wrapping paper effortlessly, making crisp, precise cuts. Your wrapping paper may feature guideline grids to guide your hand. Alternatively, you could purchase a craft guillotine, perfect for trimming your paper to size with ease, but always handle these pieces of kit with caution due to their incredibly sharp blades.
Measure Your Paper
Cutting a length of wrapping paper that doesn’t quite envelope your gift entirely - the frustration is unrivalled. In avoiding this mishap, it’s easy to become overzealous with your paper; however, too much and your gift can become lumpy and wrinkled. Using the correct amount of paper saves you from buying more than you need to and also does the environment a favour.
Consider Boxes
Wrapping unusual-shaped gifts can either be a test of your creativity or an utter pain in the neck. When in doubt, use a box. Boxes are an easy shape to wrap and let’s face it, we all enjoy the aesthetic of a perfectly presented cuboid. You don’t even need to go to the trouble of wrapping - why not purchase a custom box to add an extra touch of polish and personalisation?
Coordinate Colour
When it comes to Christmas, an inviting pile of gifts under the tree is a sight to behold. You could go the extra mile and amp up the spectacle by coordinating your gifts by colour and pattern. Consider plain brown recycled paper enriched with pops of red or green ribbon. Alternatively, you could opt for a frosty winter theme with silver glitter wrapping paper and pale blue embellishments.
Sustainable Alternatives
For those with sustainability as a priority, wrapping paper alternatives may be preferable. In the UK, non-foil and non-plastic wrapping paper is widely recycled, but it is advisable to check beforehand with your local council or paper mill. Other alternatives include baskets, hampers and cloth wraps that can be reused as clothing accessories or for craft projects.
Fabric Ribbons
Traditional crimped polypropylene ribbon is a popular go-to gift adornment. The ability to curl the loose ends with scissors makes for a cute finishing touch. However, to transform your gifts from something ordinary to something truly splendid, use fabric ribbon, which is available in most craft stores and haberdasheries. You can often purchase lengths of assorted surplus ribbon at a discounted price. Learn how to tie a picture-perfect bow, and you’re good to go.
Other Embellishments
Harness your creative side and make your recipient feel extra special by embellishing your gifts. As mentioned previously, this may be in the form of ribbons, but don’t stop there! You could try your hand at paper crafts and glue origami roses or stars to your parcel. Why not add a hint of delicate fragrance with dried flowers or go fabulously festive with cinnamon sticks and holly leaves? Let your imagination run wild and create something for your loved ones to treasure.
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