Published: 20 December 2024
It’s most definitely beginning to feel a bit like Christmas now! The temperature has dropped, we’ve had our first snow, and the decorations are up. So, now we have to start thinking about the thing that many of us struggle with—gift wrapping. Some people make gift wrapping look so easy! They even manage without tape while creating these gorgeously wrapped-up packages! For the rest of us, though, wrapping presents can be more of a struggle. If this is you, we have a few tips to take the strain away.
Five Tips for Wrapping Gifts This Christmas
Try different styles of wrapping
There’s a tendency to believe that there’s only one ‘right’ way to wrap presents. But that’s simply not true. Finding a style that’s easy for you to do can make the experience a lot faster and more enjoyable.
Conventional: Measure your paper before cutting. Place the gift in the centre of the sheet and fold the longest sides in to meet in the middle. Add tape, then fold the open ends into points before taping closed.
Envelope: Fold the wrapping paper to create a ‘pocket’ that holds the gift securely. This one is more easily explained visually, so YouTube can help!
Pyramid: If you’re crafty, DIY pyramid boxes can be a really cute way to wrap small and oddly shaped items.
Bouquet: We’ve all done this one at some point. Get a large sheet of paper. Place your item in the centre and bring all the edges together. Tie a ribbon where the present ends, leaving a froth of paper to splay like a bouquet.
Decorate your presents
An easy way to draw the attention away from wrapping that may be a little less than perfect is to personalise it with your tags and adornments. You could print photos of each recipient or add a mini bauble to each gift. Nature tags, made out of pinecones, holly, cinnamon sticks, or dried flowers, can look amazing. By adding some kind of arrangement to the front of your gifts, you can hide a multitude of wrapping sins!
Get the kids involved
There are multiple reasons for getting kids involved in gift wrapping. And a couple of different ways to do it. One of the most important reasons is that it is fun for them. It also gives you an excuse when things go wrong. And adults like the cuteness factor. So, you can just get your children to help with wrapping in the regular way. You can buy some craft paper instead of expensive gift wrap and let your kids design the paper for each person. Or, once you’ve done the main wrapping, you can let your children go wild with ribbon and gift toppers, which will hide any obvious mistakes!
Wrap a gift in a gift
Sometimes, gift wrap is overrated! Depending on the gift and who it’s going to, you might be able to make your wrapping part of the present. Tea towels, scarves, and other forms of fabric can be used instead of paper. Simply pop a small present within, and tie up the ends with string. It may look a little bit ‘different’ but you’re giving two gifts in one. You’re also avoiding waste. Boxes, jars, and tins are also worth considering.
Use gift bags
If all else fails, gift bags can be your new best friend! It’s not an original idea. But some crumpled tissue paper and a gift bag can be used for most small to medium-sized presents. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it looks good. And if you’re smart, your gift bags can be retained and reused, which is so much better for the environment. And more cost-effective in the longer term.
Gift wrapping can be an art form. But it’s important to remember that it doesn’t have to be! While beautifully wrapped gifts can make your tree look more appealing, on the big day, no one really cares what their presents look like! The point is that you’ve put in the time, effort, and love to make your family and friends happy. If your gift wrap falls short on aesthetics, you’ll be the only one to remember!
Are you looking for some festive fun this December? Why not come and see us as Holker Hall’s Christmas grotto?