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My friend Sarita writes about gifting, at her blog I Love Gifting. Recently, she wrote a piece titled 5 Ways to Return Proof Your Gift, and the last point really hit home with me. It is something that I am not very good at, even though I love to pin many images of gorgeous wrapping! Here is what Sarita had to say, highlighting the importance of gift wrapping:
Wrap it up: If the gift is great, why bother with gift wrapping, right? Wrong. Gift wrapping isn’t just about covering the gift in decorative paper. It’s about going one step further; it’s like the icing on the cake or a beautifully decorated dish at a restaurant. I liken it to a splendidly done window display. It adds another dimension and is the final flourish that completes a good gift. And for the recipient, it’s about the anticipation, the excitement of discovering what’s inside.
– Sarita
What she says really makes sense to me. There is a reason that diaper cakes and cute little sock babies are so popular on Pinterest, they have a “Wow Factor” to them that we are all drawn toward. The same goes for bridal shower cakes and gorgeous, crisply wrapped items.
Here are some tips that I have to help you give a good-looking gift.
How to Make Your Gift Wrap Really, Really Ridiculously Good Looking
KISS – Keep it Simple, Stupid
- Pick a solid colour wrapping paper that is high enough quality the corners won’t poke through. This technique is especially effective with large boxes. For weddings, you can use white, silver, kraft paper and gold.
- Wrap your gift with nice, crisp folds. Try to make them as symmetric as possible. Putting things into boxes makes this easier.
- Use sparing but equal length clear tape.
- Add a thick ribbon. Pick a contrasting colour or a complimentary colour. If you are using kraft paper or gold, consider wrapping it several times with twine.
- Violà! You have a simple, but elegant and really really ridiculously good looking gift!
Here are a few examples of KISS gift wrap ideas:
Wrapped With Paper
This is a great trick if you’ve cut your wrapping paper too short or you just want to create a two-toned look on your gift wrapping. You can wrap the brown paper all around the gift or just lay it on the top part, then tape or attach with some twine.
What I like about this simple gift wrapping idea is that you can write the name right on the paper; no gift tag needed.
Add a Bit of Greenery
If you want to make your gift wrapping look fancy without too much effort this is a fun trick. Grab fresh greenery from your yard or use artificial plants or flowers from the dollar or craft store.
Use simple wrapping paper (recycled paper is great!) then tie up with your favorite twine.
Use a Simple Ribbon and Bow
If you prefer ribbon and bows this is another super easy gift wrapping technique. Once you wrap your gift do a criss-cross of wide, coordinating ribbon.
Then just stick on a regular bow to the middle to hide your knot!
Skip Trimmings and Go Tagless
This is the ultimate in simple! There’s no rules when it comes to wrapping presents so you can always skip the ribbon and tag and write their name right on the paper.
Any wrapping paper works for this, although I recommend something light colored or simple brown paper since it will show the writing best.
Great for kids!
Luxury Gift Wrapping
If you have a bit more time on your hands or really want to wow the recipient you could also wrap gifts a little more fancy. These are great for those big milestone occasions like weddings, anniversaries, and baby showers, but they’re also fun “just because” on Christmas and birthdays too.
If you’re someone who likes to wrap gifts then you’ll love these fancy luxe gift wrapping ideas!
Wedding Bouquet Gift Wrapping
Although it’s still a bit simple, what makes this gift wrapping idea luxurious is the pretty rose bouquet attached to the gift.
Start with simple white wrapping paper (white craft paper also works) and find a miniature rose bouquet. Fresh flowers will really wow, but artifical is fine too if you need durability.
Tie with ample jute twine for an elegant look.
Tie Bows Out of Ribbon
To get this look you’ll have to do some more complex bow tying. Thankfully I found this great tutorial on Youtube to help you tie this four loop bow to wrap up your fancy gifts.
Once you’ve mastered bow tying, start with the larger bow in a light color making sure to create the ribbon cross on the gift first. Then attach a smaller bow in a darker color (with short tails) on top.
Tissue Paper Wrapping
This looks fancy because it’s a little different from the normal way we wrap gifts.
the trick is to stack two different colors of tissue paper together before you start wrapping. Instead of wrapping the normal way, fold so the paper gathers to the top. Then bunch, secure with a ribbon, and trim the excess for a unique gift wrapping idea.
Reusable Wrapping Paper
Although this could arguably be a simple solution, reusable wrapping paper (at least in my opinion) makes gifts look a little more fancy. It’s definitely more expensive than conventional wrapping paper, at least.
What I really like about this option is that it’s a gift in itself; not only do they recieve what’s wrapped, but they can also reuse the wrapping paper again and again.
Keep scrolling for more awesome gift wrapping ideas! You can also follow my Wrap It Up In Style Pinterest board.
Gift Wrapping Ideas
Need some ideas on gift wrapping? From gift tag holder ideas to handmade bows this list has the perfect idea for you! Check it out and find something that fits your style today!
Although the title says Christmas these ideas can work for any occasion! Using pom poms, ribbon, and string all three of these ideas create super cute gift wrapping paper everyone will love!
A super easy way to wrap gifts is to make your own holiday gift bags! Why buy when you can use items from around your house!
These DIY reindeer gift bags would be perfect for Christmas or a themed party! Using simple brown bags and a few crafting supplies you can make these in no time!
Every gift needs a cute gift tag! These FREE printable tags are perfect if you have a beautiful knitted gift to someone!
If you plan to give a gift card you definitly need to check out this easy sew fabric gift card holder! You can really personalize this by selecting your own fabric that fits the person you are giving to.
Sticking with the gift card theme here, if you plan on giving a gift card to a kid or teen for a movie this is definitely a must check out! Popcorn, snacks, and of course a cute wrapper for your gift card! You can spin this idea for other gift cards as well.
This gift idea is not only easy but budget-friendly too! Perfect idea for the tea lover in your life. Learn how to make your own tea bouquet with this easy DIY guide right here.
We are sure when you think of wrapping gifts you most likely think of Christmas time! These fun and easy ways to really personalize your gifts are sure to impress everyone this holiday season.
These ADORABLE brown paper bag DIY bunny treat bags (or could be used for a small gift) would make the perfect Easter wrapping idea or just for a bunny fan in your life!
Have you tried wrapping a gift with fabric instead of paper? It is super forgiving, because the fabric stretches easily where the paper would tear. And best of all, you don’t need any tape.
Every wrapped gift needs a pretty bow on top! This particular DIY bow is made from recycled material!
This fun craft project repurposes your old Christmas cards as decorations for custom DIY gift bags! Kids and adult love making and receiving these thoughtful decorated bags for presents the next Christmas season.
Another great Christmas wrapping idea is wrapping your gifts in the style of a snowman! Placing them on top of each other to create a cute little snowman!
Feeling a little nostalgic? Check out these super creative and easy to do binatge gift bags, tags, and some unique wrapping ideas perfect for the holiday season (or honestly any season).
Add a unique and festive touch to your gift wrapping with these Abstract Holiday Gift Tags. Not only are they fun and easy to make but they add a personal, homemade touch to any gift.
These drawstring gift bags are very simple to make and so cute! Handmade gift bags are a wonderful way to class up any gift. You can personalize them easily. Depending on the size you make you don’t need much fabric so you could make some of these to get rid of some of your fabric scrap pile.
Homemade wrapping paper is always a great personal touch when wrapping a gift! This sponge stamping style is a fun and creative and would make a really fun afternoon activity for kids to do!
Make one of these adorable gift card box houses with your Cricut or Silhouette! They not only work for wrapping up gift cards but you could alsmo put small gifts or treats in here! How cute would these look at a kids birthday party or under your Christmas tree?
Make gift giving extra special with thoughtful and unique wrapping. This creative gift wrapping idea, with beautiful felt flowers, is one way to show how much you care. And the recipient will be able to use the flowers year-round!
An Eco-Friendly Way to Wrap Presents Using Japanese Furoshiki
Are you looking for an eco-friendly way to wrap presents? Instead of using wrapping paper that you throw away when you wrap gifts, use the Japanese art of fabric folding, Furoshiki. Fabric folding can be used to wrap a present, carry a platter of cookies, create a holder for a houseplant or wrap a wine bottle.
