They say it’s better to give than to receive, and as someone who loves to wrap gifts, I definitely agree with that statement! Of all the things I love to do during the holiday season, wrapping gifts is definitely near the top of my list, and over the past few years I’ve developed a few techniques for making my gifts look that much more tempting sitting underneath the Christmas tree. Here are a couple of my tried-and-true gift-wrapping tips!
Tip #1: Try picks
What’s a pick? It’s a small decorative object or cluster of objects, like a few Christmas tree leaves or a group of baubles, that’s in the form of, well, a pick. These were originally made to stick in wreaths to add flair to them, but it turns out they also make the perfect toppers for Christmas gifts! What I’ll do is tie a giant bow first, and then tuck the pick right behind the center knot. Voila – instant wow factor!
Wrapping paper: Marshalls; ribbon, pick, washi tape and tag: Michaels
Tip #2: Try stacking multiple gifts together with coordinating paper
You can create really interesting present shapes by combining two or three separate smaller packages into one larger piece. Of course, only do this when the gifts are related and will be used together! Play around with how you incorporate ribbon – often, the added height and different shapes of your individual gifts help you elevate a standard ribbon into a sculptural element!
Wrapping paper: Bob Slate Stationer (peacock print), T.J. Maxx; ribbon: Michaels
Tip #3: Try different ribbon-tying techniques
Speaking of ribbons: switch it up a bit, will ya? Here are a couple ways to tie ribbons that you may not have tried yet:
For rectangular boxed gifts: Draw your ribbon around two opposite corners of the box to create a diagonal effect, and then tie a bow! Or, offset the bow from the center for a more visually interesting look.
Wrapping paper: Marshalls; ribbon: Michaels
When one ribbon isn’t enough, use two: This works especially well when the ribbons are of different textures. Here’s an example of a glittery ribbon over a sheer one for a playful look.
Wrapping paper: Marshalls; ribbons: Michaels; mini snowman ornament: Big Lots
Use yarn: You’ve seen baker’s twine being used to wrap gifts all over Pinterest. Guess what? Yarn can be used in the same way (and there’s a lot more yarn out there to choose from)!
Wrapping paper: T.J. Maxx; ribbon: Goodwill; yarn: Michaels
Tip #4: Try adding festive accouterments
For smaller gifts that aren’t quite large enough to warrant using a pick, try hot-gluing other small decorations into your bow knot instead. Try mini ornaments, bells, pinecones or silk flower blooms.
Wrapping paper: Bob Slate Stationer; ribbons, silk flower and tag: Michaels; mini candy cane ornament: Big Lots
Tip #5: Try washi tape
Never underestimate the role that fun tape can play in making your gifts dazzle! Washi tape is decorative Japanese tape that can take your gift-wrapping to the next level. Don’t be afraid to do a little bit of quirky pattern mixing with your paper and your tape. Remember, the best combinations don’t “match,” they just “go!”
Wrapping paper: Goodwill; washi tape: Maido Stationery
Tip #6: Try anything tartan or plaid
For a surefire way to make your gifts look extra festive and inviting, throw some tartan on it! There’s something about the beloved traditional pattern that immediately evokes sitting by the fire with a warm blanket and a cup of hot chocolate, reading a good book, holding a puppy on your lap, dozing off… ahh. Wait, where am I again?
Wrapping paper: T.J. Maxx; ribbon and pick: Michaels
Tip #7: If you must use a gift bag, at least try to make it more interesting
Collegiettes, I’m going to be honest with you: Putting gifts in gift bags is like saying, “I am too lazy/unskilled to wrap my presents.” Laziness, fine. Lack of skill? No longer! What are you reading this article for, anyway? Still, I understand. Sometimes the object is just too oddly shaped to wrap (on that note, see tip number eight below). In those cases, a gift bag is a suitable option. But next time you must do it this way, give your gift bag some love with a ribbon bow on the handle. Even better: place a pick in the gift bag, peeking out from the side. So tantalizing! And for heaven’s sake, don’t forget the tissue paper.
Gift bag: T.J. Maxx; pick and tag: Michaels; tissue paper: saved from gift purchase
Tip #8: Try wrapping oddly shaped gifts anyway
One way to do this is to make your oddly shaped gift part of the wrapping itself, as an unwrapped accessory sitting on top of another wrapped gift (remember Tip Two?). But more often than not, I suggest that you just wrap the darn thing anyway, folds, crinkles and all. It can make for an endearing, vintage-looking package that has its own charm! Also, when wrapping something cylindrical, I like to make the whole thing look like a giant wrapped candy by extending the wrapping paper beyond the edges and tying ribbon on both sides. So fun!
Wrapping paper: Goodwill (holly pattern), Marshalls; ribbons: Michaels
Tip #9: Try better wrapping paper, ribbon and supplies in general
This last tip is the most important of all. You can’t wrap beautiful gifts without beautiful materials! Below, I've listed a few of my favorite places to shop for gift-wrapping supplies. You don't have to break the bank to get cute supplies!
- Michaels (for picks, ribbons, and washi tape)
- Marshalls, T.J. Maxx, and HomeGoods (for wrapping paper and tags)
- Paper Source or other stationery stores (for luxury single-sheet paper and washi tape)
- One King's Lane (for designer wrapping paper and ribbons)
- Goodwill (for ribbons and wallpaper which can be repurposed as wrapping paper)
- Big Lots, Walmart, and your local dollar store (for festive accessories to incorporate in your wrapping)
Wrapping paper: Marshalls; ribbon: Michaels
Have any other tips I should try? Leave a comment for me below!
Happy wrapping!