Gift Wrapping Tips

 

Here are some helpful tips for organizing gift wrapping jobs and some ideas to make gift wrapping easier.

 

Collect Generic Gift Wrap Materials
Instead of buying Santa gift paper, try going with a plain red, a metallic silver, and a beautiful white. These papers can look wonderful by using red, green, or metallic ribbons. And later they can look equally wonderful for Valentine's Day with pink ribbon or for a birthday with blue ribbon.

 

Cellophane Bags
Clear or printed cellophane bags (like the ones florists use for corsages) can be a lifesaver for small non-fragile gifts, sweets or baked goods. Simply insert the item into the bag (wrapped in tissue if desired) and seal the top with ribbon, raffia, cording, or a twist tie.

 

Colored Tissue Paper
Tissue can make any gift seem more festive. Collect several colors to use when lining gift boxes, to cushion delicate items, inside cello bags, or even to use as gift paper.

 

Hole Punch
Use an inexpensive hole punch to puncture gift tags (to insert a ribbon) or to punch two holes in the top of a folded gift bag (to insert a ribbon or raffia).

 

Stickers
Seasonal stickers are a fun way to decorate plain gift bags, tags, or to close cello bagged gifts.

 

Tags
Beautiful tags are a lovely touch. However, they can sometimes come off and get lost. Try the stick-on types when mailing gifts or for large gatherings when the tag could be inadvertently detached. To and from information can also be written on top of the gift (on the wrapping paper) or on the ends of the ribbon tie. Or, glue or tape the greeting card right to the top of the box.

 

Making Gift Tags
Craft and stationery stores have blank tags in a variety of shapes. You can also make your own tags in any size or shape using colored paper or cardstock. Scalloped edge scissors will also help create beautiful looking tags.

 

Recycled Greeting Cards
Cut off the fronts of christmas cards and attach them to your gifts using double sided tape. The picture on the card will dress up your gift and add a bit of color and style. Use a simple cording as ribbon.

 

Embellishments
Gifts can be made special by tucking in a bit of greenery. Look for artificial leaf or pine sprigs to use on gifts.

 

Pens
Keep gold, silver, gel, or colored pens available for writing greeting cards and gift tags.

 

Raffia
Raffia strands are available in natural beige as well as a number of bright dyed colors. They give a homey touch to gifts and are perfect for more country or rustic decors. Use at least 3 strands together when using as ribbon. Knot strands from end to end to make longer lengths for larger gifts.

 

Ribbons
Passion for beautiful ribbon has increased in recent years. Keep in mind, however, that gorgeous ribbons are often very expensive. Use them for special gifts rather than presents that might be ripped open in the blink of an eye. It will also help to confine the use of special ribbons to smaller items and come up with cheaper alternatives for large bulky gifts.

 

Glitter Wire
This is a useful item for all sorts of gifts in bags. Glitter wire (or garland) is metallic covered wire with sprays of metallic cutouts (stars, hearts, trees, etc.) bursting out in every direction. Use wire cutters to trim to shorter lengths and use them as "twist ties" to close cello or paper gift bags. Wind the ends around a pencil for a curly finish.

 

Wired Ribbon
Wired ribbons are becoming widely available. Most offer beautiful colors or sheers with the convenience of wired edges. Making a package look gorgeous is easy with wired ribbon since you'll be able to "fuss" with the bow to get it looking just right. Trim the ends of wired ribbon on a slant or in a V-shaped "swallow tail" cut.

 

Bags
Gift bags -- plain, colored, with or without handles -- are terrific for giving items that don't have a box or for gifts that include multiple items. Use ribbon, raffia, or glitter wire to close the top of the bag.

 

Alternative gift papers
Many people like the look of using wrapping paper that is homemade. These can be done in brown craft paper (plain or rubber stamped with designs), using the comics as wrapping paper, origami papers for small gifts, wallpaper scraps, old scarves, or even pieces of fabric.

 

Cording
Metallic cording is a simple but elegant touch on a package. In addition it can be reused easily later on another gift. Collect several colors.

 

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