One of my favorite things about the holidays is gift wrapping. You could say gift wrapping is my jam. I readily admit to going overboard but I just love creating and giving pretty packages. It helps to take a thoughtful approach and plan in advance. Today I’d like to share 8 tips to jazz up your holiday gift wrapping. The tips are illustrated with some of the gifts I’ve wrapped over the last few holiday seasons.
TIP 1: Choose a theme and color palette. I’ve found that sometimes the ribbon or the gift topper will set the theme and color palette. Other times, I start with the theme and work from there. Here’s an example of traditional, warm and cozy theme with a red, cream and gold color palette. This idea started with the mini-scarf and mittens gift toppers.
TIP 2: Use a gift topper. Make or buy gift toppers in keeping with the theme and color palette. The below gift features fabric yoyos made in festive holiday colors and accented with antique buttons. Other examples of gift toppers I’ve used include wooden ornaments, decorative hearts, fabric flowers, peacock feathers, glass ornaments, mini felt mittens and paper fans. Attach the gift topper to the package after the ribbon is in place.
TIP 3: Use multiple ribbons. Choose at least 3 ribbons in keeping with the theme and color palette. Buy coordinating ribbons in three different widths; wide, medium and narrow. Choose one of the ribbons, either the wide or medium, in a pattern and the other two in a solid color. At least one of the ribbons, either the wide or medium, should be wire-edged. Ribbon is available in a variety of patterns, colors and materials. Experiment with different materials such as lace, tulle, yarn or beaded trim.
TIP 4: Make the gift tag special. Choose or make gift tags in keeping with the theme and color palette. Use multiple layers of paper, decorative cuts and pretty font to make the gift tags part of the decoration. One option is to print a greeting on vellum and back it with colored card stock. Use a punch or electronic cutter to add an interesting edge. Punch a hole in the gift tag so it can be tied on with a piece of narrow ribbon.
TIP 5: Use plain wrapping paper. I like to wrap the gift box in plain brown kraft paper. This plain background serves to showcase the gift’s decoration. Alternatively, use gift wrap in a complementary color with a subtle pattern.
TIP 6: Use a “belly band”. A “belly band” is a strip of paper wrapped around the gift box. The ribbons and other decoration will sit on top of the belly band. Choose specialty paper, such as handmade or Japanese paper, in keeping with the theme and color palette.
TIP 7: Consider ribbon placement. Experiment with different options for wrapping the ribbon around the gift box. The most common is a crossover at the center. Try an off-center crossover, a diagonal wrap or parallel stripes. Starting with the widest ribbon, wrap around and use double-sided tape to secure. Layer on the next widest ribbon in a similar way. Consider adding a second or third stripe of the medium ribbon. It can be tricky to make a nice bow with the same piece of ribbon you’re wrapping around the package so try tying the bow separately instead… which is the next tip.
TIP 8: Make a separate ribbon bow. Use wire-edged ribbon and narrow ribbon to make a separate bow. Attach the bow to the gift box after the ribbon is in place.
BONUS TIP: Plan ahead. It’s common for the price of ribbon to be drastically reduced after Christmas so be sure to check out the possibilities for next season. It’s also helpful to look for gift toppers throughout the year. You never know where you might find the perfect little accent. The below hearts are a case in point. I found inexpensive silver-colored heart earrings in a small gift shop in July. It was easy to take them apart and spray paint them gold to match my planned theme and color palette.
Today’s Takeaways
1. A beautifully wrapped gift enhances the gift giving experience.
2. Consider the above tips to jazz up your gift wrapping.
3. Holiday gifts are the ideal opportunity to experiment with gift wrapping themes and color palettes.
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