How To Take Your Gift Wrapping to the Next Level
We call them “presents” because presentation is everything. Remembering someone with a thoughtful gesture becomes even more meaningful when you take the time to wrap it. It’s an easy way to emphasize the celebration and surprise of the perfect present. Learn how to take your gift wrapping to the next level with these pro tips.
Box Everything
If it fits into a box, use one. We’ve become accustomed to throwing things into gift bags with tissue on top, but that removes the ceremonial suspense and satisfaction of tearing paper. It’s not always feasible to store empty boxes “just in case” you need them, but you can compromise. Keep some collapsible boxes with your other gift-wrapping supplies, or hold onto several different-sized boxes that fit inside each other.
Buy Quality Paper
You don’t have to invest in artisanal paper or the thickest you can find, but there’s no getting around it: if you spend a little more, it will look better. The sweet spot seems to be a mid-weight, mid-price paper because:
- If it’s too thin, it will tear at the corners.
- If it’s too thick, it will be hard to fold.
- If it has too much glitter, the tape won’t stick.
Go ahead and stock up on the dollar-store rolls for kids. But when you know the recipient will appreciate it, break out the good stuff.
Use Double-Sided Tape
It takes a little practice with finger work, but a gift with hidden tape is infinitely more elegant. Even the best scotch tape looks amateur, and if your folds are crisp, you can sneak in some double-sided tape underneath. The overall effect is almost magical. The gift will look as though it’s from a high-end shop, and you’ll never have to worry about leaving fingerprints again.
Let Ribbon Do the Work
The easiest way to take your gift wrapping to the next level is to give those prefabricated bows a rest. The stick-and-go approach to bows is a cop-out, and they’re often recycled from other gifts. If you choose the right ribbon, most of the work is done for you. Try a wired ribbon for a bow that’s permanently perky, or wide satin for a luxe look. If you love kraft paper, use burlap to complete the look with real structure. Wrapping any ribbon around the whole present will give it professional polish.
