My Top Giftwrapping Tips!
Everyone has wrapped a gift at some point, birthdays, weddings and of course Christmas.
Receiving a beautifully wrapped gift makes whatever is inside even more special. Over the years I have spent many hours wrapping a box ensuring no tape is visible, perfecting a bow and trying to make that impossible awkward shape look, well, less awkward! I have had some complete disasters – tape not sticking other than to itself, giftwrap so thin it tears the moment it is folded or so thick it doesn’t bend at all. You know the feeling, most of us will have been faced with some or all of these at some point.
Giftwrapping is not an exact science but the techniques are easy to learn and really can give that polished look. You don’t need to use expensive giftwrap or ribbon to make a gift look amazing, simple brown paper and a bright ribbon, bows and decorations is all you need.
Giftwrapping Tips
Taking a little bit of time to choose how you’re going to wrap a gift will make it easy in the long run. Here are my top 6 tips on how you can make gift wrapping easier.
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Choose your wrap
Giftwrapping paper is not created equal. Avoid the cheapest rolls, it tears too easily and you only want to be wrapping once! There are so many beautiful giftwrapping paper options available. In my next blog I will be sharing the best and the not so good when it comes to giftwrapping paper.
Stuck on how much paper to use? Watch my latest video, where I share a simple technique on how to measure exactly how much paper you need to use.
If you are looking for something extra special you could have giftwrap personalised at Pretty Gifted. Choose your paper, pick a font & foil and then personalise with up to 60 characters.
Don’t rule out tissue paper and cellophane – both indispensable for those awkward shapes including bottles and balls.
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Don’t forget the tape!
If, like me, you don’t like to see the tape, buy double sided – just tear, peel & stick. I buy mine from Jane Means, its fantastic. Or ditch the sticky tape roll and opt for a handy wrist tape dispenser with the perfectly sized pieces.
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Wrap on your kitchen counter or at a table
Obviously this is dependent on the size of the gift (a bike may be a challenge!) A large flat surface really does make wrapping so much easier and prevents back ache. Avoid the floor and the bed, you really don’t get sharp paper creases where you need them.
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Decorations & Ribbons
There are so many options to choose from! Keep it simple with a ribbon and a gift tag. Add garden foliage, artificial or paper flowers. Alphabet letters are fantastic to personalise a gift, tied on with ribbon. No need for a tag if you use a favourite photograph of the recipient. All of these make excellent options.
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Pick a time to wrap
This may very well sit alongside the making a cake for a school fundraiser or just when everyone has gone to bed. A time where you can complete the wrapping uninterrupted is perfect!
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Get everything together before you start.
You don’t have time to be hunting around for ribbon or tape, collect everything you need before you start so it’s all to hand. Make sure your scissors are sharp, especially if you are using ribbon.
And finally, if all else fails……..get someone else to do it for you! Or book a workshop to learn all the techniques you’ll need.
