top of page
Addison Tate

Gift Wrapping Gone Crafty

A thoughtful gift wrapping can show someone how much you care. Photo by Addison Tate.

Few can boast their skill at wrapping gifts. The flimsy paper, the tedious bow-tying, and the already scribbled on sheets of gift tag stickers make the process an annual source of exasperation that reinforces the universal love for gift bags. However, a few tips and tricks could elevate the appearance of any gift and make them the most intriguing ones under the tree. Spending all that extra time and frustration on extras as fleeting as gift wrapping could seem ridiculous, but adding a joke to a gift tag or embellishing wrapping paper with handwritten details can show a loved one the amount of thought that was put into the gift. It might be time to ditch the boring wrapping habits and get crafty with those tags and bows.

The star of any gift’s look might be the wrapping paper. Although it may seem like a daunting task, the struggle of cutting and taping gift wrap onto a present can easily be solved with just a few pointers. Hallmark teaches beginners how to expertly wrap gifts in their short video “Giftology: How to Wrap a Box.” Once the basics have been mastered, gift wrap can be decorated in all sorts of ways. Adding pom poms or stickers to solidly colored wrapping paper can add a unique and personal touch to its design. Chalkboard wrapping paper also offers a fun alternative, allowing users to decorate their gift with colorful chalk doodles. For those who still plan to avoid wrapping paper like the plague, try simple origami package designs for smaller gifts or use brown paper bags to pull together a present.

Everyday plastic bows can look tacky and disheveled, or at least dull. Instead of the typical reused gift bow, try substituting some delicate lace or tulle to top presents. For little kids, make the gift wrapping part of the present by decorating it with a candy cane or key chain. In order to achieve an aesthetically pleasing wrapping that Pinterest would be proud of, try using pine cones or flowers to adorn a gift, bonus points for using a newspaper as the wrapping. Snowflake cutouts and mini holiday decorations can also spice up a gift.

Although it often remains forgotten, the gift tag on a present can be a heartfelt addition to its wrapping. Decorating gift tags with hand lettering or festive paper may be time consuming, but tend to clean up the gift presentation nicely. They also double as cards when inscribed with a note, which can save time and brainpower. Try making gift tags that look like snowmen or penguins out of construction paper to add a humorous touch, or crack a knock-knock joke for a young friend. Ornaments make beautiful gift tags, and can be very fun to pick out and customize for each gift recipient. Another cute idea could be to use a gift card as a tag, which will surely excite any friend. Adding a tag to a gift makes the perfect finishing touch.

Often, beauty lies in the little things. And while the gift wrap on a present may seem frivolous, it can be a great way to show appreciation. Between a cute doodle on the side of a package, or a fresh smelling sprig of evergreen, the small details on a gift can have a big impact on a loved one.




Comments


bottom of page