How To Wrap Your Presents Like a Designer

Time Several Hours

Budget $ $$$

Skill Level

WORDS BY Gillian Grefe

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Published on December 22, 2017

It’s the time of the season for gift-giving! They say it’s better to give than receive, but we think it’s even better to receive a beautifully wrapped gift. With a little bit of creativity, any gift can be an utter showstopper. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite tips to kick your wrapping game up a notch. And, you don’t have to be Martha Stewart to make it happen.

Wrapping Paper is Overrated

Don’t let your wrapping paper supply determine how your presents look. Instead, think creatively about other materials that can take its place! Fabric makes a great option for items that are irregularly shaped (wine bottles especially), and is so versatile. Choose burlap for a natural, organic feel. Or, pick a festive swatch for a unique take. Knot around your present with a few artistic folds, or gather it together and tie with a ribbon or piece of twine.

Another great wrapping paper alternative is cellophane. The thin material comes in great iridescent colors that can be layered to your heart’s content. It creates a shiny, bright wrapping that looks totally unique and appeals to an inner magpie. Plus, it’s cheaper than the overpriced wrapping papers you can find in craft stores.

Ditch the Ribbon

Ribbon looks great on a present and can add a totally luxe touch to any gift, but lately we’ve been loving the idea of using Washi Tape as a replacement. We wrapped a gift as normal and then created a fun, off-center “bow” with the patterned tape. It looks clean, modern, and stays in place much better than finicky ribbon! You can even find contrasting colors and patterns of the tape, which you can use to create plaid and checked patterns on your gifts. Another alternative is using organic twine– if you tuck a sprig of greenery into the present, the look is natural and elegant!

 

Mix Prints and Patterns

Mixing patterns in home decor is a tricky art that totally pays off. So why not try it with your presents, too? We love the idea of wrapping the lid and bottom of a box in different, yet coordinating papers. It feels super-special, like a present you’d see in a movie, and adds tons of visual interest. Or, try cutting a wide strip of a contrasting pattern and taping it around your present like a graphic ribbon.

Add Ornaments

We might give gifts all year round, but it’s the only time of year when festive ornaments are literally everywhere. Don’t hesitate to add them to your present- they make a great, unique addition when strung along a ribbon. We love the idea of attaching jingle bells (all the better to make your presents peek-proof) or a smaller tree ornament. It’s like getting two gifts in one! And, if you’re giving lots of gifts this season, it makes a great way to differentiate whose gift is whose.

Don’t be afraid to think out-of-the-box (see what we did there?) with your gift wrapping this holiday season. It makes everything more fun, after all! Happy holidays!