Photography: Kristina Soljo / Styling: Lucy Gough
We may well judge a book by its cover and a wine bottle by its label, but can we take the argument so far to say that it’s the wrapping paper that counts? There is a joy to be found in Christmas gift wrapping – a pile of presents under the tree that have a certain consistency, look, or hue. And for the recipient, there’s nothing so breathtaking as a present well wrapped. That bow, the embellishments, the personalised touches that make it more than a present, but a true gift.
Wrapping your gifts at Christmas can be a joy or a trial, depending on your point of view. Love it or hate it, there are ways to ensure success every time, no matter whether you’re wrapping a hardcover book or a single gardening tool with all the jagged, awkward corners. If you’re the kind of present wrapper who ends up having to shave sections of paper off the partially-wrapped gift using scissors, or you have to patch the finished product with extra squares of paper to cover what lies beneath, we have the essential tips to achieve a perfect Christmas gift wrapping result every time.
These tips will make it easier to endure the Christmas gift wrap process – you might even enjoy it!
1. Get your paper in order
A disorganised gift wrapping station, drawer or box is sure to bring out the Scrouge in you. Get your supplies well beforehand, and organise the wrapping essentials so you’re not scrambling for scissors and tape come Christmas Eve. Plan ahead and buy paper early, even before shopping for gifts. Make paper, tape, gift tags and ribbon – and anything else you need to get the look you want – first on your list. Armed with your Christmas gift wrap paraphernalia, set up a wrapping station. A small table is fine or, if possible, make it portable so you can move from room to room with your supplies. A little bar or art trolley would fit the task perfectly. If you plan to wrap your gifts using fabric this year – a beautiful, eco-friendly option that reduces the inevitable waste throughout Christmas – practice the process well before Christmas Eve using our Furoshiki fabric gift wrap tutorial so you know you can do it.
Add these items to your checklist for gift wrapping success.
- Paper – buy in bulk or stock up on complimentary colours
- Ribbon – a few different colours or stick to one to make it easier
- Gift tags – buy extra just in case
- Embellishments – bells or baubles to top gifts
- Plenty of sticky tape
- A good pair of scissors
- Pens for writing tags
2. Cut the right amount of paper for each gift
Less is more. Don’t allow too much extra paper “just in case”. Instead, be as strict as possible when cutting paper to size for each gift. Rather than folding excess at the ends, trim with scissors for a flatter fold against the gift.
3. How to wrap awkwardly shaped presents
Don’t get yourself in a muddle with oddly shaped presents. This is where a gift bag or box comes in handy, but take care with the presentation of either. If using a box, choose one close to the size of the gift and carefully pad around the gift with fresh tissue paper. Gift bags come in all sizes and benefit from a little padding with tissue to conceal the gift and add a little drama. In each case finish the package with a box and a beautiful tag.
For oddly shaped objects, such as bottles, start wrapping without the gift inside. Create a cylinder with a sturdy base then place the bottle upright. Once inside, fold over the top of the paper and secure it in place. Tie a ribbon around for decoration and, for beverages, add a garnish of dried fruits in a complementary flavour for extra pizzazz.
4. Avoid last-minute gift wrapping
Take your time. Rather than leave your wrapping until the last minute, wrap purchases and put them under the tree as you go. This is where your mobile wrapping station comes in handy as you can grab your supplies and knock over a couple of gifts at any time. If doing it all at once, set yourself up to watch your favourite Christmas movie to get you in the spirit.
Rather than leave your wrapping until the last minute, wrap purchases and put them under the tree as you go.
5. Make the wrapping personal
Have fun with it! Don’t be afraid to make it your style with quirky wrapping. If you’re not into the tinsel and trinkets of Christmas, change it up with old maps or all-white craft paper and an unconventional cord tie. Your friends and family will appreciate your efforts and look forward to your wrapping each year as much as what’s inside.
Save some cash and cut down on waste by seeking out generous remnants of fabric at home that, with a simple knotting technique can create a reusable fabric gift wrap. Or, combine the wrapping and present in one using a beautiful silk scarf or a new tea towel or tablecloth to wrap a related present.
For an embellishment that doubles as a sweet personal touch, include a letter tag. Simply take the first initial of your recipient’s name and tie it to the gift with a ribbon, just like you would a gift tag. To create a bright accent, opt for metallic shades or a hue that’s in the pattern of your paper.
If you’ve left it too late to embellish your gift, use Christmas decorations you don’t mind parting with or top the gift with a few sturdy twigs, holly or other greenery.
Get the look: gift wrapping ideas to shop
01
Sugar and spice red gift wrapping paper
$4, Etsy
Get the look of our Home Beautiful gifts this year with Citrus and Spice wrapping paper in red. It’s made from eco-friendly, 80gsm uncoated paper with metallic gold accents. It’s also festive in the Olive Gold hue.
Sizes: 50cm, 1, 2-5 metre long rolls
Colours: Red (pictured) and Olive Gold
Materials: 80gsm paper
Key features:
- Australian Etsy store
- Certified sustainable plantation forests
02
Bespoke Letterpress gift wrap rolls, six assorted
$69.95, The Iconic
Six rolls of 3-metre long gift wrap rolls should see you through at least Santa’s list this year. This stunning collection of gift wrapping from assorted artists will be sure to make your gifts really shine. Bespoke Letterpress is known for its stunning prints in beautiful hues, and this fun collection brings in some of the most beautiful.
Sizes: 3 metres x 70cm wide
Colours: Multicoloured six pack of assorted rolls
Materials: 100gsm paper
Key features:
- Recycled paper
- Certified sustainable plantation forests
03
Camilla silk square scarf
$239 (usually $399), The Iconic
When the gift is actually what the gift is wrapped in… Wrap a quality chocolate bar or another lovely token in this beautiful silk scarf for a present that truly intrigues and excites. The print on this beautiful scarf by Camilla makes it the best present under the tree. This is a luxurious and versatile accessory that adds a touch of elegance to any outfit, or present.
Colours: Three prints include: The Jewellery Museum (pictured), We Always Have Alexandria, and Era of Empires
Materials: Silk
Key features:
- 100% silk
04
Holiday letterpress gift tags pack of 10
$16.44, Etsy
These cute-as-anything letterpress tags are so cute it’s hard to resist one in every print. They come in packs of 10, so they should see you through a few Christmases. Each one comes with a special cord or ribbon to match – there’s red satin for the “Festive Holiday” cards, and a Champagnbe cord for “Cheers”, which comes printed on Rose Mauve Paper.
Colours: Prints include Santa Pigeons, Silver trees, Red Ribbons, Cheers!, Green Bows and Festive Blue
Materials: Upcycled paper
Key features:
- Made using paper upcycled from the Etsy store.
05
Berisfords Dark Red Luxury Velvet Ribbon
from $4.70, Etsy
A beautiful cherry red ribbon in velvet could wrap almost anything and make it look impressive. It’s a sure way to elevate your Christmas gift wrapping. The recipient of this gift will no doubt keep and save the ribbon for another use. Available in widths from 9mm to 50mm, these velvet ribbons are made with a 100 percent nylon pile and given a soft velvet finish.
Materials: Nylon and velvet
Key features:
- Available in widths from 9mm to 50mm
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