This is the fourth post of an eight post series called “It’s a Wrap, Yo!” that includes ideas, wrapping tips and tricks, and inspiration for your holiday wrapping. Check out the introduction, Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3.
Welcome to Part 4 of the series! It’s been so fun to put together! It’s time to get down to the nitty gritty. There are five essential supplies that you need to wrap a pretty gift. I’ll give you a quick rundown of each, and offer some ideas or examples of where you can find them!
#1 Most Important Supply: Tape
Tape is important. If you have sucky tape, your package won’t stay together and you’ll fight wrapping the whole time. No fun. If there’s one thing you take away from reading this post, this blog, my About page, anything, know this: if you want your package to look presentable, use DOUBLE-SIDED TAPE. I’m not messin’ with you. This is especially true if you are a small business owner that sells products and sends items to customers. It’s the #1 supply that will make your packages look professional, high quality, and beautiful. Is it expensive? Yes,but it’s worth it.
Here’s a reminder: DOUBLE-SIDED TAPE. Buy it, use it, love it.
GSW Recommendation: Scotch Permanent Double Sided Tape
It requires one of those ugly tape dispensers which is also not cheap. But if you wrap a lot, it’s a good investment. Santa gave it to me for Christmas one year and it’s one of the best presents I’ve ever received. Fo shizzle.
#2 Scissors
Scissors come in a close second for gift wrap supplies. You should have two pair: one for paper and one strictly for ribbon. They don’t have to be expensive. All of the pretty Instagram and magazine pics show beautiful metal scissors with gold handles. There are some lovely ones out there (like these Nate Berkus beauties) but they’re also expensive. I say buy light, but sturdy pairs with plastic handles. You want them light and easy to hold, and they should fit your hand well. The reason I don’t recommend metal scissors is because they can be heavy. Who wants to cut paper for 42 presents on Christmas Eve with a wrist cramp? Not you. Not me. Not anyone.
GSW Recommendation: Fiskars
Tip: To differentiate your ribbon scissors, tie a piece of ribbon on the handle. Boom.
#3 Good Quality Paper
Paper is the first thing people see when they receive a gift, whether it’s from your own hands, or out of a shipping box. It should be tear-free. You don’t have to spend a fortune on paper, but you do need to be mindful of the quality. And speaking of quality, quality over quantity is most important. It’s absolutely the worst when you’re folding corners and you pull a side tight, and it RIPS. What’s worse is when you’re too tired to fix it. No bueno.
GSW Recommendations: read tips on how to find the good wrapping paper here, and find 15 pretty holiday wrapping paper picks here and here to get you started. You’ll find tips to stretch that good paper if you’re on a budget, too!
#4 Ribbon
Ribbon!! It can make or break your package. There’s a lot of good ribbon out there, but my go to’s are usually sheer, grosgrain, double-sided satin in all widths, and baker’s twine. I’m a ribbon lover/hoarder. My craft closet is bursting with ribbon. I keep every little scrap because you never know.
GSW Recommendations: Paper Source for satin ribbon and The Twinery or Knot and Bow for baker’s twine. Paper Mart offers great deals on all types of ribbons by the roll which is the best value.
Tip: try to avoid single sided satin ribbon. If you’re going to take the time to wrap a pretty gift, single-sided satin should be your last option. Try baker’s twine, yarn, or cotton grosgrain first. PS: yarn makes beautiful ribbon!
#5 Gift Tags
Generally, follow this rule: if you’re using patterned paper, choose a simple tag that won’t overwhelm or clash; if using a solid color paper or kraft paper, a decorative gift tag can add a lot! You can find great ones anywhere and they’re usually always affordable.
GSW Recommendations: Target, Paper Source, Home Goods
#6 Embellishments
This one is optional—it all depends on your style. If you like simple gifts, stick to a minimalist Scandinavian style and forego any extras. I usually find myself in the middle. I’ll try some bells, mini ornaments, or other little things I have lying about and usually it feels like it’s too much, unless it’s a solid colored or kraft package. But if your package needs a little pick-me-up, you probably have lots of little things in your craft stash. Look at your stash from a different perspective and see if there’s anything that stands out. Spray paint some plastic animals, use bits of ribbon, or go outside and find some pinecones, pine boughs, holly, anything pretty that grows outside in your region.
GSW Recommendations: Target, Home Goods, DIY! Look in your craft stash or use some mini ornaments from last year’s decorations.
You guys, I’m so excited to wrap my gifts this year! Well, I’m excited every year, soo……yay! I hope you found some good tips to help you with your holiday (and every day!) wrapping. Let me know if you have any questions, I’d love to help! For lots of fun, creative, and pretty packaging ideas, follow my Gift Wrap Pinterest board!
Next time, I’ll have a video for you (I hope, I’m still working on it and it’s my first one)!! I’ll give you a few hands on tips to wrap a beautiful gift. Thanks for reading! xo
Check out the entire It’s a Wrap, Yo! wrapping series here.
Linking up with Think & Make / The Pin Junkie / The Handmade Hangout / Creativity Unleashed / A Little Bird Told Me