Gift wrap is an invitation. Almost a tease. It’s where you as the giver say…
“Can you guess what’s inside?”
“This is how much I adore you!”
“I want you to feel _____ (love, joy, appreciated, special, remembered)!”
Gifts are fun! Gift wrap is a great way to express creativity and connect to the recipient’s personality or to the things they love the most. Here I’ll share the three elements for perfect gift wrap: the outer wrap, ribbons & belly bands, and embellishments.
The Outer Wrap
First let me explain outer wrap. At John Osborn & Company we have two presentations with our gifts. The first is the outer wrap, and then when the box or container is opened there is the inner wrap. Inner wrap is where we take the contents of our gifts and wrap them in a high quality tissue paper and secure with a bow, band or rope. We use this method for a big reveal once the box is opened.
An example of inner wrap on a gift.
On to the outer wrap. Once you have your gift and container, you need to consider what medium you’ll use to wrap it. This is where you’re only limited by your imagination. Papers are fabulous they come in all textures. Some are thin and pliable. Others are thick and crisp. There are foiled papers, embossed papers, and even handmade papers with dried flowers and natural elements for a beautiful texture. If you want to see in person what’s available in the market, don’t be afraid to hop into The Container Store’s gift wrap aisle to look at a full variety.
Along with beautiful papers, there are also non-traditional outer wrap options. For a kitchen themed gift, don’t be afraid to use a beautiful dishtowel. There are some lovely ones on the market now and it’s a great way to tie back to the gift contents or the recipient’s favorite things. Think about pet lovers, wine lovers, or foodies. If you frequent fabric stores, or have a fabric stash, dive into that and come up with some fun and funky fabric to wrap your gift in. And don’t forget scarves and colored cello wrap, they are options as well.
Ribbons & Belly Bands
Now that we have the outer wrap taken care of, we get to move to the fun part, enhancing it. The 2nd element of ribbons and belly bands are strictly optional, especially if you’re going all out with embellishments.
Ribbons and belly bands are a great way to add contrast and texture to your gift. One of the simplest presentations is ribbon tied into a simple bow. There are so many great ribbons on the market. From burlap to natural elements and lace. To a variety of textured offerings that mimic natural elements like wood and bark.
If ribbon isn’t your thing and you want to flex your crafter’s muscles you may want to venture into belly bands. Historically belly bands are made with contrasting wrapping paper. However there are a ton of options to make your belly band stand out more. Examples of this would be scrap book papers, printed tissue papers and fabric. If you have a Cricut you can easily create a custom belly band with inspirational messaging or with the recipient’s name.
Embellishments
This is where you can let that creative freak flag fly! The most basic wrapping paper can be taken to the next level with embellishments. If you’re a minimalist, you can invest in a large roll of kraft paper, and embellish to match the season or the recipient. That single roll can be used year around and customized for the occasion. This is where you can opt to invest in stamps and high quality markers. Get the kids involved … their brains are limitless. Let them go to town on craft paper and markers to create your own haute couture wrapping paper.
Ribbon is a quick and easy way to embellish. Take the ribbon from your band to make a simple bow. We use this often in our gift wrap. It’s a classy way to finish off a gift, especially if the ribbon is jazzy. Depending on the weight and texture of the ribbon, you can also create a more elaborate bow, or multiple bows.
Bows can be embellished as well. Feel free to take a stroll down the floral & ribbon aisles at your hobby and craft store. That’s where I found the sparkles for the white embossed box in the photos. During the holiday time, you can also add ornaments or feathers. For a baby shower gift, add a rattle or tiny stuffed toy.
While you’re on the floral aisle, take a look at the flowers. Do any of them inspire you? Or maybe the recipient loves flowers and or succulents. Take a basic paper to the next level by adding a flower or two. If you’re using craft paper, don’t be afraid to use natural elements like rope, jute, or even natural greenery.
The most important rule with gift wrap is … There Are No Rules! Remember gift wrap is all about personal creativity. If you want to leave off an element, do it. If you want to go crazy with embellishments, do it. The beauty in creating is the only limits are the ones you yourself create! The most important factor to consider is how you want the recipient to feel when you present them with their gift. Make it an invitation they can’t wait to accept.