Finding the perfect present is difficult enough, but what if you’re also supposed to find the right wrapping paper and bows? Gift wrapping seems like a minor detail, but it can have an outsized impact on the recipient’s enjoyment of your gift. Fortunately, there are ways to make sure that your gift looks exactly as good as you thought. Here are 10 gift wrapping tips for the finicky that will help ensure that your presents look as amazing as they did in your mind.
Write Down Material For Gift Wrapping
Make a list of your wrapping materials and purchases before you leave home. This will ensure that you don’t forget anything important. It also gives you something to refer back to while wrapping presents. If you know what colors are being used in gifts, be sure to pick up items that match accordingly. Having everything on hand will make gift wrapping go by much faster, so remember: don’t forget anything!
Buy Gift Bags
Be ready for that last-minute gift. It’s a good idea to have a few extra gift bags on hand, in case you receive an unexpected parcel or decide to give an additional present to a friend or family member. This way, you won’t be forced to buy packaging at your local store in a pinch. Also, if you need something smaller than the standard size, it never hurts to have more options available to you.
Double-check Your Measurements
Many of us, when wrapping a gift, overestimate our abilities. Double-check to make sure you aren’t using too much paper or tape. You want to use enough to make it look nice, but not so much that you can’t re-use whatever you have leftover later.
Decide How Many Presents Each Bag Will Hold
If you have five presents to wrap, you’ll need a bag that can fit at least two or three of them. You want to make sure they all stay upright and don’t shift or slide around as you carry them.
Be Mindful of Weight as Well as Size
While we all want to see our loved ones enjoy that new tie or scarf, it’s not a good idea to select bulky items for certain presents. If you’re struggling with getting your kids toys and books, get creative with their gifts—try shopping at local flea markets or rummage sales. You can also give gift cards from smaller, family-owned shops instead of blockbuster retailers. These options allow you to support small businesses while presenting thoughtful gifts that won’t take up too much space.
Wrap Gifts at Night Before Bed
Think about how you’d like to wrap a gift, grab a cup of coffee or glass of wine, and sit down with your gift to get started. Then wake up in the morning and finish up! If you have several gifts to wrap, though, I recommend going one at a time..
Treat Yourself to Accessories Like Bows, Boxes, Tags
Though it’s easy to grab one item, such as a ribbon or a bow, you’ll likely have an easier time wrapping your gift if you treat yourself to extras like tags, boxes, tissue paper, stickers, and more. These items can help you keep costs down while still giving your gift that extra-special touch. In addition to keeping costs down, they allow you to be creative when selecting a color or pattern of ribbon to compliment the colors in your recipient’s home or wardrobe.
Use a Ruler And Write With a Pen if Your Tape Measure Gives an Awkward Number.
If you’re wrapping a gift and have to use a tape measure to get a precise length, always use a ruler underneath. It’s easy to misread your measurements and will lead to messy gifts at best and sad recipients at worst. Measure twice, cut once. If you want to get tricky, match each edge up with a pencil as well—you can use both as your cutting guide.
Get Help From Someone Who Knows Where to Cut Paper Cleanly.
To save on wrapping paper, get help from someone who knows where to cut paper cleanly. Find a crafty friend or family member and have them help you with your future gifts. Set up a day where you can drop off packages of presents and pick up neatly wrapped ones in return.
Shop for Scotch Tape in Bulk Online
Scotch tape is often a go-to gift wrap accessory. However, when you buy it at a store, not only are you limited to standard widths and colors but you’re also given precious little tape per roll—typically just 1.5 inches wide and 70 feet long. When buying in bulk online, however, you can usually choose from multiple widths, including options of 2 inches or even 3 inches.