Brown paper packages tied up with string…
Gift wrapping is one of my favorite things. It’s a chance to share your creativity with someone special. Like most things in life, it’s all in the presentation so why not wow your recipient with a personally designed gift wrapped in a creative way?
In this two-part series, I’ll be sharing unique techniques for wrapping your gifts like a pro!
THE PROOF IS IN THE PAPER
Wrapping paper is an extension of your holiday decor. You can find wrapping paper in popular patterns, floral motifs, and trend-setting tones.
When choosing my wrapping paper for the season, I like to mix a large-scale pattern with a smaller-scale pattern in complimenting colors. An easy trick is to choose opposites. For example, if you have black wrapping paper with white pin dots pair it with a roll of white paper donning a black floral motif.
My Favorite Patterned Papers
MIX IN SOLIDS
Among the patterned paper rolls, mix in solids as well. Kraft paper comes in a variety of colors, but I prefer to stick to the neutrals, such as black, white, and brown. An added bonus is kraft paper can be used year-round for any holiday or celebration.
Not all kraft paper is of the same quality. Be sure that the brand you are choosing is opaque to hide the gift you are wrapping. I have found Ruspepa White Kraft Paper to be of good quality and thick enough to conceal what’s inside.
A cost-friendly option that is readily available is butcher paper that you can pick up at your local grocery store.
My Favorite Kraft Paper
THE DETAILS
Adding ribbons and bows isn’t the only way to embellish your gift wrapping. Folding techniques can upscale any wrapping paper, and stand out best with plain paper.
Creating texture with an overlapping technique or adding visual interest with an accordion-style fold is sure to impress any recipient.
These are some of my favorite ways to add textural design by creatively folding wrapping paper.
THE EXTRAS
Have you ever wrapped a gift and finished with leftover scraps that aren’t large enough for a small box, but are still a few inches wide? The scraps of paper are the perfect “extra” for your next wrapping job.
Think of your scraps as you would accessories, such as a necklace or fancy earrings. Pair the leftover with solid paper for a unique mix.
I love adding a stripe of patterned paper over plain brown kraft paper or folding it accordion style for a one-of-a-kind bow.
CONSIDER MAKING YOUR OWN
Not finding what you’re looking for our the store shelves? Consider DIYing your own wrapping paper.
Using kraft paper, you can add words, an all-over pattern, or a single scene to each wrapped gift.
- Create wrapping paper with a special saying. This gift was made using chalk paint markers in different colors. Measure your paper to fit your gift first. Then, before you wrap, addi your scripted or printed text.
- Draw a festive scene on your wrapped gift. This sleigh ride motif was created using a black sharpie once the gift was wrapped.
- Pattern your paper using stamps. With kraft paint you can add any color to your solid wrapping paper.
MAKE IT FUN
Paper can add an element of fun and surprise to your next holiday, too!
A fun tradition to start with paper is designating one roll for each family member. Instead of labeling your gift boxes with tags, assign one pattern to each member of your family.
This will keep your children guessing which gifts are theirs all month long!
Revealing which paper is theirs can be just as fun. If you have older children, consider adding a strip of their wrapping paper to the bottom of their stocking. You could also tape a small piece to the underside of their breakfast plate or give them their first gift on Christmas Eve wrapped in their special paper.
Choosing the right wrapping paper and adding a touch of creativity sets the scene for a beautifully wrapped gift. The use of small-scale and large-scale patterns mixed among solid-colored kraft paper extends your holiday decor and style.
Stayed tuned for Part Two of this gift wrapping series where I’m sharing my favorite tips for adding show-stopping details to a perfectly wrapped gift!
Until next time, you can follow along for daily inspiration on Instagram!
XO-K
