20 Wrapping Paper Ideas & Gift Packaging Tips for True Givers
“Sorry, the wrapping’s not very good.” How many times have you heard that refrain? If I’m to guess, probably a lot. Going by my household at least, on special occasions, there’s always one person whose wrapping outshines the rest, that’s frustratingly more of an art form than practicality. This calls for only one thing: upping your game… which is exactly where this guide comes into play. In it, I'll share 20 creative yet simple wrapping paper ideas, plus some bonus gift packaging tips, to give your presents a real presence in the pile. (Pun intended).
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· Where Bespoke, Higher Effort Wrapping Shines
· 20 Wrapping Paper Ideas & Gift Packaging Tips
Where Bespoke, Higher Effort Wrapping Shines
It’s easy to brush off these wrapping paper ideas as a whole lot of effort for not much gain, but that’s not always the case. Sure, it’s just a commonplace necessity for many. It’s also an art in an industry worth billions.
Think about the last time you found yourself in a high-end gift shop, something like Betty’s or the Yorkshire Soap Company. These prestigious regional brands lure customers in with the packaging, unique printed paper bestowed with gleaming satin ribbons and neat gift tags.
But it’s not simply because it looks nice; studies have shown that the more pristinely wrapped a gift to an acquaintance or stranger is, the more value they derive from the item. So if it’s commercial gift wrap you’re elevating, it may well increase customer satisfaction.
That said, in your personal life, beautifully presented gifts can be just as impactful, demonstrating a deep level of care. I’m thinking weddings, anniversaries, baby showers, christenings, graduations, leaving gifts and thank yous. Not to mention, the big one, birthdays.
20 Wrapping Paper Ideas & Gift Packaging Tips
With that preamble done and dusted, let’s get into the ideas themselves.
Techniques: How to Wrap in Style
1. Keep it Seamless With Double-Sided Tape or Adhesive Dots
If you’re looking for a clean and professional look, ditch the ugly Sellotape. By hiding a few dots of adhesive or double-sided tape patches under the folds, you get a classy – dare I say – expensive look, minus the price tag of a professional wrapping service.
2. Package With a Pocket
Honestly, call me obsessed. But ever since I learnt about this origami-inspired Japanese wrapping method, it’s the only way I’ve wanted to do Christmas presents.
It’s efficient, looks positively sculptural, and the pocket is the perfect place to add an extra decorative touch, like some flowers or a bookmark if it’s a new beach read hidden inside.
3. Enjoy the Beautiful Convenience of a Gift Bag
Another clean, minimal look that cuts down the hassle is opting for a gift bag instead of traditional wrapping. I mean, if you can sidestep the trouble of wrapping a bottle of booze, that’s a job well done in my book.
But if you are up for a challenge and want to flaunt your DIY skills, there are some nifty tutorials out there that show you how to turn leftover wrapping into your own gift bags. Besides the paper, all you need is some ribbon for the ties.
4. Try the Asymmetrical Method
I love this wrapping paper idea. If my birthday presents came like this, I wouldn’t want to open them! Fairly simple once you get the knack for it, you’ll need a ruler to achieve nice, crisp folds; the rest is ensuring you position those folds in the correct place.
5. Go Tapeless
Here’s another origami-adjacent wrapping paper idea for you! Render your tape useless by folding diagonally into the middle of your gift and then tucking in the sides just so. Follow the tutorial above, and the paper will hold really well.
6. DIY Triangular Goodie Bags
Aren’t these cute? Even better, you can create your own in minutes. Simply crimp the edges with a pair of pinking shears once you’re finished folding, and they look like a little sweet package. The example from organisation queen Natasha Swingler is wedding favours, but switch up the paper, and they could be for any occasion: party bags, stocking fillers, you name it.
Materials: Picking Your Paper
7. Put Your Own Stamp On It
This doubles up as a lovely family activity with the kids or just a moment of mindfulness for solo crafters. You could do some old-school potato printing or order a specific stamp set matched to the recipient’s interests; either way, the personal, handmade aesthetic emanates so much love.
8. Print Personalised Paper
If you don’t have the time for printing, you can achieve the same thoughtful effect by ordering personalised wrapping paper, complete with a bespoke message, in-jokes, a collage of memories, or just their face!
Another main character energy option is to pick an interesting print, illustrated by a local artist they like, and create your own collage on top. I can’t get enough of the results/
9. Back-to-Basics Brown Paper
Brown doesn’t have to be boring. If anything, it has its own subtle beauty. Plus, it’s a winning choice if you’re looking to reduce your plastic waste – a double whammy of a gift.
The real bonus, though, is that it makes the perfect canvas for any message. I especially love the crossword design above.
10. Lean Into Luxury
Sometimes it’s best to let the wrapping paper speak for itself. And by that I mean selecting a print from a renowned artist to make the presentation as exciting as the gift itself. Something nature-inspired and timeless, like William Morris, is always a winner.
Sustainability: Low-Impact Packaging for Eco-Conscious Gifters
11. Try the Chic Furoshiki Method
Furoshiki is the art of fabric wrapping. It bypasses the usual wrapping paper waste that goes straight to landfill and gives your loved ones a sense of novelty. Whilst you can buy specific furoshiki fabric to make these bundles, charity shop scarves also do the trick. Pick something silky for a taste of luxury.
12. Reuse Old Newspaper…
Got an old newspaper lying around? It’s time to put it to good use. Paired with the right ribbons, bows or labels, it can look really professional, not to mention romantic.
Likewise, old OS maps and crusty encyclopaedias are gift wrapping just waiting to be transformed.
13. …Or Used Wrapping Paper
If you’re a real stickler for zero waste, why not save the gift wrap you received last year for upcycling? Provided you open your own gifts neatly, you can give the material a second life. Pair it with new accessories or fold it in an inventive way, and it can even adorn your gifts. Even small scraps are upcyclable – just look at those paper bows!
14. Ditch Sellotape for Washi
Unlike traditional Sellotape, washi tape will recycle effortlessly. The real selling point, though, is the gorgeous, varied prints you can find. Animals, plants, patterns, foods, stars, festive themes – the possibilities don’t run dry. Simply wrap them around your gift at an angle, crossing and overlapping them, to create a wonderfully layered look.
15. Wrap Diagonally to Save on Material
We all hate that moment you realise that there’s not quite enough paper to see you through the wrapping – before you crawl into a big black hole and let the darkness swallow you, check out this diagonal wrapping hack.
Incredibly simple, a lifesaver when you’re in a pinch, it’s also a clever way to reduce your wrapping paper consumption. Pair it with some sustainable jute ribbon or twine for a finished look.
Final Flourishes: Topping Your Gift Off With a Stunning Centrepiece
16. Put a Bow on It
What’s a Christmas present without a big bow as the centrepiece? Whether something subtle and sophisticated, like a touch of satin, a glitzy ream of lurex, or a printed ribbon, this is your shortcut to a gift your recipient will struggle to unwrap – it’s just that pretty.
If you’re feeling particularly lazy, there are also plenty of premade bows to explore, complete with ties or adhesive attachments to make applying them a breeze.
17. Swaddle It in Thick Ribbon
Nothing makes a gift look more indulgent than a thick ribbon. And because there are so many varieties, you can completely tailor the aesthetic to your liking. Velvet is an obvious choice if big and bold are calling your name, but a simple acetate ribbon with a wired edge can look just as smart, since it’s easy to sculpt into shape.
18. Cap it Off With a Handmade Rosette
Have buckets of time to spare? Yes. In that case, consider this: if you’re celebrating a graduation or birthday, you could plonk a handmade ribbon rosette on top. The gift gets a bedazzlement and so does the recipient when the present is opened and done with.
19. Turn Gifts Into Characters
Whether a pet, partner, or relative, turning your present into their likeness will make the occasion very difficult to forget. Who needs a label when the packaging is a portrait?
20. Add Mini Bouquets
Another wrapping paper idea I’ve lovingly pinched from Natasha Swingler. Aren’t these mini bouquets precious? Simply wrap a spring of flowers or some faux blooms in a touch of brown paper and strong, and you have a dynamic wedding gift for the happy couple. Talk about an experience!
Conclusion: Bring These Wrapping Paper Ideas to Life with the Right Materials
If your recipient's love language is receiving gifts, boy, are they in for a treat. These tips will set you on the road to becoming an artist with the paper.
Now, whether the Japanese wrapping technique has caught your fancy or you're eager to impress with low-impact packaging materials, don't forget to stock up on supplies. And, at Colour Ribbons, we sure do have a lot of them. From finishing flourishes – a spritz of ribbon here, a decorative bow there – to fabric and paper bags, we've everything you need to make a splash.