That's a Wrap! Smart and Stylish Ideas for Gift Wrapping

Stephanie Bishop, Contributor

Magic floats in the air. Twinkling lights shine everywhere. You’ve made your list, checked it twice and found the perfect gifts for the important people in your life. When the shopping is finished and you’re dead on feet, your holiday work is still not complete. The wrapping of packages is next on your list.  Thousands of creative options exist!

Wrapping gifts is a tradition as old as the ancients who first made paper. Young, old and pets alike marvel at bright colored wrappers, ribbons and festive bows. Everyone is tempted to shake the box, feel the weight, and try to guess what’s inside. The anticipation is delicious. Gift wrap adds suspense, intrigue, and fun to any present, whether during the holiday season, for a birthday, wedding, anniversary or any special occasion. The embellishment you choose for your gifts adds a memorable, little something extra to whatever is inside.

The possibilities are endless. Retailers offer aisles full of coordinated wraps, bows, and boxes to choose from. It doesn’t have to be elaborate or time-consuming to make a great impression. Mix and match colors, textures or choose a theme for a coordinated look. A personalized tag, ornament or holiday bauble or bell can make each package unique.

Look at how many square feet come on a roll or in each package. Make sure to purchase enough to cover large boxes. Matching seams and patterns while you wrap gives a professional polish to your gift.

Get crafty! Create your own wrap by repurposing, recycling, upcycling, stamping, crafting, gluing, painting and glittering. Whatever your creative medium, handmade articles become family heirlooms that are a reminder of the love and care put into each piece.

For those who don’t have time to fuss, a simple gift bag with coordinating tissue is a fast, economical solution for last-minute hostess gifts or odd shaped items. A shimmering box, keepsake tin or container with a ribbon and tag is a simple, elegant presentation that needs no embellishment.

Living gifts need special wrapping too. Zygocactus, Norfolk pine, poinsettias, and holiday arrangements all need to be well insulated before making their journey to their destination in cold climates. If you need a jacket outside, so does your purchase. Do have your plants and flowers properly wrapped and placed in a box so it does not spill, tip or freeze on the way home. These are tropical plants and they do not like cold.

If you’re still shopping and don’t have enough time to wrap gifts, leave the job to a professional. Many stores offer gift wrapping services with a purchase. It is well worth a few dollars to free up your schedule have beautifully dressed packages.

Food gifts of every kind, even perishables, can be professionally wrapped and delivered directly to everyone on your list. There is still time for online shopping with great deals on shipping.

If you’re shipping your own gifts, check the delivery schedules of the US Postal Service,

UPS, FedEx, and other delivery services. Most can supply wrapping supplies for every type of package. You can arrange for your packages to be picked up, pay online and have insurance and tracking. Follow the guidelines for wrapping before shipping so your package arrives perfectly and intact. Be aware of requirements, restrictions, and fees for international shipments, anything addressed to a PO Box, military base, and packages headed to Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico.

This time of year is busy and stressful for most. Gift wrapping can be simple, inexpensive and even an opportunity to socialize. Gift wrapping socials are popping up at libraries, churches, clubs and shopping malls. Bring your paper, tape, and bows. Relax. Enjoy some hot chocolate, cookies, and conversation while you wrap your packages.

Remember, in this season of giving, it is the thought that counts. The wrapper is not the point, it is the love in giving a gift. Relax. Enjoy time together with family and friends.

Wishing the warmth and love so prevalent during the holidays last throughout the year for you and your families!

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Sweet Sensation Tower from Maple Ridge Farms

Take the stress out of your business gift wrapping. Check out the beautifully presented and delicious business gifts at Maple Ridge Farms!

 

 

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