Gift Wrapping Ideas

Many people get to Christmas and birthdays and immediately loath what comes with it: gift wrapping. But, it can be fun. When you make something beautiful for someone, the first impression is important. And that first impression is how its wrapped. Here we will give some great ideas (and cheats too ;) for wrapping gifts the best way possible. All those aesthetic people out there, this for you.

1. Wrapping Paper

Although the little additions at the end make your gift look super cute, the paper you use can really make or break the final outcome. First, you need something that fits what you're wrapping for. Don't use Christmas wrapping paper for birthdays and don't use paper with firetrucks on it for a fully grown adult. Quality of paper doesn't matter as much as you may think it does. If you find 50p roll, but you love it, go for it! As long as the paper holds together, quality isn't your biggest worry. The more fun designs can often be found in cheaper like Primark and H&M. Also, always have a good range on hand. You won't always have time to go and buy some.

2. Washi Tape

Washi tape, or any other coloured/patterned tape, is a great way to give your gift that little edge that it needs. It draws a little more attention and makes it look like you've put a little more care and thought into to it. Plus, washi tape is just amazing! Pick one that matches your wrapping paper and decide whether you want it to pop out or be slightly subtle. For instance, you probably shouldn't use a patterned tape if the wrapping paper is covered in pattern already. But, if it contrasts nicely and you love that eclectic effect, it can look really good. If you're a little more elegant and plain, add some sparkly tape to give that sophisticated look.

Tip: Use a bit of clear tape first and then put the washi tape on as it often isn't actually very sticky.

3. Bows, Frills and Decoration

Sometimes, the perfect finish to your gift can be a perfectly placed hand-tied bow. Stuck on or wrapped around, it finished it off beautifully. Take a bit of raffia, string, cord or whatever floats your boat and tie a bow around the gift. Add decoration as well. Stick on some cute little gems or beads and embellish, embellish, embellish. You do have to be careful though, and try not to go over the top. This can make the wrapping look cluttered and a bit over done. Have fun. But restrain yourself when necessary!

Cheat: If you don't have enough string to go around the gift or don't how to tie it correctly, tie a bow and leave the strands. Then stick these around the gift and nobody will notice.

4. Be consistent

Even if you do everything in this list to perfection, it can be ruined if you're not consistent. By this I mean that you should keep the same colour pallet and using the same wrapping paper if you're wrapping more than one gift. Find paper, tape and decorations that all go to together and fit together. In different gifts you can still decorate them in different ways, but use the same paper and the similar colours for a nice coordinated look.

Please try some of these ideas and see what works for you. Plus, if you have any other ideas, we would love it if you could comment them down below. Maybe we'll include them in a future post.