The end-of-year festivities are the perfect time to bring back gift wrapping paper, bows and ribbons. When you think of the holidays, you can see the Christmas tree with its many packages. Those packages obviously do not wrap themselves – although some would like to believe that Santa’s elves are involved. Some love to get all fancy with scissors, gift wrap and ribbons. For the other, the dilemma dawns: how to get started? We guide you through the packaging process and give tips for the perfect gift wrapping.
Tips for perfect gift wrapping
► 1. How do I choose the right gift packaging?
Everything starts with the shape of your product: rectangular or irregular? With a rectangular or regular shape (just think of a book), you can immediately bring out the wrapping paper. That’s simple. With an irregular shape, it can be a lot more difficult. A soft toy, a bottle of wine or a bottle of perfume are not easy to wrap in gift paper. Therefore, first try to choose a gift box that fits these products perfectly.
Products with irregular shapes are best wrapped in a gift box or – in the case of a bottle – in a bottle pack. For extra fragile products such as porcelain or glass, it is best to use padding material and silk or tissue paper. You can find these in a wide range of colours, either to match nicely with your presents or in a contrasting colour. Planning to give a gift voucher? Then consider wrapping it in a gift bag or box. Your gift wrapping will immediately look a lot more attractive and original.
► 2. How do I choose the right gift paper?
Gift paper exists in truly every possible colour. You can think of anything and you will come across it somewhere. Much of your choice depends on the pattern and quality of the paper. If you have a package or product with regular rectangular shapes, try gift paper with a tight stripe pattern.
However, the same striped paper is best avoided if your package has irregular shapes. Instead, opt for a design with dots or whimsical patterns, for example. This will make the crazy shapes of your present stand out much less. Want it to be a bit fancier? Then choose gift paper with holographic or metallised glitter. This will make your gift stand out immediately. Finally, you can also opt for plain kraft paper. This gift paper gives your gift wrapping a natural and timeless look. Always a good choice!
Gift wrapping paper | ► Suitable for… |
Pattern with stripes | ► packages with a regular shape such as boxes, books, etc. |
Pattern with whimsical motifs or dots | ► parcels with irregular shapes. |
Metallised glitter | ► a chic look for your gifts. ► decorating shop windows. |
Plain kraft paper | ► a natural and timeless look. ► match the colour of your house style. |
► 3. How do I choose the right gift ribbon?
Now that you have chosen the gift wrap, you are ready for the finishing touches. No gift is complete without a gift ribbon. As with the gift wrapping paper, you have a wide choice of colours. Feel free to play with colours and let your ribbon contrast with your wrapping paper. For a natural look, you can also opt for wickerwork made of raffia. Your parcel is ready! Or not yet? For the final touch, you still have a few accessories to choose from…
► 4. Finish with the right accessories
Now what accessories can you add to your gift? First and foremost, of course, we are already thinking of a bow tie! Choose an eye-catching bow with mirror effect or a more authentic bow with raffia effect. A mirror star can also be beautiful. Finally, provide your package with a personalised label so that your brand name stands out. Or choose a gift label with a specific message to capitalise on the holidays or a birthday.