Have You Got Christmas Wrapped?

Santa Campagne

Once you've fought your way through hordes of Christmas shoppers, armed with limited funds, a lengthy list and waning enthusiasm, it's time to get all those carrier bags of festive generosity back home and under the tree.

Tired but satisfied with your foray into retailer land, you realise that the job is only half done. All those boxes, bags and containers need wrapping. Here's some helpful advice that may spare you some frustration and result in some great looking pressies!

First, like all things in life, you need a plan. You need the right tools and the right environment:

  1. Set the scene with some festive music to keep you in the mood
  2. Have a large flat surface such as a kitchen table but make sure that it is clear of anything not involved in present wrapping.
  3. Have plenty of good quality wrapping paper (the cheap stuff rips easily and is a false economy), coloured tissue paper, gift boxes and bags.
  4. Sharp scissors - kitchen scissors are usually a good size, don't resort to using scissors that are too blunt or too small for the job
  5. Sticky tape is essential but use a dispenser to avoid a tangled mess.
  6. Ribbons and bows - the finishing touches
  7. Don't forget the gift labels.
  8. A reward for a job well done.
A word of advice about wrapping paper: there are lots of things that you can use to wrap presents including tissue paper, decorative wallpaper or art and craft papers. You can also make your own wrapping paper by drawing, painting or stencilling on different coloured plain paper.

Never rush a job like wrapping presents. Take a look at the shape of your gift and choose paper that's at least double its size. If you feel unsure of your skills, practice on simple, symmetrical items such as books and medium sized boxes.

Some things are very difficult to wrap so make it easy on yourself and buy some presentation boxes where you can simple pop your gift inside with some scrunched up decorative tissue paper. Tie the box lid on with a nice big, shiny ribbon and secure a gift tag with some sticky tape.

Hint: it's easy to forget but always remember to write the recipients name on the gift tag before you secure it to the present...oh, and don't forget to write who it's from too!

Taking your time will pay dividends. Neat cutting will look much better than rushed jaggedy edges! If you have got a jagged edge to your paper, fold it over on itself to make a nice neat edge before securing with sticky tape.

Ribbons and bows aren't the only finishing touches you can use. Here are some other suggestions:

  • Fabric strips
  • Tinsel
  • Raffia
  • Coloured String
  • Florists ribbon
  • Wax seals
  • Stamps
  • Stencils
  • Feathers
  • Glitter
  • Sequins - haberdashery stores sell sequins in strips ideal for present wrapping
Old greeting cards can be cut up to make new gift tags. You could also try printing out favourite photos to use. Use sticky tape to fasten your gift tag to the present or use a hole punch to make a hole for a ribbon which can then be tied around the gift.

When you've finished wrapping all your presents, make sure that there's a reward for all your hard work: perhaps some chocolates and a favourite drink whilst you admire your beautifully wrapped gifts under the Christmas Tree.

Joanna Sayers is an experienced and published freelance writer specialising health, children, education, business, sales and IT topics. A selection of her press cuttings can be viewed at her website http://www.sayersmedia.co.uk